CharityVillage

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing a wide range of exceptional programs and services that improve the mental, social and physical health of infants, children and youth from the pre-natal stage to age 29, and their families.  With a range of community, residential and treatment services, we build strength and resilience through equitable, accessible, client-driven services, system leadership and advocacy. We provide individual, group and family interventions that include mental health counselling, autism services, education, outreach and referral, early intervention, day treatment and community support. In its Lead Agency role, Strides Toronto collaborates with 24 publicly funded infant, child and youth mental health (ICYMH) core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that promote access, responsive service delivery and experience, and positive mental health outcomes for young people and families across Toronto's diverse communities. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to visit our website at www.stridestoronto.ca

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Individual and Family Therapist (IFT) will complete screenings and/or intake assessments with new clients referred to the Gender Based Violence program. The IFT will provide psychoeducation and therapeutic support to survivors of trauma, using trauma-informed care and harm reduction modalities. 

The IFT will work individually with clients to meet their counselling goals and provide referrals for appropriate supportive services, as required. The IFT provides both brief and longer-term therapeutic support to survivors of domestic sex trafficking, those who may be at risk for sex trafficking, as well as clients who self-identify as working in the sex trade by choice, circumstance, or coercion.

Salary range: $68,188 to $79,066 per annum

Benefits:        Competitive Group Health Benefits, Defined Contribution Pension plan  

                       This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.
                       
WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide a hybrid work model and competitive Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan.
• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support survivors of sex trafficking and their families and/or adult allies and/or caregivers by providing a range of therapeutic services that are Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive (ARAOP) trauma-informed and use a harm reduction and a sex-positive lens. 
• Assess client needs and identify goals collaboratively.
• Utilize therapeutic modalities, such as Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy with clients to address sense of self, feelings of shame and blame, interpersonal boundaries, relationships, and past/ongoing trauma.
• Comply with documentation standards as required by the program, the organization, and regulatory standards (OCSWSSW, CRPO, etc.).
• Participate in organizational wide initiatives.
• Develop, plan, and implement workshops, programs, and skill development groups internally and within the community pertaining to Anti-Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking and trauma-informed care.

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following knowledge, education, professional memberships are required for this role:

• MSW or MA Counselling, MEd Counselling, or equivalent. 
• Registered in an accepted regulatory body such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
• Knowledge of the domestic human trafficking, sex trafficking, and sex work sectors – current trends, issues, relevant policies, service agencies, resources, etc.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care practices and principles, harm reduction approaches, sex positivity.
• Knowledge of Therapeutic modalities – specifically trauma-informed modalities (Attachment-Based, DBT, Narrative, Mindfulness, etc.). 
• Awareness of the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto.  The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is July 19, 2024. 

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to  increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.  

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.