Victim Services Lanark County

Child and Youth Worker – Job Description

 

Job Title: Victim Support Worker – Child and Youth Worker
Location: Lanark County
Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Shift and Schedule: This position will typically be Monday to Friday, but may require evenings and weekends as needed.
Salary: $47,840 – $52,000 a year
Benefits: EAP and Benefits package after 3 months.
Anticipated Start Date: February 3^rd, 2025

About Us

Victim Services Lanark County is a non-profit, community-based agency working in partnership with police, emergency services, and local agencies. We are a 24 / 7 agency that provides immediate, confidential, crisis intervention services, practical assistance, information, referrals and emotional support to persons affected by crime, tragedy and / or disaster.
We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Victim Support Worker – Child and Youth Worker to join our team. This full-time role will focus on working with children, youth, and their families who are experiencing trauma or crisis, providing them with the resources and emotional support necessary to navigate these difficult times.

Job Description

As a Victim Support Worker – Child and Youth Worker, you will offer community-based assistance to children and youth who have experienced a crime. Your role will include crisis intervention, case management, emotional and practical support, as well as coordinating access to relevant community resources. You will work closely with young victims, providing them with the necessary support through the process, including preparing them for court, assisting in safety planning, and advocating on their behalf. You will also provide crucial support to families, ensuring they have the resources needed.

This position requires someone with excellent crisis management skills and a deep understanding of trauma. The day-to-day workload may be crisis-oriented and unpredictable at times.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Crisis Support: Provide on-scene and remote crisis support to children, youth, and families affected by crime, tragedy, and disaster.
• Needs Assessment and Service Planning: Conduct assessments to understand the needs of clients and develop tailored service plans.
• Safety Planning and Risk Assessment: Conduct safety planning and offer resources to individuals, conducting risk assessments to ensure client well-being.
• Victim Quick Response+: Assist victims and families in completing applications for the Victim Quick Response+ program (VQRP+), or Internet Child Exploitation Program (ICE) as needed.
• Liaison and Advocacy: Act as a liaison between victims, emergency services, community partners, and community resources, ensuring coordination of care.
• Provide Accompaniment: Provide accompaniment to meetings and appointments as required as well as accompaniment pre and post interviews as required.
• Trauma-Informed Support: Provide emotional and practical support to victims.
• Court Preparation and Support: Provide court preparation for children and youth, including explaining the court process, addressing fears and concerns, and supporting youth as they testify.
• Court Accompaniment: Accompany children and youth to court, serving as a designated support person when required, and provide emotional support to both the child and their caregivers throughout the process.
• Public Education and Outreach: Participate in public education initiatives and workshops focused on victim issues, including awareness of child and youth rights within the justice system.
• Post-Court Support: Provide debriefing and post-court support to children, youth, and families, including assistance with Victim Impact Statements and referrals for ongoing counselling and support.
• Collaboration: Liaise with key stakeholders, such as Crown Attorneys, Victim Witness Assistance Program, police, child protection staff, and other community partners.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate client records, compile statistical data, and complete reports as needed.

 

 

Education and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Educational Requirements: A Diploma, Degree, or Certification in Social Work or a related field.
• Relevant Experience: Experience working in social services, the justice system, or a non-profit organization is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Trauma: Strong knowledge or experience in the areas of trauma, victimization, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
• Crisis Intervention Skills: Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with clients, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and client management software.
• Valid Driver’s License: Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Vulnerable Sector Check: A clean vulnerable sector check is required.
• Court Process Knowledge: Familiarity with the legal justice system, court processes, and the Victims Bill of Rights.
• Public Speaking: Experience in planning and executing public education or awareness events is an asset.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience by Friday, January 17^th, 2025 by email to Amber MacDonald, Executive Director at: amber@victimserviceslanark.ca and include “Child and Youth Worker” in the subject line of your email.
No phone calls please.

Victim Services Lanark County is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.