Board Member, Board of Directors for York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families (York Hills)

York Hills (www.yorkhills.ca) is seeking new members to sit on its Board of Directors. This is a volunteer role and open to anyone who wants to embolden our vision - to build hope & resiliency in children, youth, and families. To qualify, you must be 18 years of age or older, and live or work in York Region. Prior board experience is an asset.

York Hills provides a spectrum of high-quality services to children and youth ages 0-18 years and their families. Our assessment and treatment services include a range of dedicated professional staff that are delivering individual, family and group counselling, community and in-school clinical supports, live-in treatment services, day treatment services, alternative dispute resolution, etc.

The Board is responsible for working in partnership with York Hills employees and other volunteers to empower children, youth, and families through their mental health journey. We help extol the organization’s values – Inclusive, People-Centered, Collaborative, Knowledgeable and Courageous.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Mission, Vision & Values: Review the organization’s mission, vision & values and ensure decisions made reflect our collective values.
• Strategic Planning: In consultation with CEO, engage in the development of the organization’s strategic priorities, and identify indicators of success to monitor the achievement of strategic priorities and goals.
• Governance Leadership: Plan and conduct formal orientation for new Board members, take responsibility for recruiting new Board members and develop/implement a Governance and Management succession plan. The Board plans and implements regular governance leadership development through orientations and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Risk Management: Has a good understanding of the risks and liabilities of the organization and ensures there are adequate safeguards in place to protect the organization.
• Performance & Financial Monitoring: Provide oversight to the overall performance of the organization and evaluate the overall efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services. The Board routinely monitors the financial position of the organization and acts as required, and aids in the development of the annual & capital budgets where applicable.
• Integrity & Ethical Code of Conduct: Develop a comprehensive code of conduct and monitor the individual and collective conduct of the governing body. The Board will address non-conformance to the code of conduct as well as monitor any potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality guidelines.
• Relationship with the CEO: Understand the distinct functions of the Board and the CEO and respect the authority of the CEO for the management of the organization. Board members ensure there is good two-way communications between the Board of Directors and the CEO and leadership team. The Board is also responsible for developing formal performance goals and criteria for CEO evaluation and ensures the CEO can take advantage of professional development opportunities.

Core Attributes & Characteristics:

The ideal Board Member understands their key governance functions and supports decisions that are approved by the governing body. Board Members should reflect the skills, knowledge, perspectives, and diversity required to be an effective governance team. Board members should also understand that they can only act on behalf of the organization within their allocated authority.

Time commitment:

The Board of Directors currently meets once monthly, with some additional monthly committee work. Each Director is elected to the Board for a term of three (3) years at an annual general meeting of the Members. A Director may not serve as a director for more than three (3) consecutive three (3) year terms.

To apply, please contact us at boardrecruitment@yorkhills.ca and send your CV and a cover letter expressing interest, including your special skills/aptitudes, reason for seeking membership, previous/current employment and professional experience, and any volunteer/board experience.