Advocate

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Ministry:
Office of the Child & Youth Advocate (OCYA)

Location:

Edmonton

Employment Type:

18-month temporary opportunity
Full or Part-time:
Full-time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Salary: $3,920.66 to $5,276.07 biweekly
About the OCYA   The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Office of the Legislature that promotes awareness of young people’s rights, interests, and viewpoints through stakeholder engagement and public education; advocates for children and youth receiving or seeking services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA), the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA), and the youth justice system;

and provides legal representation to young people for CYFEA and PSECA matters. The OCYA conducts investigations and publicly reports on serious injuries or deaths involving young people.
The impact of colonialization continues to adversely affect Indigenous young people, their families, and their communities. Intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and the legacy of residential schools are experienced by many Indigenous young people, who continue to be over represented in the child intervention system. The OCYA is deeply committed to reconciliation and a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans.

We are committed to a workplace that welcomes, respects and values the diversity of our employees. We also support them to be actively engaged in the workplace and the work we do to meet the needs of Alberta's young people.
To learn more about the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate go to our website at:
Role   Our Advocates help young people involved with the child intervention and youth justice systems to understand and exercise their rights, so their viewpoints and interests are considered in decisions that affect them.
Reporting to the Director, North Advocacy Services, the Advocate, will:
Work diligently to ascertain a young person’s viewpoint and empower the young person to speak for themselves and to decide on the activities of the advocate.
Meet with young people and others (families, caregivers, community members and other stakeholders) in communities mainly located in central and northern Alberta to promote the rights, interests and viewpoints of young people in decisions made about them
Support teams across the office in identifying trends seen through the lens of young people that may be systemic in nature.
You will also be part of a team and collaborate with others on matters related to the OCYA’s strategic priorities; provide education about the rights of young people, the OCYA, and the advocate role; engage in systemic advocacy about issues affecting many young people.
Qualificiations   A university degree in social work, social sciences, law is required, plus four years’ related experience working directly with young people involved in child intervention, justice, mental health, or education systems. Experience in a supervisory or management role is desirable. Equivalencies may be considered on a one-to-one basis (i.e. 2 year diploma and 6 years’ experience). A valid class 5 driver's license is required.
Just as we recognize the uniqueness of young people, we recognize this in others as well. If you think your knowledge, skills and experience has prepared you for this role, please consider applying for this position.
Given the over representation of Indigenous young people in the child intervention and youth justice systems, preference will be given to individuals who self-identify and are known to others as Indigenous or who have had extensive experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Competencies are…