Job Posting: Youth Gender-Based Violence Program Worker
About the Role
The Gilbert Centre, in partnership with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub (NSYWH), is seeking a Youth Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Program Worker. This position is dedicated to supporting youth ages 12-25, in alignment with Youth Wellness Hub model, directly contributing to reducing gender-based violence in North Simcoe by increasing prevention, strengthening interventions, and building safer pathways for youth. The successful candidate will primarily work at the NSYWH in Midland, while employed through the Gilbert Centre (CUPE Local 1813.14). The position is primarily daytime hours with evening work required to meet the needs of youth programming and community engagement.
This role will play a key part in implementing the provincially funded GBV Initiative through the Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) Network. The position combines prevention and education programs (including a Healthy Relationships program) with intervention supports in one of two focus areas: dating violence or trafficking and sexual exploitation. The work will be rooted in trauma-informed, culturally safe, and identity-affirming practices that reflect the diverse experiences of youth, particularly 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Indigenous, newcomer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Youth Programming and Engagement
Deliver and adapt evidence-informed programming, including a Healthy Relationships Program, in collaboration with youth and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
Facilitate workshops and groups on topics such as consent, healthy relationships, gender identity and expression, digital safety, conflict resolution, and bystander intervention.
Provide one-on-one and group supports for youth impacted by GBV, including system navigation, safety planning, and connection to community resources.
Respond to and support youth through non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
Actively engages families and caregivers to provide holistic, youth-centered support.
Engage families through events, outreach, and educational opportunities to strengthen their role in prevention and support.
Service Pathways and Partnerships
Support the development and implementation of a GBV care pathway within the hub, including screening, risk assessment, intervention, and referral protocols.
Collaborate with Waypoint staff, Gilbert Centre staff, and community partners (e.g., La Maison Rosewood Shelter) to ensure integrated, wraparound care.
Participate in local, regional, and provincial working groups to strengthen GBV responses and promote service integration.
Outreach, Capacity Building, and Education
Work with community partners to co-develop and deliver prevention and education programming tailored to youth and families.
Provide education and capacity-building opportunities for service providers to improve responses to youth experiencing GBV.
Conduct outreach (in-person, online, and through community events) to increase awareness of GBV supports available through the hub.
Evaluation and Reporting
Collect quantitative and qualitative data (through My Wellness Passport, EMHWare, and other tools) to inform program evaluation and reporting.
Ensure compliance with PHIPA and other best practices in data collection and information sharing.
Contribute to evaluation processes to assess program effectiveness and impact.
Teamwork and Professional Development
This role works directly with clinicians, social workers, peer support workers, and community partners to ensure coordinated care and service delivery.
Participate in ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives related to GBV, trauma-informed practice, and youth engagement.
Engage in supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities within the Gilbert Centre, Waypoint, and YWHO Network.
Contribute to a collaborative, compassionate, and equity-focused work culture.
Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications
Required:
Formal education in a relevant field (e.g., social work, gender studies, youth work, social sciences) and/or equivalent combination of lived, educational, and work experience.
At least two years’ experience in youth-focused programming, with specific experience in GBV, trauma-informed practice, or crisis intervention.
Demonstrated knowledge of health and social issues impacting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, survivors of GBV, and youth experiencing marginalization.
Strong facilitation skills, including group work and one-on-one support.
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression, and harm reduction principles.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, and social media platforms.
A valid driver’s license with regular access to a vehicle, or a clear three-year abstract.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment.
Preferred:
Lived experience as a member of 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, BIPOC, or newcomer communities.
Experience working in collaboration with youth advisory groups or in peer-led models.
Proficiency in French or another language commonly spoken in Simcoe Muskoka is an asset.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, CUPE bargaining unit position employed through the Gilbert Centre, with the primary work location at the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub (Waypoint) in Midland.
The Gilbert Centre is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization serving Simcoe Muskoka since 1995. We work from a social determinants of health approach, grounded in harm reduction, social justice, and human rights. We value lived experience and are committed to creating inclusive, culturally safe, and affirming spaces for all youth.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
