Position Type - FT Contract until April 2027

Hours of Work per week – 35 hours

Salary range: $61,532 to $71,656.04 per annum

Benefits: We offer generous group employee benefits which includes:

• Access to employee perks and discounts

Union Position - This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto Support Services (“Strides Toronto”) Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency supporting infants, children, youth and young adults from birth to age 29, and their families, primarily across east Toronto. We offer community-based, residential and treatment programs—including mental health counselling, autism services, early intervention, day treatment, education, outreach and community support—using a client-centered, evidence-informed approach. Since 2015, Strides Toronto has served as Toronto’s Lead Agency for Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health, partnering with 21 core service providers to provide system leadership, citywide planning, coordinated service delivery and program alignment. Strides Toronto also leads initiatives with broader reach, including Help Ahead and the HOPE Strategy across Toronto and One Stop Talk**/**Parlons Maintenant and the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program across Ontario.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an existing vacancy for a full-time contract Youth Engagement Worker (YEW). The Youth Engagement Worker provides a range of community outreach, engagement, prevention and early intervention services to children, youth, families, and groups to enhance and maintain a child’s/youth’s health and wellness.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide a range of services that are responsive to a child’s / youth’s individual needs through the enhancement and maintenance of their health and wellness.
• Engage in professional development activities and record accurate client information that is reflective of policy, accreditation, and Ministry standards, while illustrating the goals, targets and deliverables of identified services.
• Develop, plan and implement, and evaluate child, youth and family engagement activities, workshops, programs, and skill development groups internally and within the community.
• Develop and nurture strong community linkages for the purpose of engagement and response to crisis as required.
• Respond and participate in organizational wide initiatives.

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

• Child and Youth Worker diploma or equivalent degree/ diploma.
• 1-2 years of directly related experience.
• A combination of knowledge of child, youth and family engagement, mental health presenting issues and possible interventions, program development, and administrative skills and abilities.
• Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) 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.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• 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.

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 April 14, 2026.

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.