Job Description

Temporary Part-Time, 12-month Contract
Bargaining Unit CUPE Local 3223

Hourly
$31.59 - $36.76

As a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team and direct report to the African-Canadian Affirming Engagement & Outcomes Supervisor, the Youth Engagement Advocate is responsible for leading, supporting, and amplifying the voices of youth involved with the child welfare system. The Youth Engagement Advocate ensures that youth perspectives, leadership, and lived experiences directly inform agency practice, decision-making, and outcomes.

The Youth Engagement Advocate works alongside various partners in the development and facilitation of youth engagement initiatives to promote trauma-informed, healing-centred, youth-affirming, safety, and community-driven programming that supports youth well-being, identity development, belonging, and successful transitions.

The role is developmental and includes participating in professional development components that strengthen leadership, community engagement, advocacy, and project management skills. The Youth Engagement Advocate works collaboratively with youth, staff, caregivers, and community partners to foster inclusive, equitable, and affirming environments.

Qualifications
• High School Diploma required.
• Completion of additional training or education in social services, youth work, community development or related fields is an asset.
• Direct lived experience as a Black/Black biracial youth involved in the child welfare system within the last 8 years.
• Knowledge of child welfare legislation, youth rights, and systemic barriers impacting young people.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and equitable practice.
• Comfort facilitating groups, public speaking, and co-leading training sessions.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse youth from various cultural, identity, and lived-experience backgrounds.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends.
• Experience working with Francophone communities is an asset.

Additional Information
Candidates must undergo and successfully pass a background check before an offer of employment may be made. Proof of education is required.

This position is a new part-time contract role. As per the Collective Agreement, a part-time employee is an employee who regularly works less than twenty-four (24) hours per week. Durham Children’s Aid Society does not utilize Artificial Intelligence for the screening and selection of candidates.

About Us
Durham Children’s Aid Society has been supporting families and protecting children in our community since 1905. We are responsible for providing child protection services to children and youth under the age of 18, and their families, who live in Durham Region.

We work with families and our community partners to help children grow up safe and healthy. In most instances, we are able to keep children safe in their family home by working with their primary caregivers to address any challenges they may be facing.

Learn more about us at www.durhamcas.ca.

Our Commitment To Diversity
We strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment to equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We actively seek candidates from First Nations, Métis and Inuit, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women, and people with differing abilities (including people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges).

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

What We Offer
We offer an inclusive work environment. Our office is well situated on Taunton Road and is transit accessible. Most positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with our Flexible Work Arrangement policy. We offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including a defined benefits pension plan with the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). Learn more at www.durhamcas.ca/careers.

Please apply through our career’s portal by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026: Careers - Durham Children's Aid Society (durhamcas.ca).

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