Program Coordinator, R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative Program

CTYS & The George Hull Centre – R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative Program
Full Time- Permanent (1 Position)
(Program Coordinator; Bargaining Unit Position)
Internal/ External Posting

Central Toronto Youth Services and The George Hull Centre for Children and Families are community-based Children’s Mental Health Centers committed to responding to the needs of young people, their families, and the youth-serving community. The R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative is an exciting program expansion to provide mental health services to Black children, youth and families in Rexdale and surrounding Northwest Toronto communities. This R.I.T.E.S. staff position is housed within CTYS, and will co-lead culturally responsive group services for Black youth, both in-person and/or virtually.

The purpose of the position is to develop, coordinate and provide evidence informed, innovative and thematic psycho-educational group and counselling programming for Black youth with a range of needs. Groups are delivered to community members and students in TDSB/ TCDSB high schools. The position supports the community, school administration and students through program coordination, presentations/outreach, group counseling, client outreach and client advocacy. The Program focus is to support Black youth to engage more positively with their families, peers, communities and schools, and to realize personal success. Groups currently delivered focus on building healthy relationships, understanding Africentric traditions and value systems, connecting to the wider Black community, cultural and racial identity development, building self-advocacy and resiliency, and fostering leadership skills.

As an employer, we are committed to building teams that reflect the diversity and needs of our clients and workforce. Identification as a member of the Black/African Diasporic community is required for this position.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in all areas of program development, planning and implementation
• Develop and maintain effective linkages with youth serving community agencies, Black communities and Elders, and school administration/ personnel
• Implementing culturally relevant group programming in collaboration with school partners, community partners and agency staff
• In consultation with the Program Manager, develop R.I.T.E.S. promotional materials and implement outreach strategy to promote R.I.T.E.S. programming to CTYS & George Hull staff, external community partners and within school environments
• Manage client-related expenditures as per annual budget
• Applying for specialized grants to work with the Black youth population

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead in-person and / or virtual day and evening groups for diverse Black youth populations
• Conduct outreach activities, client intakes, brief service assessments, and develop client service plans and discharge plans as required
• Active, ongoing collaboration with referring school personnel, other service providers, and internal staff
• Participate in multi-disciplinary case planning and case management to ensure continuity of care
• Provision of case coverage / support for other team members due to vacations / illnesses / emergencies / etc.
• Responsible for ensuring up-to-date maintenance of client files and case notes in accordance with CTYS accreditation standards
• In consultation with the Program Manager, participate in various agency committees / community activities / agency special events

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Required

• Identify as a member of the Black / African diasporic community
• BSW / CYC or other relevant diploma or degree, or equivalent education and / or work experience
• Minimum of three years’ relevant experience in developing and facilitating groups for diverse youth with mental health challenges and experience in virtual group provision
• Minimum of three years’ progressive experience in assessment, counselling, and case coordination with marginalized youth and their families
• A significant understanding of the impact that Anti-Black racism has on the Black youth and families
• Experience working with Black youth, under-resourced youth, “system involved” youth
• Experience with group program development and delivery in a school-based context is preferred
• Expertise in group dynamics, group program development, and virtual group provision
• Demonstrate capacity to engage leaders within Toronto’s diverse Black communities
• Understanding of and commitment to anti-oppressive theories and practices
• Previous training in trauma informed interventions when working with Black and racialized populations, is an asset
• Knowledge and skills in evidence based / informed programming
• Understanding of strength-based group and psychoeducational programming
• Knowledge of adolescent development and its impact on group work practices and processes
• Knowledge of family systems theory, crisis intervention techniques, CBT, trauma informed practice, relationship building
• Knowledge of adolescent mental health issues and social service community resources
• Knowledge and experience in grant writing is an asset
• Ability to work flexible hours (evenings / limited weekends) and in a variety of environments (e.g. schools, offices & urban / rural retreats)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in report writing and public speaking
• Proficient use of computers and software applications
• Familiarity with youth engagement strategies
• French language is an asset

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: 35 hours per week – evening & (limited) weekend work required

Salary Range: $66,463.16 - 79,360.49