Youth jobs in Canada

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities' most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

SNAP - Stop Now And Plan - is an evidence-based cognitive behavioural model with a primary goal of helping children and youth to stop and think before they act. The SNAP Youth Justice focuses on working with males between the ages of 12 and 19 who are involved in the youth justice system, either in custody, on probation, or in the community. The program aims to reduce the risk of further contact with the law or eliminate gang membership.

Reporting to the Manager, Program Implementation and Training, we are looking for a Trainer Consultant, SNAP Youth Justice Program to join our team in Toronto on a 20-month maternity leave contract. You will nurture relationships with our Affiliate partners to ensure the successful implementation and launch of the SNAP Youth Justice program. You will provide program guidance, technical setup and support, and clinical insights to facilitate their initial kickoff, ongoing delivery, and compliance with our program requirements.

Who you are

You may have a social services, clinical background, or program facilitator background. You have worked in the youth justice sector, delivering or supporting structured group programs. You are comfortable setting up and using technical devices such as synchronized tablets that connect to WiFI and screens. You are looking for an opportunity to join a well-respected leader in child and youth mental health and behavioural program delivery.

What's in it for you

Profound purpose. You want to leverage your clinical experience and knowledge of the youth justice system to enhance access to vital programs using an evidence-based, multidisciplinary framework. This is an opportunity to play a crucial role in an initiative expanding youth justice programming in Ontario, especially as facilities and services are being reduced.

Impact. You will have the chance to witness the significant impact CDI’s proven programming has on various communities, including rural, remote, Indigenous, and urban areas. You'll have the opportunity to travel to these sites, meet delivery teams, and see firsthand how our work transforms the lives of at-risk youth in Canada.

As our new Trainer Consultant, SNAP, you will:

• Deliver training. You will work with Affiliate sites to coordinate training logistics and conduct sessions independently or in collaboration with other Implementation team members. You will leverage our evidence-based, detailed manuals and presentations in PowerPoint and video and present information using various instructional techniques or formats, such as role-playing, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
• Nurture ongoing success. You will act as a consultant and advisor, setting boundaries and expectations to ensure alignment and effective implementation and execution of the SNAP or other programs. You will communicate with Affiliate sites, answer questions, provide guidance, and troubleshoot issues. You will maintain your knowledge and skills and provide continuous training (to include new and refreshed topics) in cooperation with Affiliate sites.
• Maintain documentation. You will support the editing and development of new training and resource materials. Using the SNAP Implementation Tool, you will track all consultation, training, and community-related activities and communications.
• Measure. You will support Affiliate Sites' quality assurance activities, including monitoring program integrity and accreditation activities in consultation with the manager, research, and evaluation. You will also facilitate one-on-one meetings with the Affiliate site manager to discuss topics relevant to their group's performance and provide tools to promote improvement. You will work with the research team to create evaluations that track the effectiveness of training sessions, including telephone surveys and Affiliate site reviews.

You have:

• The experience. You have clinical experience in delivering individual and group evidence-based cognitive-behavioural multi-modal programming, working with high-risk children and youth, and applying gender-sensitive approaches. You have an in-depth understanding of the youth justice system, facilities, services, and governing compliance requirements. You can work in a highly distractible environment with sensitivity to the uniqueness and demands of a public service agency, handling interruptions that require constant refocusing.
• The consulting approach. You can develop and nurture trusting and collaborative relationships with program sponsors, providers, and participants. You can relay and gain agreement on the importance of adhering to the manual and evidence-based standards and prioritize frequent and clear communication. You can effectively prioritize work in an environment of competing demands while achieving established benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• The training skills. You have experience delivering and supporting multi-modal training that leverages hand-held technology. You have practical knowledge of training documentation and delivery processes and methodologies. You have exceptional communication skills and can adapt your presentation style to relay authenticity and ensure understanding. You value and embrace a scientist-practitioner model with the ability to engage Affiliates in similar practice. Your listening skills and mental attentiveness allow you to focus on the needs of individuals or groups to probe, analyze, synthesize, and create authentic connections and engagement. You embrace the opportunity to work with groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• The integrity. You are a dedicated and supportive team player. You have high standards of accountability and prioritize professionalism and respect. You are open to feedback and coaching and committed to providing the same while setting and maintaining boundaries. You are calm in the face of conflict and can manage complex issues related to programs and relationships, both in the moment and by weighing all options for the best outcome.
• The flexibility. You have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. You can work on-site, driving to different locations once a month.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Compensation: $62,382 per annum pro-rated based on the length of the contract. This is a unionized position under OPSEU.

Join us.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourishes by offering:

• Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
• A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications.

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor who will discuss your interest in CDI and how your background aligns with this role. You will be asked to share a writing sample.
• An in-person interview with the Manager, Program Implementation and Training and the Senior Manager, Implementation & Affiliate Relations, and a member of the HR team. You will have the chance to expand on your clinical and training experience, share your interest in our work, and provide insights into your relationship-building approach. This is also an opportunity to ask further questions about the role, the team, and the organization.
• A virtual presentation to the Manager and a member of the team. You will be given a slide deck about the SNAP program beforehand, which you will then be asked to present.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at careers@childdevelop.ca