Employment & Career Opportunities

Donor Relations Specialist – Full Time

Salary: $48,155 – $53,505 per year

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph. We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

Job Summary

This outward-facing role is key to building meaningful relationships with donors, inspiring community support, and generating revenue to advance our mission of supporting children and youth impacted by abuse, neglect, or violence in Niagara.

The Donor Relations Specialist will oversee and care for a portfolio of new and existing donors who have made contributions of up to $10,000, including foundations, service clubs, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. In addition, there will be a focus on cultivating strong relationships in the community that will help to amplify the awareness of the Centre and work it does.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Relations & Fund Development:
• Follow and enhance our donor stewardship plan to retain existing donors and showcase the impact of their contributions.
• Create strategies to engage and cultivate new donors for the Centre. (up to $10,000)
• Actively represent the Centre to community groups, clubs and associations; attend networking at events like GNCC Business After 5 and other community functions.
• Prepare tailored proposals, reports, and presentations to engage donors and demonstrate impact.

Stewardship & Donor Appreciation:
• Plan and implement creative donor recognition initiatives to express gratitude and highlight the impact of their contributions.
• Collaborate with the Development Director to ensure all donations are acknowledged promptly, including thank-you letters and tax receipts.
• Build meaningful and lasting relationships with donors to deepen their connection to the Centre’s mission.
Organizational Support:
• Maintain meticulous records of donor interactions, contact information and contributions in CanadaHelps.
• Ensure compliance with CRA guidelines for tax receipts and adhere to ethical fundraising principles.
• Ability to work on multiple efforts effectively, while delivering high-quality results on time.

Community Outreach
• Provides positive and confident public speaking presence to community groups as requested.
• Regularly engages with current community partners and actively seeks to expand network in keeping with Centre’s strategic objectives.
• Manages and maintains community partnerships by attending meetings and supporting where needed.
• Represent the Centre at relevant interagency events to bring awareness to programs and services.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A degree or diploma in a relevant discipline (e.g., Fundraising, Non-profit Management, Marketing, Business Administration).
• Experience:
  • At least 3 years of experience in a fundraising or donor relations role within the non-profit sector.
• Skills:
  • Proven ability to cultivate and maintain donor relationships successfully. 
  • Proficiency with donor management systems and an understanding of CRA tax receipt practices.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Flexibility to attend events during evenings and weekends, supported by a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
  • A commitment to ethical fundraising and best practices in the charitable sector.
• Attributes: Passion for the Centre’s mission and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth. Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. Innovative, creative, future-oriented; focused on identifying opportunities and new and better ways of effectively making change.

Other Requirements

• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• Must reside in Niagara

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.

Application Process

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org. Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment process. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: 5:00 pm Wednesday April 30, 2025.

Child Victim Witness Lead Support Worker –
Full Time

Salary: $53,505 – $59,549 per year

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph. We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Lead Support Worker to provide support to children, youth and their families who are required to testify in criminal court proceedings, including but not limited to court preparation sessions, meetings/collaboration with Justice Partners and court accompaniment. Program Leads hold additional administrative and office maintenance responsibilities.

This is not a clinical or therapy-based role; however, you will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. You will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, medical professionals, crown attorneys and victim services professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and are involved in the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibilities

Court Support Services & Case Management

• Coordinate and deliver individualized court preparation sessions for children and youth, including:
  • Exploring and addressing fears or concerns about the court process
  • Providing age-appropriate information about the criminal justice system and
    court procedures
  • Explaining courtroom roles and the child’s role as a witness
  • Developing strategies to help children manage stress and anxiety related to
    testifying
• Accompany children and youth to court, provide emotional support and, where applicable, act as a Designated Support Person under judicial order.
• Offer guidance and emotional support to caregivers throughout the court process to help them support their child.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of Victim Impact Statements and other court related documents.
• Prepare testimonial aid requests and affidavits where necessary; may be called upon to
  provide supporting documentation or testimony regarding accommodations.

Collaboration with Justice Partners

• Liaise regularly with justice system partners, including Crown Attorneys, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), police, and child protection staff, to coordinate court support and advocate for testimonial aids and other accommodations.
• Conduct assessments and provide recommendations regarding testimonial accommodation (e.g., remote testimony) or witness competency, when requested by the court.
• Share relevant disclosures or updates with appropriate justice partners in a timely and professional manner.
• Attend regular case meetings and community committee meetings to support collaborative service delivery.

Post-Court Support & Referrals

• Provide post-court debriefing sessions with clients and their families to support emotional recovery and closure.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external services, including trauma counselling, ongoing therapy, and other community supports.
• Ensure all case files are accurately maintained and updated throughout service delivery and appropriately closed following completion.

