Child & Youth Worker (Bilingual)

The Pod Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community organization is seeking a compassionate Child & Youth Worker to deliver trauma-informed mental health support to children under 12 and their families. This role emphasizes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, advocacy for client well-being, and the provision of culturally responsive care. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and experience in social work, particularly with trauma-informed approaches and behavioral management strategies. Join a dedicated team committed to positive outcomes and the empowerment of families through inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in social work.
• Knowledge of developmental and care needs of children.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed mental health support to children and families.
• Coordinate care with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

Skills

Bilingual in English and French

Trauma-informed approaches

Crisis planning and response

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Child and Youth Worker Diploma

Bachelor of Social Work

Degree in Counselling or Psychology

Job description

ADAPTABLE ● EMPATHETIC ● ENTHUSIASTIC ● HANDS-ON ● COLLABORATIVE

OVERVIEW

A compassionate community organization that offers a comprehensive range of mental health services for children under the age of 12 and their families. The organization is dedicated to achieving positive, measurable outcomes for clients through ongoing evaluation, research, and the use of evidence-based practices. It is also committed to providing inclusive and equitable services, delivering culturally responsive care that supports positive mental health and wellbeing, either directly or through referrals to community partners.

MISSION

The Child & Youth Worker provides trauma-informed mental health support to children and families, coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams and community partners, and advocating for client well-being in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.

The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a strong, adaptable, and collaborative Child & Youth Worker.

PRIORITIES:

Treatment & Service Delivery

• Orientate children and families to the organization's programs, including all of the information outlined in the Centre and accreditation (Canadian Centre for Accreditation) standards.
• Provide treatment and support to children with major behavioural and emotional difficulties and their families as indicated by the individual treatment plan.
• Provide psychoeducation for both children and their caregivers about the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma.
• Facilitate individual and group-based programming focused on emotional regulation, safety planning, self-esteem, and life skills.
• Support children and youth in developing healthy coping strategies, boundaries, and relationships.
• When applicable, ensure designated children have full knowledge of any prescribed medication, are carefully monitored for accidental overdose or missed dose, and any possible side effects, and that medication changes are recorded and communicated to staff.

Collaborative Care & Case Management

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers, schools, and community partners such as GBV shelters to coordinate care and support.
• Participate in treatment planning, case conferences, and safety planning for clients at risk.
• Facilitate referrals and service navigation to ensure seamless access to supports. This includes ensuring information regarding planned admission or discharges or important treatment or other event in client’s life is communicated to other agency programs if applicable.

Family Engagement & Advocacy

• Provide parent/caregiver coaching and treatment to referrals, focused on parent child attachment using Circle of Security (COS) and Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS).
• Act as a consistent, supportive presence for children and youth while advocating for their safety and well-being.
• Engage parents/caregivers in programming where appropriate, promoting open communication and family healing.
• Assist youth and families in navigating systems such as education, health, child welfare, and justice.
• Promote inclusion and empower families through culturally responsive, anti-oppressive practices.

Documentation & Confidentiality

• Maintain accurate records of contact, interventions, incidents, and progress according to agency standards.
• Ensure informed consent is obtained and uphold confidentiality in all interactions.
• Participate in regular reviews of service goals and outcomes, adapting support plans as needed.

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Build strong, respectful relationships with team members, clients, and community partners.
• Represent the program and organization in a positive, ethical, and professional manner at all times.
• Perform any other duties as required.

TALENTS & EXPERTISE

• Bilingual in English and French
• A Child and Youth Worker Diploma or Bachelor of Social Work or Counselling, Psychology or equivalent degree is required and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience is preferred.
• Experience in social work, especially in GBV (gender-based violence), trauma-informed approaches and/or behavioral sciences, treatment and management strategies of challenging children, youth, and families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of treatment, the developmental and care needs of children, and family dynamics.
• A broad knowledge of management strategies to support children with social, emotional and behavioural issues.
• Training in the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Approach is considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills. A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Awareness, knowledge, and ability to deliver culturally safe services.
• Ability to provide crisis planning and response, as well as demonstrated ability for positive proactive problem-solving.
• A demonstrated ability to maintain successful partnerships with other service providers.
• A demonstrated ability to meet all Quality Assurance metrics.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence, adequate insurance, and access to a vehicle.

EDI-B VALUES

The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities. Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders. Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity,diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.

THE POD GROUP

The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client’s growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement.

We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations.

The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care.

We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision. This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.