READI+
We’re hiring a READI+ (Racial Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion+) Practice Lead
Role details:
Location: Remote (Work virtually anywhere in Ontario)
Salary: $32.97 per hour
Hours of Work: 30 hours per week
Reports to: Programs Director, Family Supports Program, and Service Delivery
Who we are:
Interwoven Connections is an Ontario-based not-for-profit organization that supports families and relationships formed through adoption, kinship, and customary care. We believe that all families have a right to advocacy, support, and guidance. Rooted in lived experience and advocacy, we also emphasize accessible supports for racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities & caregivers.
The READI+ project
Aims to develop innovative ways to adapt and redesign services and programs so they can better serve all communities, especially ones that have been historically underserved. Central to READI+ is the belief in the expertise of community voices to shape safe, inclusive, and pertinent services. Through community outreach and engagement, research, and clinical supports, the projects building a new approach to help solve complex problems more efficiently and collaboratively. Interwoven supports the goals and learnings from the READI+ project and continues to implement the community resources developed by READI+ in its own community outreach and engagement practices.
Purpose of the role:
To support the adoption and implementation of READI+ principles and objectives within Interwoven Connections, the READI+ Practice Lead brings expertise, cultural insight, and community engagement strategies to ensure Interwoven’s family support programs are inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of families, particularly those from historically marginalized or underserved communities. The role emphasizes cultural humility, community-engaged research, collaborative program adaptations, and respectful community knowledge sharing, using a thoughtful and inclusive lens to ensure the program meets the complex needs of families navigating permanency journeys. Central to the role is building strong community and professional connections and partnerships, with the goal of increasing capacity across the province, and opportunity for safer community spaces and experiences for parents and caregivers.
How you’ll make an impact:
Identify program development opportunities through needs assessments, focus groups, and culturally informed consultations, particularly with historically underserved or marginalized communities.
Contribute to the adaptation of the AFCCA family support program and Peer to Peer support network Program by offering cultural insights and identifying relevant community resources.
Participate in and lead appropriate community-engaged research and knowledge sharing, using culturally relevant practices and approaches, on-the-ground knowledge, and equitable knowledge sharing.
Engage in professional development and offer READI+ training and education to staff and community partners, including public education forums and seminars.
Actively participate in the AFCCA Community of Practice and collaborate with community partners through case conferences and virtual meetings.
Develop READI+ practice guides and program resources to support the delivery of culturally relevant supports to parents, caregivers, and family connections, either by Peer Connectors or Clinical Leads.
Build and maintain strong relationships with regional planning tables, community associations, and other provincial organizations supporting families with complex needs.
Support strategic planning efforts, risk identification, and timely reporting to funders as part of program administration.
What makes you a great fit:
Demonstrated ability in engagement and relationship-building with diverse groups, including community leaders, Elders, service providers, organizational leaders, and families.
Experience with systemic risk factors impacting children, youth, and families, and understanding of barriers to accessing supports.
Experience and/or education and training related to trauma, attachment, neurodevelopmental disabilities, caregiver burnout and PTSD, AFCCA, managing challenging and dangerous behaviors in the home and community. Knowledge of therapeutic parenting theories and strategies.
Knowledge of child development, family systems, trauma, neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., FASD, ADHD), and therapeutic parenting.
Experience working with diverse and marginalized communities, including African Canadian, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+.Training in Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, Indigenous and LGBT2Q+ awareness.
Demonstrated understanding of culturally relevant research and knowledge sharing practices, including First Nations’ Principles of OCAP.
Familiarity with the child welfare and well-being systems, with a strong understanding of the diverse experiences of different communities and the barriers they face; bringing a culturally responsive lens to interdisciplinary teamwork and support for underserved populations.
Skilled in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and non-violent resistance (NVR).
Excellent communication, documentation, time management, and digital literacy (Microsoft 365, case management systems).
A Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is considered an asset but not mandatory.
Benefits:
3 weeks paid vacation (increases to 4 weeks after 5 years of service, and 5 after 6 years), 6 personal time off days per year, and 12 statutory holidays.
Group benefits for employees working more than 25 hours/week including Healthcare, Dental Care, and Life Insurance after 90 days of employment.
Excited to apply? Here’s how!
To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and your current resume. We encourage applicants to highlight their strengths and experiences in supporting diverse communities and applying anti-racist/anti-oppressive practices in their cover letter.
Submit your application online at p2p_jobs@interwovenconnections.ca
Our values:
We hold ourselves to a high standard in performing our mission. Our values reflect our identity and aspirations and guide our beliefs, principles, behaviours, and decisions.
Interwoven Connections’ values define who we are, what we stand for and how we hold ourselves and others accountable. These are our values.
Connection: We foster and support meaningful and authentic relationships.
Collaboration: We build connections with individuals and communities to learn and grow together.
Community: Our shared experiences unite us while our unique perspective strengthens us.
Integrity: We act with unwavering commitment to one another.
Empowerment: We amplify the unique voices of our community through our shared belief in each other
Interwoven Connections is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from equity seeking groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We prioritize hires from the communities we serve, balanced with a critical need for a diversity of marginalized experiences.
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided at all stages of the hiring process if requested.
We thank all applicants for applying, however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.