Child & Youth Care Practitioner

Job title: Child & Youth Care Practitioner

Employment Status: Part-time, unionized

Compensation & Benefits: The annual salary range is $29,583 to $30,183, prorated based on the scheduled weekly hours.

Schedule & Hours of Work: This is a permanent part-time position of 21 hours per week.

Who we are

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, safety, and inclusion across far west Ottawa. Since 1986, WOCRC has supported individuals and families through a wide range of community, social, and health services designed to strengthen and empower the communities we serve.

Our programs support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and individuals experiencing crisis or social isolation through counselling, housing and violence against women services, community development initiatives, health promotion, and family support programming.

At WOCRC, we are committed to fostering healthy, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

About the Role

The Child and Youth Care Practitioner is part of a multi-disciplinary team that addresses and supports issues related to youth ages 12 -26; their family and community. Through facilitation and coordination, this position is responsible for empowering youth and for encouraging and supporting Community Members to identify needs develop strategies as well implement programs and services that respond to the issues. In addition, this position is responsible for providing opportunities for increased community capacity as well as supporting public education and community engagement. This position supports the communities of Kanata, Goulburn and West Carleton.

How you’ll make an impact

• Outreach activities to at-risk youth (ages 12-26) and their families including identification of needs and interests through the planning and facilitation
• Develops and implements/facilitates community-based leadership and mentoring programs and workshops that develop the self-confidence, social and life skills of participants;
• Develops/implements special projects and workshops that meet the identified needs of the community;
• Facilitates project activities and community forums related to youth needs;
• Promotes community volunteerism and recognizes volunteers, supervision of the volunteers and ensures proper orientation, evaluation, and feedback;
• Supports advocacy and increases awareness around youth issues;
• Liaises with program staff and ensures the program needs are being met.
• Creates a supportive environment for youth to address barriers they may be experiencing;
• Provides information about access to community resources for participants;
• Assists with keeping records for petty cash, program participation forms, maintains the client database, crisis interventions/referrals and program evaluation;
• Provides coordination of homework club program, including assisting in interviews for tutors and providing coordination and support.
• Participates as an active team member in staff meetings and partner agency meetings as appropriate;
• Assists with writing interim and final reports.

Your skills & experience

• Diploma in the Child and Youth Care Practitioner program, or degree in Social Work, or equivalent combination of education and training;
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with youth, their family and community in a community-based model of practice, including: community capacity building and mobilization;
• Training and experience with group facilitation and leadership development;
• Knowledge of risk, risk assessment and protective factors faced by LGBTQ+ youth;
• Knowledge of building resilience and community belonging through youth drop-in model;
• Lived experience of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia is an asset;
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional standards and ethical guidelines for child and youth workers, counsellors and social service workers, including knowledge of ethical challenges and guidelines for providing service to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation that may have dual roles within the LGBTQ+ communities.
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act;
• General knowledge of the Education Act;
• General knowledge of Youth Criminal Justice Act;
• Knowledge of social services delivered in Ottawa;
• Excellent communication skills;

Language Competencies

• Fluent in English, spoken and written, is essential;
• Fluent in other language(s) considered an asset.

Computer Competencies

• Intermediate Office Suite of Products

Other

• Ability to work flexible hours is mandatory; position involves evenings and occasional weekend work;
• Valid First Aid and CPR considered an asset;
• Valid Ontario Class G driver's license in good standing;
• Reliable access to a vehicle and proof of valid automobile insurance;
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly within the assigned service area as an essential requirement of the role.

How to apply?

Please apply directly to our careers page or email us at ***email_hidden***. Please state the job posting title in the subject of your email.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

WOCRC welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources via email at ***email_hidden***

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for interview will be contacted.