Administration

• All data is tracked in keeping with Ministry requirements and reports filed on time.
• Office equipment is adequately maintained through coordination with vendors (e.g., computers, phones, copier, etc.)
• In collaboration with supervisor, the Program Manual is reviewed and revised, as required.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all partner agreements and MOUs, maintaining strong collaborative relationships.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
  • Familiarity with criminal court proceedings and victim support.
• Skills:
  • Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices.
  • Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners.
  • Awareness of the variety of different types of traumas (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma) that may be experienced by children, youth and families.
  • Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high-risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset.
  • Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
  • The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases.
• Attributes:
  • Passion for the Centre’s mission and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth.
  • Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
  • Innovative, creative, future-oriented; focused on identifying opportunities and new and better ways of effectively making change.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in French is highly preferred to support service delivery in designated French-speaking communities.
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives such as public awareness, fundraising events, and community education activities to support the Centre’s mission.
• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions

• Travel throughout Niagara Region may be required for court attendance or partner meetings.
• Work may be emotionally demanding due to exposure to trauma-related cases.
• Primarily office-based with flexible scheduling options.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.

Application Process

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org. Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment
process. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: 5:00 pm Wednesday April 30, 2025.

Child Victim Witness Support Worker – Full Time

Salary: $48,155 – $53,505 per year 

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph. We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Support Worker to provide support to children, youth and their families who are required to testify in criminal court proceedings, including but not limited to court preparation sessions, meetings/collaboration with Justice Partners and court accompaniment.

This is not a clinical or therapy-based role; however, you will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. You will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, medical professionals, crown attorneys and victim services professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and are involved in the criminal justice system. 

Key Responsibilities

Court Support Services & Case Management

• Coordinate and deliver individualized court preparation sessions for children and youth, including:
  • Exploring and addressing fears or concerns about the court process
  • Providing age-appropriate information about the criminal justice system and
    court procedures
  • Explaining courtroom roles and the child’s role as a witness
  • Developing strategies to help children manage stress and anxiety related to
    testifying
• Accompany children and youth to court, provide emotional support and, where applicable, act as a Designated Support Person under judicial order.
• Offer guidance and emotional support to caregivers throughout the court process to help them support their child.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of Victim Impact Statements and other court related documents.
• Prepare testimonial aid requests and affidavits where necessary; may be called upon to
  provide supporting documentation or testimony regarding accommodations.

Collaboration with Justice Partners

• Liaise regularly with justice system partners, including Crown Attorneys, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), police, and child protection staff, to coordinate court support and advocate for testimonial aids and other accommodations.
• Conduct assessments and provide recommendations regarding testimonial accommodation (e.g., remote testimony) or witness competency, when requested by the court.
• Share relevant disclosures or updates with appropriate justice partners in a timely and professional manner.
• Attend regular case meetings and community committee meetings to support collaborative service delivery.

Post-Court Support & Referrals

• Provide post-court debriefing sessions with clients and their families to support emotional recovery and closure.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external services, including trauma counselling, ongoing therapy, and other community supports.
• Ensure all case files are accurately maintained and updated throughout service delivery and appropriately closed following completion.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
  • Familiarity with criminal court proceedings and victim support.
• Skills:
  • Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices.
  • Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners.
  • Awareness of the variety of different types of traumas (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma) that may be experienced by children, youth and families.
  • Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high-risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset.
  • Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
  • The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases.
• Attributes:
  • Passion for the Centre’s mission and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth.
  • Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
  • Innovative, creative, future-oriented; focused on identifying opportunities and new and better ways of effectively making change.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in French is highly preferred to support service delivery in designated French-speaking communities.
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives such as public awareness, fundraising events, and community education activities to support the Centre’s mission.
• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions

• Travel throughout Niagara Region may be required for court attendance or partner meetings.
• Work may be emotionally demanding due to exposure to trauma-related cases.
• Primarily office-based with flexible scheduling options.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.

Application Process

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org.

Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment process. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: 5:00 pm Wednesday April 30, 2025.

Child Victim Witness Support Worker / Primary Facility Dog Handler – Full Time

Salary: $48,155 – $53,505 per year 

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph. We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Support Worker to provide support to children, youth and their families who are required to testify in criminal court proceedings, including but not limited to court preparation sessions, meetings/collaboration with Justice Partners and court accompaniment.

In addition, this position requires that the Support Worker be approved and accept the Primary Handler designation and responsibilities for a Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Facility Accredited Dog, appointed to the organization by National Service Dogs (NSD), a service dog organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). This Facility Dog will be assigned to provide services associated with court support services.

