Infant and Young Parent Support Coordinator

Abiona Centre For Infant & Early Mental Health; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Infant and Young Parent Support Coordinator to lead culturally attuned programs focused on infant and early mental health. This role is pivotal in enhancing the well-being of adolescent mothers and their children in the community. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, providing essential support and services to marginalized families. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young parents, fostering healthier families and stronger community bonds. Join a dynamic environment dedicated to empowerment and growth, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in child development or infant mental health.
• Strong understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead culturally attuned programs for infant and early mental health.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with young children and caregivers.

Skills

Child Development

Early Childhood Education

Infant Mental Health

Anti-racism Practices

Therapeutic Relationship Building

Group Facilitation

Evidence-based Parenting Interventions

Organizational Skills

Critical Thinking

Fluency in French

Education

Post-Secondary Degree in Child Development

Qualifications in Infant Mental Health

Tools

Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)

Developmental Support Plans (DSPs)

Standard First Aid

CPR-C

Job description

Abiona Centre (“the Centre”) is an award-winning, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre that is a multi-service, non-profit, unionized, community agency located in the east end of Toronto. The Centre is committed to nurturing empowerment, independence and growth for young pregnant and parenting women, children and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing a residential care and treatment program; supportive transitional housing; on-site high school program, community housing support and referral services; and maternal infant mental health programs and services. We do this by working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and support that respond to mental health, education and transitional needs. The Centre also operates an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and an Early Learning Centre. All the programs and services are open to families, young women and their children living in the broader community.

Reporting to the Supervisor, MIMH, the Infant and Young Parent Support Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) will play a key role in the growth and improvement of services of Abiona Centre’s (the “Centre”) Sheppard Campus, dedicated to the well-being of Black and African Canadian young parents and their families in Northwest Toronto.

The primary focus of this role is to adeptly lead culturally attuned programs focused on infant and early mental health, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of adolescent mothers and their children, which are designed to enhance both infant and adult mental health and overall well-being. This role provides the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact in the community, forging a path towards healthier families and stronger societal bonds.

Position: Infant and Young Parent Support Coordinator

Term: Temporary Full-time until October 2026

Program: Maternal Infant Mental Health Program (MIMH)

Reports to: Supervisor, Maternal Infant Mental Health Program (MIMH)

Qualification:

• Post-Secondary Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field; additional qualifications in Infant Mental Health and attachment-based interventions preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in child development or infant mental health within a structured setting.
• Thorough understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices affecting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
• Lived experience as a Black or African Canadian individual is highly valued.
• Extensive knowledge of the challenges and strengths of marginalized Black and African Canadian families, as well as other racialized families with young children.
• Familiarity with the needs of pregnant, parenting young parents and their children.
• Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic, trusting relationships with young children and their caregivers.
• Experience in facilitating group and community forums with a focus on parenting and parent-child relationships.
• Knowledge of maternal and parent-child relationship impacts on infant development.
• Proficiency in implementing evidence-based parenting and attachment theory informed interventions.
• Excellent organizational skills and effective time management.
• Strong critical thinking abilities, empathy, and compassion.
• Familiarity with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Developmental Support Plans (DSPs).
• Knowledge of harm reduction and client-centered approaches.
• Standard First Aid, CPR-C required.
• Fluency in a second language, such as French, is an asset.

Working Condition:

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekend work.
• Some travel between Abiona Centre locations.

Closing Date: May 01, 2025; 5:00 p.m.

The Centre offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement opportunities. The successful candidate must have a negative criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Centre’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please make your needs known in advance.

The Centre encourages applications from persons who represent the diverse populations we serve.

Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume by the closing date to:

Human Resources

Abiona Centre

1102 Broadview Avenue

Toronto, ON M4K 2S5

Fax: [phone]

OR

Email: [e-mail]

(Please quote "IYPS Coordinator" in the subject line)

We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.