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 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 and Central Region.  Our services include advocacy and support during child abuse investigations, trauma counselling, court preparation and accompaniment services and prevention education and community training.

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

The Child Victim Witness (CVW) Advocate provides support to children, youth and their families required to testify in criminal court proceedings. Responsibilities include court preparation sessions, collaboration with justice system partners and court accompaniment and support.

This position is not a clinical or therapy-based role, but requires strong knowledge of trauma, crisis response, and case management.

Facility Dog – Secondary Handler Responsibilities

This position requires the successful candidate to become an approved Secondary Handler for a Boost CYAC Facility Accredited Dog through National Service Dogs (NSD). The successful candidate must complete handler training through NSD, successfully pass a Public Access Test (PAT) and maintain certification as required The Public Access Test ensures the service dog demonstrates stable behaviour, remains under handler control, and can safely operate in public environments. Although handlers provide day-to-day care, Boost CYAC and NSD retain final decision-making authority regarding the care, placement, and eventual retirement of the facility dog. Adoption of the dog at the end of its working career is determined jointly by Boost CYAC and NSD.

Additional Role Expectations

The CVW Advocate will also:

• Provide backup court support for the Peterborough Child Victim Witness Support Program, when required. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the organization.
• Receive training to provide onsite investigative support and backup advocacy support within the Toronto office as required.

Qualifications/Skills:

Boost CYAC values diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates may meet the qualifications through a combination of education, professional experience, and transferable skills. We encourage applicants to highlight relevant skills and commitment to learning.

Boost CYAC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen or evaluate candidates. All applications are reviewed by a hiring panel to ensure a fair and thoughtful evaluation process.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or equivalent education in social work, child & youth care, or a related field. 
• Minimum of three (3) years relevant experience, preferably supporting victims of violence, abuse and trauma.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to support a diverse client population using trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and culturally responsive practices.
• Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including legislation, criminal charges, court procedures, and victim/witness supports.
• Awareness of different forms of trauma including sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and race and gender-based trauma).
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicide risk and develop safety plans (ASIST training considered an asset). 
• Knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. 
• Ability to maintain personal wellness and self-care when working in potentially stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal, written and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems, databases and electronic records (EMHware experience considered an asset).
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgement, confidentiality and initiative.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening. 

Responsibilities:

Court Support Services (Toronto and Peterborough)

• Provide court preparation session(s) for children and youth including discussing fears, and concerns about testifying, explaining the court process and roles within the courtroom and identifying strategies to reduce anxiety. 
• Liaise with Crown Attorney’s, Victim Witness Assistance Program staff, police and child protection professionals to advocate for child witnesses.
• Assess children’s testimonial competency and the need for testimonial accommodation (e.g., closed-circuit television, remote testimony), when requested by the court.
• Accompany children and youth to court and serve as a Designated Support Person, as required.
• Support caregivers and provide guidance on helping children/youth navigate the court process.
• Provide post court support including debriefing with children and families, assistance with Victim Impact Statements and referrals for counselling and community services.
• Assist families with applications to the Victim Quick Response+ Program. 

Advocacy and Investigative Support

• Provide support and education to children, youth and families attending Boost CYAC for investigative interviews.  
• Deliver crisis intervention in consultation with the multidisciplinary team when significant safety and/or mental health concerns arise.
• Facilitate referrals to internal Boost CYAC services and community-based supports.

Secondary Handler Services

The Primary Handler will maintain primary responsibility for the facility dog. The Secondary Handler will provide backup support, including coverage during the Primary Handler’s scheduled and unscheduled absences and when additional client support is needed. The responsibilities outlined below apply when the facility dog is under the care and supervision of the Secondary Handler.

• Attend required handler training and certification with National Service Dogs.
• Maintain proper handling practices and professional standards during interactions with clients, staff and partners.
• Support the ongoing training and behavioral development of the facility dog.
• Transport the dog to and from the office and to court or community appointments.
• Provide safe housing and daily care outside working hours, including feeding, exercise, grooming/hygiene and veterinary care/
• Coordinate with Primary Handlers; BARK Program Lead and NSD to ensure the wellbeing and appropriate use of the facility dog. 

Additional Information

Work Locations

Primary Office 

245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 201,

Toronto ON M4P 3B7

Toronto Provincial Courthouse (regular court attendance required)
10 Armoury Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2J2

Occasional Work Location:

Peterborough Child Victim Witness Support Program  

140 King St. Suite 502,

Peterborough ON K9J 7Z8

Work Schedule

•       Monday to Friday,

•       35 hours per week

•      Typical hours 9am to 5pm

Schedules may vary depending on onsite or court requirements.

This position is primarily on site and community based. Flexible work arrangement may be considered after three (3) months of employment, subject to operational requirements.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for:

• Health and dental benefits after a 3-month waiting period.
• RRSP program, with guaranteed and matching contributions after two years of continuous service.
• $500 Health Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Internal and external professional development and training opportunities.
• Agency social events and engagement activities

Paid time off includes:

•       3 weeks vacation,

•       9 sick days,

•       6 personal obligation days,

•       3 religious/cultural days

•       Paid day off before long weekends between June and September.

•       Office closure during the December holiday break, with paid time off for employees.