Early School Age Development Coordinator

Abiona Centre (“the Centre”) is an award-winning, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre that is a multi-service, non-profit, unionized, community agency located in the east end of Toronto.  The Centre is committed to nurturing empowerment, independence and growth for young pregnant and parenting women, children and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing a residential care and treatment program; supportive transitional housing; on-site high school program, community housing support and referral services; and maternal infant mental health programs and services. We do this by working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and support that respond to mental health, education and transitional needs. The Centre also operates an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and an Early Learning Centre.  All the programs and services are open to families, young women and their children living in the broader community.

Reporting to the Supervisor, MIMH, the Early School-Age Development Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) will be at the forefront of the Kuumba Project (the “Project”), an essential infant and early childhood mental health initiative at Abiona Centre (the “Centre”).  The project is designed for children aged 3-5 years within the Black, African Canadian, and racialized communities.

The Coordinator will take a collaborative approach with caregivers, educators and fellow professionals to craft and implement prevention and early intervention services that are both impactful and culturally sensitive. Operating within schools in Neighborhood Improvement Areas, including both ECPP/Section 23 and mainstream schools, the Coordinator will be pivotal in planning and executing programs that address the comprehensive developmental needs of young children, and provide vital support to meet the specific needs of their young parents. This role is not just about education and care, but to foster a nurturing environment that supports the entire family unit, aiding in the creation of a stronger, more resilient community.

Position:  Early School Age Development Coordinator

Term:  Full time Permanent

Department:  Maternal Infant Mental Health

Reports to:  Supervisor, Maternal Infant Mental Health Program (MIMH)

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field; additional qualifications in Infant Mental Health and attachment-based interventions preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in child development or infant mental health within a structured setting.
• Thorough understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices affecting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
• Lived experience as a Black or African Canadian individual is highly valued.
• Extensive knowledge of the challenges and strengths of marginalized Black and African Canadian families, as well as other racialized families with young children.
• Familiarity with the needs of pregnant, parenting young parents and their children.
• Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic, trusting relationships with young children and their caregivers.
• Experience in facilitating group and community forums with a focus on parenting and parent-child relationships.
• Knowledge of maternal and parent-child relationship impacts on infant development.
• Proficiency in implementing evidence-based parenting and attachment theory informed interventions.
• Excellent organizational skills and effective time management.
• Strong critical thinking abilities, empathy, and compassion.
• Familiarity with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Developmental Support Plans (DSPs).
• Knowledge of harm reduction and client-centered approaches.
• Standard First Aid, CPR-C required
• Fluency in a second language, such as French, is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekend work
• The role involves working in community settings in schools, libraries, or external agency facilities and some travel between Abiona Centre locations.

Closing Date:  August 27, 2024; 5:00 p.m.

The Centre offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement opportunities. The successful candidate must have a negative criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Centre’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please make your needs known in advance.

The Centre encourages applications from persons who represent the diverse populations we serve.

Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume by the closing date to:

Human Resources

Abiona Centre

1102 Broadview Avenue

Toronto, ON M4K 2S5

Fax: 416-425-4056

OR

Email:  hr@abionacentre.ca (please quote “ESAD Coordinator” in the subject line)

We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.