The Support Worker will be required to complete an initial intensive dog handler training through NSD and must pass a public access test (PAT) prior to being placed with the assigned facility dog as a certified handler. The PAT is a standardized test required of all service dogs to ensure that any dog who is granted public access is stable, well-behaved, remains under the control of their handler, and is unobtrusive to the public.

The Support Worker will take on full caretaking responsibility for a Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Facility Dog, including but not limited to having the dog reside in their home, feeding, walking, grooming, veterinary care, training, handling, and scheduling for court support services. All expenses related to the dog will be covered by the Centre. Following this appointment, and in consultation with NSD, a Secondary Handler will be identified to provide back up support to the Primary Handler with respect to dog handling and caretaking responsibilities.

This is not a clinical or therapy-based role; however, you will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. You will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, medical professionals, crown attorneys and victim services professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the Centre and are involved in the criminal justice system.

Special Note: Although the facility dog will reside with and be cared for by selected handlers, the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and/or NSD maintain final decision making on the care and placement of the facility dog up until the dog is formally adopted at the end of their working career. Adoption of the facility dog is finalized in consultation with the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and approved and carried out by NSD.

Key Responsibilities

Court Support Services & Case Management

• Coordinate and deliver individualized court preparation sessions for children and youth, including:
  • Exploring and addressing fears or concerns about the court process
  • Providing age-appropriate information about the criminal justice system and
    court procedures
  • Explaining courtroom roles and the child’s role as a witness
  • Developing strategies to help children manage stress and anxiety related to
    testifying
• Accompany children and youth to court, provide emotional support and, where applicable, act as a Designated Support Person under judicial order.
• Offer guidance and emotional support to caregivers throughout the court process to help them support their child.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of Victim Impact Statements and other court related documents.
• Prepare testimonial aid requests and affidavits where necessary; may be called upon to
  provide supporting documentation or testimony regarding accommodations.

Collaboration with Justice Partners

• Liaise regularly with justice system partners, including Crown Attorneys, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), police, and child protection staff, to coordinate court support and advocate for testimonial aids and other accommodations.
• Conduct assessments and provide recommendations regarding testimonial accommodation (e.g., remote testimony) or witness competency, when requested by the court.
• Share relevant disclosures or updates with appropriate justice partners in a timely and professional manner.
• Attend regular case meetings and community committee meetings to support collaborative service delivery.

Post-Court Support & Referrals

• Provide post-court debriefing sessions with clients and their families to support emotional recovery and closure.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external services, including trauma counselling, ongoing therapy, and other community supports.
• Ensure all case files are accurately maintained and updated throughout service delivery and appropriately closed following completion.

Primary Handler Services

• Attend National Service Dogs training center for handler training as required by NSD and the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre. Take part in re-certification training and complete public access tests at regular intervals, as determined by NSD.
• Adhere to proper handling of the facility dog daily and particularly during interactions with children, youth, families as well as staff and community partners.
• Receive training on and oversee implementation of proper procedures, commands and court room decorum for facility dogs.
• Maintain training for the facility dog on an ongoing basis as well as working through any challenges in consultation with NSD.
• Transport the facility dog to and from work both at the office and when required to be in the community for court support services (e.g. court accompaniment, crown meetings etc.).
• Provide safe and consistent housing and care for the facility dog outside of working hours including but not limited to, caretaking, grooming & hygiene practices, walking, playing, feeding, veterinary services.
• Coordinate with Secondary and any alternate handlers and/or NSD to meet both professional and caretaking responsibilities of the facility dog, as needed.
• Plan and facilitate community speaking and training events with respect to facility dogs and court support services.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
  • Familiarity with criminal court proceedings and victim support.
• Skills:
  • Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices.
  • Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners.
  • Awareness of the variety of different types of traumas (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma) that may be experienced by children, youth and families.
  • Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high-risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset.
  • Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
  • The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases.
• Attributes:
  • Passion for the Centre’s mission and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth.
  • Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
  • Innovative, creative, future-oriented; focused on identifying opportunities and new and better ways of effectively making change.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in French is highly preferred to support service delivery in designated French-speaking communities.
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives such as public awareness, fundraising events, and community education activities to support the Centre’s mission.
• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions

• Travel throughout Niagara Region may be required for court attendance or partner meetings.
• Work may be emotionally demanding due to exposure to trauma-related cases.
• Primarily office-based with flexible scheduling options.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.

Application Process

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org.

Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment process. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: 5:00 pm Wednesday April 30, 2025.