Who we are:
Children are at the front and center of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.
Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centered, family-centered, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often-difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.
Who we need:
You would be a group facilitator for a group of children (age ranges 4-18 years old, depending on referrals). You will have an experienced co-facilitator and a manual from which to work, from, creating a supportive environment, and running groups alone is not expected.
Generally, arrive at 5pm for a briefing before group to discuss updates, to set up for the program, and connect with their co-facilitators. At 6pm the families arrive, and we all have dinner together. At 6:30pm there is an interactive activity for both mothers and children facilitated by all group facilitators. Then at 7pm, the mothers and children go off to their respective groups to do specific age-appropriate activities based on the weekly topics. At 8pm the families go home, facilitators clean up, have a small group discussion and then we meet as a larger group from 8:45pm - 9:45pm to debrief about clinically relevant parts of the group, and how we can support the unique needs of the participants. Lead facilitators then write their group notes on their own time, within the following 48 hours. An orientation and training materials are provided prior to group starting.
This position requires approximately 6 hours per week.
This is a non-bargaining, casual contract position running from September 2026 to June 2027.
What the role is all about...
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Participate in weekly program briefing sessions with facilitation team.
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Share meal with family promoting family connection and communication.
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Prepares weekly children’s group sessions focused on weekly themes.
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Works with co-facilitator in coordinating division of responsibilities each session.
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Perform weekly “task/duty” as assigned (family meet & greet, coat duty, food pick-up, food serving, food clean-up, end of night watch).
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Co-facilitate family interactive.
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Supporting mothers and children’s participation in family interactive.
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Co-facilitating weekly children’s group sessions.
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Write children’s case-notes after group session.
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Participate in debriefing sessions with facilitation team.
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Write discharge reports.
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Ensures internal policies and procedures are in adherence.
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Represents agency in a positive manner and adheres to a high level of professional conduct in all interactions.
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Other duties as required.
What will you bring?-
Minimum Child and Youth Worker diploma or equivalent, BSW preferred
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Minimum 1-year experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds who have experienced violence, trauma and transitioned from home to shelter
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Knowledge of family violence and the impact this has on child development, their caregivers and family dynamics
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Clear understanding and ability to work from a trauma-informed approach
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Strong ability to creatively support children in a group setting processing thoughts and feelings related to past experiences of abuse, practice emotion regulation, develop safety planning skills
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An understanding of trauma informed behavioural management to support children’s externalizing behavior
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An understanding of trauma informed and creative means of supporting children who internalize behaviour
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Demonstrated skills and experience in facilitating groups for children – including comfort working with the full range of developmental levels from school age to adolescents.
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Understand and maintain client confidentiality and the complexity of this in working with children.
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Understanding of child welfare legislation and duty to report protocols.
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An ability to work in a distractible, multi-tasking environment.
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An ability to work collaboratively with children, their families and program team.
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An ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team.
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Sound knowledge of anti-oppressive practices and ability to implement them in work with children, youth and families.
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Strong documentation skills.
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Reflective worker who is dedicated to a team briefing model.
Other Requirements-
All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
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Credential verifications & References required.
Mental Effort-
Mental effort required in multi-tasking and handling interruptions that require constant refocusing.
- Mental flexibility required to facilitate a group program with a number of components (briefing, meet & greet, dinner, interactive, group, goodnight, documentation, debriefing) requiring ability to support and adapt to client and team needs
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Manage crisis situations, as needed following agency policies, child welfare and health and safety standards.
Physical Effort-
Standing and moving throughout group night
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Transporting children to group room and to reception area via stairs/elevator
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Lifting or moving up to 20lbs may be required.
Working Conditions-
Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and frequent interruptions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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Fast-paced environment.
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This position requires attendance at a three-hour orientation week before group start
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This position requires working Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
Type Of Supervision Required
Reports to Manager, Family Violence Services, consults department heads and the immediate supervisor before making a major decision. Works under general instructions to prioritize and complete assigned tasks. The incumbent works as a part of a team.
Type of Supervision and/or Assistance Given
Weekly briefing and debriefing team sessions, manager provides support, guidance, informal training or instruction.
Compensation
$35.71 per hour.
Apply now
If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application. We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at
[email protected]
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