Child and Youth Worker

Kinark Child & Family Services; Newmarket; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinark Child & Family Services is seeking a passionate Child and Youth Worker to join their York Program in Newmarket. This full-time role involves delivering direct mental health services within a supportive interdisciplinary team. Applicants should have a Child and Youth Worker diploma, relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from various backgrounds.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Employer Matching Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Employee Wellness Program

Extensive educational and training opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• At least one year of related experience in mental health.
• Current valid Standard First Aid/CPR Level C certificate.
• Understanding of DBT and skills in group and individual counselling.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct services to clients with mental health needs.
• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and families.
• Implement DBT treatment effectively.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Administrative skills

Education

Child and Youth Worker diploma or equivalent

Job description

Kinark Child and Family Services has a rich 50-year history serving children and youth through a wide range of evidence-based mental health services, including individual, family, and group counselling. Our mission is to help children and youth with complex needs achieve better life outcomes, aiming for a healthy future for Ontario’s children and youth. We have a passionate team of over 700 staff serving nearly 9,000 children and youth annually across three program streams: Community-based Child and Youth Mental Health, Autism, and Forensic Mental Health.

Our people are the heartbeat of our organization, guided by values such as ‘Holding children, youth, and families at the centre of all that we do’.

As we strive to be an employer of choice, we actively seek staff feedback to improve the employee experience.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth with complex needs and want to join our mission, we invite you to apply!

For more information about Kinark, our values, strategic priorities, and service programs, please visit our website at www.kinark.on.ca.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and other employment perks
• Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance
• Employer Matching Defined Contribution Pension Plan up to 6%
• Employee Wellness Program
• Extensive educational and training opportunities
• A supportive work environment with regular supervision and feedback
• Renowned accredited clinical programs

*Dependent on hours worked, length of service, and/or collective agreement (where relevant)

Current Opportunity:

Position Title: Child and Youth Worker

Program: Kinark Child & Family Services - York Program

Location: Newmarket, ON L3Y 1L7 (Primary)

Type: Full-Time, Regular

Hours: 40 hours/week

Number of Positions: 1

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

Job Description:

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Supervisor, Live-in Treatment, the Child and Youth Worker (CYW) works as part of an interdisciplinary team delivering direct services to clients with mental health needs. The CYW operates within a Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) treatment modality, ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment where individual client goals are achieved. All employees share responsibility for workplace health and safety, adhering to laws and safe work practices.

It is essential that the CYW develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with clients, families, and guardians, implements DBT treatment effectively, models positive social and problem-solving skills, and manages behaviour appropriately.

Qualifications:

• Child and Youth Worker diploma or equivalent, with at least one year of related experience
• Experience in mental health
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills
• Current valid Standard First Aid/CPR Level C certificate
• Understanding of DBT, group dynamics, and skills in group and individual counselling
• Valid Ontario driver’s license

Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Kinark requires successful Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening or Criminal Background Check, and a completed Pre-Employment Medical Certificate.

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from various backgrounds and providing accessible employment practices in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If accommodations are needed during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or call [phone].

We thank all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All information collected will be used solely for employment purposes.