Individual and Family Therapist - YWHO GBV

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing a wide range of exceptional programs and services that improve the mental, social and physical health of infants, children and youth from the pre-natal stage to age 29, and their families. With a range of community, live-in and treatment services, we build strength and resilience through equitable, accessible, client-driven services, system leadership and advocacy. We provide individual, group and family interventions that include mental health counselling, autism services, education, outreach and referral, early intervention, day treatment and community support. In its Lead Agency role, Strides Toronto collaborates with 24 publicly funded infant, child and youth mental health (ICYMH) core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that promote access, responsive service delivery and experience, and positive mental health outcomes for young people and families across Toronto's diverse communities. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to visit our website at www.stridestoronto.ca

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Individual and Family Therapist, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) Gender Based Violence (GBV) Project provides short-term, trauma-informed counselling and psychoeducational support to youth and families who are at risk of, or have experienced, human trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence.

The role focuses on providing immediate therapeutic interventions, stabilization, and safety planning, while supporting clients to connect with specialized services and community resources. This role consists of delivering responsive, client-centered mental health supports within the YWHO model, addressing complex needs related to exploitation, trafficking, and interpersonal violence and facilitating the Health Relationships Plus Program.

Salary range: $68,188 to $79,066 per annum

Benefits: Competitive Group Health Benefits

This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

This is a full-time contract position until March 31, 2027.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide a hybrid work model and competitive Group Health Benefits
• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide evidence informed counselling and psychoeducation to youth who are at risk of, or have experienced, human trafficking or other forms of gender-based violence with the goal of stabilization, safety planning, and connection to specialized supports and resources.
• Support client capacity-building and skill development through group facilitation and psychoeducational programming.
• Respond to crisis to address and reduce immediate risk to client, staff and/ or community where a client may be at risk of harm to self or others (i.e., abuse, neglect, suicidal ideation, homelessness, aggression, self-harm, etc.).
• Complete administrative tasks to ensure comprehensive client services.
• Complete record keeping in accordance with accreditation and legislative requirements

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, or related Master’s Degree.
• Minimum of 2 years direct service experience, preferably within children/youth mental health and transitional-aged youth.
• Registration in a regulatory body in good standing, that is permitted to provide psychotherapy such as OCSSWSW and CRPO.
• Knowledge of domestic human trafficking and sex work.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and principles, harm reduction, sex positivity.
• Knowledge of therapeutic modalities – specifically trauma-informed modalities (DBT, Narrative, Mindfulness etc.).
• Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto. The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is November 12, 2025.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.