Full Time 12 Month Contract Position

Toronto (Internal & External Posting)

Type: Replacement; this is an anticipated vacancy, effective January 2, 2026

Salary Range: $58,000 to $60,000

Reports To: Manager of the Child & Youth Advocacy and Child Victim Witness Support Program

Land Acknowledgement

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is situated on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, who have been the traditional caretakers of this land for thousands of years. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and Peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Organizational Overview

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is a registered charity that provides a range of services to children, youth and families, who have experienced abuse or violence, within the City of Toronto. We provide individual, group, family and community services that include trauma counselling, advocacy and support services during child abuse investigations, court support and accompaniment services and abuse and violence prevention materials and trainings.  Boost CYAC is accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, an independent non-profit organization that offers accreditation specifically tailored to community-based health and social services across Canada.

Position Description

We are looking for a Child & Youth Advocate to provide support and advocacy to clients when they attend Boost CYAC for a child abuse investigation. Staff will be expected to work a combination of day (9am - 5pm) and evening (12pm - 8pm) shifts on a weekly rotating schedule. 

As part of the CYAP Team, the Advocate will be provided training on court preparation and court accompaniment services and may be asked to provide back up court support for the Toronto and Peterborough Child Victim Witness Support Programs.

This is not a clinical or therapy based role; however, staff will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management.  Staff will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, court support services and medical professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the CYAC.

Child & Youth Advocates must be comfortable working closely with onsite facility dogs.

Qualifications/Skills:

At Boost CYAC, we are interested in finding the best candidate(s) for the job and those candidate(s) may come from various backgrounds, fields and disciplines. Boost CYAC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role and highlight transferrable skills and your commitment to learning as part of your application. We welcome applicants regardless of their prior Canadian work experience.

Boost CYAC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen or evaluate candidates. All applications are carefully reviewed by our hiring panels, ensuring that decisions consider each applicant’s unique experiences, skills, and alignment with Boost CYAC’s mission.

• A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc. 
• A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
• Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices.
• Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners. 
• Awareness of the variety of different types of trauma (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma)  that may be experienced by children, youth and families. 
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset. 
• Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. Some knowledge of the judicial system and services available to victim/witnesses and their families. 
• The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases and electronic health record.
• Demonstrated flexibility, judgement, initiative, confidentiality and a strong work ethic.
• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Screening process.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support and education to children, youth and their families who attend Boost CYAC for an investigative interview.  
• Greet families upon arrival at the centre, provide tour of the facilities and share information on processes and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members’ roles.
• Be available to families for on-site and virtual check-in’s to answer questions about the process as they interact with various systems (e.g., police, child welfare, Criminal Justice, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), mental health services, school, housing).
• Provide crisis intervention, in collaboration and consultation with the MDT, when significant safety concerns and/or mental health risks are identified.
• Provide individual court preparation sessions and accompaniment support to children and youth within the criminal justice system. 
• Assist families in developing a system of support with extended family, friends, and community services/organization.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services within Boost CYAC and/or social service organizations in the community, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with various members of the MDT and justice partners regularly to plan, consult and advocate for clients.
• Assist with intake referrals to the CYAP and Child Victim Witness Support Program as required. 

Additional Information

Work Address       

• 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 201, Toronto ON M4P 3B7

Work Schedule

• Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Rotating Shifts: 9am – 5pm and 12pm – 8pm
• This is not a fully remote role; flexible work arrangement options may be available, considering service standards and operational requirements after 3 months of employment. 

Benefits

• Eligibility to enroll in the Health Spending Account which offers $500 towards health and wellness related expenses.
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, including counselling and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
• Professional development funds to support continuing education and career growth.
• Agency-sponsored social engagement events
• In-house and external training opportunities related to current roles or future advancement.
• Time off allotments: 3 weeks vacation, 9 sick days, 6 personal obligation days, 3 religious/cultural days

Boost CYAC is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from individuals from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Boost CYAC is committed to providing accommodation in all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  The Manager of Human Resources will work with applicants to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected