Employment & Career Opportunities

Salary: $48,155 – $53,505 per year
Full-Time 12 Month Contract Position

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 Case 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.

The core function is court navigation and preparation, supporting children and their families to understand and move through an unfamiliar, high-stress system. 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.
• Contribute observations and recommendations regarding testimonial accommodation (e.g., remote testimony) or witness readiness when requested by the court or Crown. Share relevant disclosures or updates with appropriate justice partners in a timely and professional manner, following established communication channels.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate, privacy-compliant case files throughout service delivery and ensure appropriate closure on completion.

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Qualifications

• Education – Two Accepted Pathways:
  • Pathway A (clinical): BSW or equivalent degree/diploma in social work, child & youth care, or social services; OR
  • Pathway B (justice-system): paralegal diploma, legal assistant certificate, partial/completed legal education, criminology/justice studies credential, or equivalent court-system experience – paired with required completion of KFCACN-provided trauma-informed care and crisis-response training within an agreed probationary window.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience under Pathway A, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma; OR, a minimum of three (3) years of relevant court-system, legal, or victim-services experience under Pathway B
  • 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, 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.
  • Ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a steady, grounded presence in relation to potentially stressful situations.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases.

• Attributes:
  • Genuine commitment for the Centre’s mission and to supporting vulnerable children and youth.
  • Team player who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Resilient, with strong professional boundaries that allow them to support others through difficult experiences without taking that emotional burden home.
  • The ability to covert legal and procedural jargon into child and family friendly language.
  • Institutional diplomacy – Ability to build trust with Crown and police without overstepping role or scope.
  • 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.
• Valid 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 Joanne Macri CVW Director at jmacri@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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to screen applications and assess candidate qualifications as part of our recruitment process; all hiring decisions are made by real people.

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

 

Wage: $26 – $36 / Hr.

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.

About the Role

This client-centered, part-time position plays a vital role in delivering trauma-informed therapy and counselling to children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or violence. Working within a collaborative team and supported environment, the Child Therapist / Registered Counsellor will provide direct therapeutic services, helping clients heal and build resilience through individualized support.

This position is ideal for a compassionate, experienced clinician looking to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of children and youth in Niagara in a flexible part-time capacity. The expected hours are approximately 15–20 hours per week, with potential to increase based on client needs and funding.

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Key Responsibilities

Direct Client Service (Majority of Time)

• Provide therapy to children and youth using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches.
• Support caregivers with education and strategies to promote healing and stability at home.
• Conduct clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential case documentation.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Participate in intake and case review processes.
• Work closely with other therapists and Centre staff to ensure seamless client service.
• Make referrals and liaise with partner agencies as needed.

Program and Centre Support

• Contribute to quality improvement and client outcome tracking.
• Attend team meetings and share insights that contribute to service excellence.
• Assist with public education or outreach events as appropriate to your role.

Health and Safety

• Work in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all Centre safety procedures.
• Identify and respond to any safety or wellness concerns for clients or self.

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Qualifications

• Education:
  • A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related discipline (preferred).
  • Current registration and good standing with OCSWSSW or another applicable regulatory body.

• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of clinical experience providing trauma-informed therapy to children and youth.
  • Experience working with families affected by violence, abuse, or neglect.

• Skills:
  • Specialized knowledge in child development, play therapy, CBT, and trauma-focused therapeutic models.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential records and utilize electronic case management systems.

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Core Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Practice – Applies trauma knowledge to foster safety, trust, and empowerment.

• Empathy and Compassion – Creates a safe therapeutic space through attunement and non-judgment.

• Child and Family-Centered Care – Tailors therapeutic approaches to developmental and family needs.

• Collaboration – Works respectfully with Centre staff and external partners to support holistic care.

• Adaptability – Responds effectively to the diverse and evolving needs of clients.

• Ethical Practice – Upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and professional conduct.

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Other Requirements

• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• Flexibility to work afternoon, evening, or weekend hours as required to meet client needs.
• Must reside in Niagara

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• 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.

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