Community Outreach Worker - Gender Based Violence

About this position

As part of the Community Engagement and Development department, the Community Outreach Worker will provide informal counselling, harm reduction oriented education and workshop facilitation, case management and group facilitation, as part of an interdisciplinary team with therapists and peer navigators. This is a full-time contract role until March 31, 2021.

About Us 

Strides Toronto is a new multi-service agency providing services to young people from birth to age 29 and their families in East Toronto. Formed in January 2020 through the amalgamation of Aisling Discoveries and East Metro Youth Services, Strides Toronto provides a range of community, residential and treatment services to improve the mental, social, and physical health of infants, children, youth and their families. We provide individual, group and family interventions that include mental health counselling, autism services, education, outreach and referral, early intervention, day treatment and community support. 

As Lead Agency for infant, child and youth mental health in Toronto, Strides Toronto works with 31 core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that transform access to services, experience of services and the mental health outcomes for Toronto’s diverse communities.  

Strides Toronto has a budget of $30 million and more than 350 employees providing services out of 19 locations across East Toronto. The organization Is accredited by the Centre for Accreditation and the predecessor organizations have a long history of providing high-quality services in East Toronto. 

 Why work with us? 

• Be part of a long history of leadership and evidence informed practice in child, youth and family service. 
• Join a skilled and dedicated team who are passionate about achieving our vision of an inclusive and supportive community where children, youth and their families thrive. 
• Experience opportunities for growth and professional development.  
• Be committed to creating a positive and rewarding work environment. 
• Share an organizational culture of on-going learning and quality improvement. 
• Bring high standards for performance and implementation of best practices and demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation  
• Expect a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. 
• Join a diverse and inclusive work environment with staff who speak more than 50 languages. 

  What will you do? 

• Perform outreach within the community and provide support pertaining to life skills development and health management.
• Speak with youth on an individual basis or in a group setting about gender-based violence as it related to addiction, mental health, human trafficking, and sex work.
• Co-facilitate workshops on human trafficking and/or sex work across Ontario including overnight travel. 
• Work closely with racialized individuals and communities at higher risk of gender-based violence and sex trafficking.
• Provide immediate case management for youth, young adults and their families struggling with sexual exploitation, mental health and addiction.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide support.
• Meet with Supervisor for supervision and direction.
• Perform daily office tasks; maintain records, and other administrative duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Child and Youth Worker or related diploma/degree and with 2 years of experience working with youth.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of gender-based violence and human trafficking.
• Strong connections to at-risk communities, including indigenous youth, racialized communities, newcomers, and residents of priority neighbourhoods.
• Knowledge and/or lived experience of gender-based violence.
• Connections to and active leadership in racialized communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within an interdisciplinary team of service providers internally and externally.
• An awareness of how sexual exploitation, addiction and mental health impacts young people.
• Ability to interact positively with colleagues, partner agencies and the public.
• A strong comfort facilitating presentations and workshops on the topic.
• Have strong written, communication and organizational skills.
• A good knowledge of harm reduction and sexual health practices.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Willing to make a commitment for the full term of the contract.
• Computer skills including Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook.
• Preferred candidates will be bilingual in both official languages.

Salary range: $52,540 to $61,800 per annum

Hours of work: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible hours required (including evenings)

This position is part of the UFCW 175 bargaining unit

How to Apply 

Please quote job number 2019/2020-59 in the subject line of your cover letter and submit both cover letter and resume in a single document.

(Only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted, no phone calls please.) 

Qualified individuals are invited to submit their resume and cover letter by Friday, October 2nd, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.