ABOUT US

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing a wide range of exceptional programs and services that improve the mental, social and physical health of infants, children and youth from the pre-natal stage to age 29, and their families.  With a range of community, residential and treatment services, we build strength and resilience through equitable, accessible, client-driven services, system leadership and advocacy. 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. In its Lead Agency role, Strides Toronto collaborates with 23 publicly funded infant, child and youth mental health (ICYMH) core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that promote access, responsive service delivery and experience, and positive mental health outcomes for young people and families across Toronto's diverse communities. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to visit our website at www.stridestoronto.ca

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Individual and Family Therapist, Brief Services is a part-time contract (until November 2025) position that provides immediate counselling support to children, youth, and their families. The role consists of providing mental health supports and an entry point for mental health services. The role provides therapeutic support for resolving the presenting issue or referring clients to appropriate services. 

The position is scheduled based on the programming needs of evening and weekend service, up to 24 hours per week. 

Salary range:     $37.47/hr to $43.44/hr 

This position is represented by OPSEU local 567

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide evidence informed counselling to clients and their families who maybe experiencing distress or who require mental health support with the intention of resolving the presenting issues or referring them to appropriate mental health resources or services. 
• Providing clients with DBT skills to ensure that high needs clients can engage in obtaining skills and support to manage their mental wellbeing.
• Complete administrative tasks to ensure comprehensive client services. 
• Complete record keeping in accordance with accreditation and legislative requirements.
• Respond to crisis to address and reduce immediate risk to client, staff and/ or community where a client may be at risk of harm to self or others (i.e., abuse, neglect, suicidal ideation, homelessness, aggression, self-harm, etc.).

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role: 

• Master's Degree in Social Work, or related Master’s Degree. 
• Minimum of 2 years direct service experience, preferably within children/youth mental health and transitional-aged youth.
• Registration in a regulatory body in good standing, that is permitted to provide psychotherapy such as OCSSWSW and CRPO.
• Specialized in Solution Focused Brief Therapy approaches.
• Possess knowledge of child and adolescent development, family systems, mental health and addictions, trauma focused approach, harm reduction approach, and working with children, youth and families from diverse communities including the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
• Awareness of the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto.  The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.   

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is November 6 2024.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to   increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.  

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

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.