Youth In Care Leader

Position Details

Position Type: One (1) Temporary, Part Time Position;
Flexible (1,400 hours per calendar year)
Employee Group: CUPE, Local 2501
Salary Range: $28.34 - $31.27 per hour
Department: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Reports to: Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As a Youth In Care Leader, you’ll use your voice and experience to inspire change, connect with peers, and help create opportunities for youth across the Halton Region. In this role, you will:

• Be a peer leader and advocate, making sure youth perspectives are heard and respected.
• Lead and shape youth engagement initiatives that bring young people together and build community.
• Share ideas, build leadership skills, and learn from others while participating in provincial youth networks like the Ontario Education Champion Team (OCET).
• Collaborate with Halton CAS and community partners, giving feedback and ideas to improve services and outcomes for youth in and from care.
• Act as a link to the OACAS youth program, making sure local youth have a strong voice at the provincial level.

• Lead and inspire: Take a leadership role in Youth SAID and other youth programs, events, and activities in Halton.
• Be the connector: Represent Halton CAS in the Youth
  
  CAN Network, linking youth to a powerful provincial community.
• Build fun and engaging programs: Help coordinate and shape programs designed by youth for youths like Youth SAID, Youth Advocacy, and Financial Literacy.
• Have a seat at the table: Bring the youth perspective forward at OCET meetings.
• Make an impact: Lead by example, showing other youth what’s possible.
• Shape the future: Help plan and promote fun and meaningful social events and programs across Halton.
• Be a role model: Share your feedback and ideas to improve programs and services for youth in care at Halton CAS.
• Have your say: Create reports for the Leadership Team and the Board of Directors to highlight the awesome work being done to support youth.
• Show your leadership in action:
• Track your wins: Track and report activities and progress so everyone can see how youth leadership is making a difference.
• Pitch in when needed: Support other projects and tasks that keep youth programs moving forward.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and enrolled in a part-time or full-time post-secondary program or a recent graduate of a relevant social services program.
• Must have personal knowledge/experience with the child welfare system.
• Lived experience as a youth in care, especially from those who represent marginalized youth in care, is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working with youth.
• Promote a belief that you can influence positive change in the child welfare system.
• A satisfactory Police Records Check is required.

General Skills and Attributes

• Great communicator: You’re comfortable with other youth, sharing ideas, and listening to different opinions and perspectives with respect.
• Inclusive mindset: You believe everyone deserves to be valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
• Calm under pressure: You can handle tough situations and support others when things get challenging.
• Program builder: You enjoy planning activities, leading groups, and finding fun, create ways to get people engaged.
• Aware and informed: You understand (or are open to learning about) the rights, laws and issues that impact youth in care.
• Empathy for others: You recognize the unique challenges youth and families face in diverse and low-income communities.
• Flexible and adaptable: You can adjust your schedule and approach to meet the needs of youths.
• Values-driven: You believe in fairness, respect and integrity, and demonstrate the values of Halton CAS.
• Team player and self-starter: You can take the initiative on your own or work collaboratively with others.
• Creative problem solver: You look for solutions that are fair, inclusive, and innovative.
• Positive Energy: You bring optimism and encouragement that motivates others.

• You understand and respect the culture, history, and challenges faced by communities that are over represented in child…