Family Advocate

POSITION: Family Wellness Advocate

Classification: Days, Evenings and Weekends *Must have weekend and Evening availability

Location: Toronto Area

POSITION REPORTS TO: Program Manager and Program Coordinator

WHO WE ARE:

Synergy Link™ is a multi-service agency that helps children, youth and adults experience new or challenging transitions with more ease through access to support, relief and resources.

At Synergy Link™ we ensure clients have someone supporting them throughout their journey to overcome a new or challenging stage in life. Our support is rooted in the power of connection and equitable care.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Our Family Wellness Advocates(FWA) offer a supportive approach to building strong families and communities connections. They believe in working under an Anti-Opression lense to create a seamless support system for youth and families. FAW will work individually as well as within a collaborative team to provide high quality care and support to families in and around the Great Toronto Area. At times you may be supporting people who have physical, mental, emotional and/or behavioural challenges.

Supporting Black and biracial families strengthen their connection to identity, culture and community through increasing access to support, relief and resources.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Residential, in the community.

HOURS OF WORK: 4-12 hour shifts

RATE OF PAY: starting at $23 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote mental wellness, safety and wellness of client and family unit
• In-home visits with client(s)
• Support client(s) with building a network of support
• Experience/knowledge of with working with Child Welfare
• Provide support to family unit including parenting support, behavioural support, crisis management
• Develop and implement safety plans (when applicable)
• Develop plan of care with client
• Understanding Systemic Racism and how it impacts the child welfare system.
• Accompany client(s) on outings, appointments, court, school etc
• Provide assistance with applying for government supports such as Ontario Works, ODSP, etc
• Liaise and referrals to community and government agencies
• Attend required and relevant trainings
• Maintains qualifications and certifications as required by the Synergy Link and provincial standard
• Complete a daily log of interaction with client
• Provide evidence-based information to families regarding child(ren) and/or youth’s development under the supervision of supervisor.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail, Internet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Coordinate weekly activities or outings
• Provides evidence-based information and referrals to community members when necessary
• Prepares and provides relevant information at shift change (When applicable)
• Provide supportive counselling
• Provide evidence-based information for clients regarding child development, mental health and behaviour management
• Support client with life skills development, financial literacy skills, behaviour management
• Support client with the development and implementation of self-care routine
• Support client with grounding techniques
• Support client with the use of assistive devices if needed
• Provide crisis intervention with the use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• Report any serious occurrences with Program Manager and Program assistant immediately
• Prepare serious occurrence reports and/or incident report when necessary
• Adheres to all policies and procedures of Synergy Link™

MINIMUM EDUCATION & GENERAL EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of an academic discipline typically acquired through completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma (e.g. Child and Youth Work/Child and Youth Care, Social Service Worker, Community Service Worker, Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Human Services, Sociology or equivalent).
• Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed
• Work from an Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Oppressive Framework.
• You are culturally aware and has knowledge of Black Culture.
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trained
• Current First Aid and CPR training or willing to obtain prior to hire
• Minimum of 3 years experience with working with children and youth
• Knowledge of providing services from a trauma-informed, anti-Black racism and anti-oppressive framework and the demonstrated practical application of this framework
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, advocacy, child development and parenting
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Valid drivers license (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and $1,000,000. personal liability insurance or willing to obtain (preferred)

Benefits to working at Synergy Link

o Flexible schedule

o Paid online trainings and webinars

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all cultures, abilities and sexual & gender identities. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse community that we serve.

Applicants must be willing to demonstrate and adhere to a commitment to Anti-Oppressive and Anti-Black racist principles and have a trauma-informed lens framework be reflected in work environment. Should you requires accommodations at any phase of the recruitment process, please indicate this on you cover letter.

* We appreciate all candidates for their interest, however only candidates who meet the required criteria will be contacted

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: From $23.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Do you have evening and weekend availability?

Experience:

• Child and youth: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Class G Licence and Vehicle (required)

Work Location: In person