Organizational Profile

BridgeNorth’s mission is to restore the inherent dignity and value of sexually exploited women and girls by meeting their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. We help individuals experience freedom from sex trafficking in Canada through survivor-led support, prevention, education, and advocacy. We provide direct service to individuals and families impacted by sex trafficking, create public education and awareness, and advocate on behalf of trafficked persons for systemic change.

We lead out of lived experience and trauma-informed care. We work with all people. We are an inclusive community dedicated to representing and supporting the diverse needs of the individuals whom we serve.

We are especially focused on ensuring that BridgeNorth is a safe place for participants and partners who are part of vulnerable communities and/or marginalized identities, which are sadly over-represented in sex trafficking in Canada, such as LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC populations.

Job Summary

BridgeNorth is seeking a passionate individual to fill the role of Instructor. We are seeking someone who embodies the values of BridgeNorth, creates accessible and safe spaces for youth who have experienced sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. You understand how to create and maintain a “low-barrier” model of service and are comfortable operating “in the grey” as we serve a wide range of individuals with unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and needs.

You are open to learning, are flexible, and a strong team player who is committed to serving trafficked/exploited youth with excellence.

The Instructor is responsible for organizing and supporting individualized goal setting and progress plans in BridgeNorth’s LifeEdge Day Program. The instructor will foster a safe and caring learning environment, assessing skill levels, learning styles, accommodation other needs of each participant, developing programing and materials which meet the group and individual learners’ needs. They will develop life skills, academic, and other programming to support participants both on and off-site.

The instructor will keep a record of daily attendance and individual progress of each participant. They will build relationships with each participant and work with the Direct Services team to ensure excellent care for participants.

Candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have lived experience and are unsure if you meet the qualifications for the role, we encourage you to contact us.

Organizational Profile

BridgeNorth’s mission is to restore the inherent dignity and value of sexually exploited women and girls by meeting their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. We help individuals experience freedom from sex trafficking in Canada through survivor-led support, prevention, education, and advocacy. We provide direct service to individuals and families impacted by sex trafficking, create public education and awareness, and advocate on behalf of trafficked persons for systemic change.

We lead out of lived experience and trauma-informed care. We work with all people. We are an inclusive community dedicated to representing and supporting the diverse needs of the individuals whom we serve.

We are especially focused on ensuring that BridgeNorth is a safe place for participants and partners who are part of vulnerable communities and/or marginalized identities, which are sadly over-represented in sex trafficking in Canada, such as LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC populations.

The Individual We’re Looking For

This is a role for someone who has a strong belief in, and deep care for, vulnerable youth. You are flexible and empathetic and have an understanding of trauma-informed, youth centred, and low-barrier care. As a member of a multidisciplinary team supporting female and gender-diverse youth at risk of or experiencing sex trafficking, you believe in the capabilities and possibilities of each youth and deliver education and programming to foster that in each participant.





You build hope within them and a belief that they matter. You pay attention to detail, understanding each person is unique. You tailor your care and progress plans to assist youth to reach their goals.

You are committed to their development as individuals and desire to support them to grow into the people they want to be. You don’t hesitate to learn from a mistake or help others around you see the possibilities that can come from unexpected challenges or outcomes. You know how to deliver excellent service, and you value authenticity and transparency.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design and Development

· Plans and designs for individualized goal setting, progress planning, and activities according to the needs of participants in the program

· Designs and develops lessons in life skills to deliver to participants using group and individual approaches

Engages in collaborative planning meetings such[KT1] as educational professionals, child welfare workers, treatment center staff, etc.

· Plans and implements food budgets, purchases groceries, and prepares meals with participants as part of life skills programming

· Develops and maintains classroom schedule and structure

· Identifies and invites guest speakers to educate on relevant topics to participants

· Identifies and organizes regular group outings for participants

· Identifies additional opportunities for participant learning

Classroom Delivery

· Instructs life skills and educational information through group and individual approaches

· Collaborates with support workers to facilitate individualized learning plans and manage classroom dynamics

· Collaborates with the Manager of Direct Services on program planning and scheduling

· Creates a safe and positive learning environment for all participants

· Provides and maintains structure and clear boundaries in the program

· Delivers instruction, manages classroom dynamics, and supports participants following these theoretical approaches:

o Person-centred o Trauma-informed o Stages of Change o Harm Reduction o Strengths-based o GBA+

o Feminist o Anti-oppressive o Anti-racist o Culturally relevant o Low barrier

· Provides ongoing assessments of participant’s progress and challenges

· Ensures proper documentation and evaluation is maintained on classroom activities and individual interactions in the Case Management system according to organizational policies such as:

o Case Notes o Progress notes o Participant information forms o Attendance logs o Correspondence/email summaries

· Works closely with participants’ Case Manager and Support Worker to ensure continuity and excellence of care

· Provides tailored support to individual participants, adapting and modifying approach, instruction, and materials when necessary, based on group and individual learning styles and needs

· Identifies and implements accommodations needed for participants based on their circumstances, diagnoses, learning styles, needs, etc.

· Co-Facilitates a classroom-based prevention program with up to 12 youth aged 12 to 18

General

· Provides on going support and encouragement to participants

· Debriefs with supervisor and team members on participants/classroom progress and issues

· Is consistent and positive in approach with participants

· Establishes supportive relationships with participants and sets appropriate limits and boundaries

· Promotes, through the harm reduction model, healthy lifestyles, relationships, and individuality with participants

· Handles crisis situations in an appropriate manner

· As part of the team, helps provide for the safety of self,



co-workers and organization participants by assessing potential risk situations and identifying/strategizing solutions with Manager of Direct Services and authorities as required

· May deliver education and awareness presentations in the community (i.e. schools, churches, social service agencies, etc.)

· May conduct intake for the SAVVY prevention program as required

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

- Maintains confidentiality in accordance with organization standards and Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) legislation.
- Commitment to ongoing learning
- Understands group dynamics and has strong facilitation skills
- Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group
- Empathy and active listening skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including in group and one-on-one settings
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong self-care practices
- Strong computer skills, particularly with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgement in conflictual and stressful situations
- Good organizational and interpersonal skills
- Ability to self-regulate and manage well in a crisis
- Adaptable and flexible

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE · Lived experience of sex trafficking/sexual exploitation is a strong asset.

· For applicants with lived experience, a minimum of 3 years exited

· Post-secondary education preferred at either the college or university level

- Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, Ontario College of Child and Youth Care Practitioners, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or equivalent college is a strong asset
- 3-5 years experience developing and delivering education material and/or facilitating group programs
- Experience and/or understanding of program delivery of trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based, feminist, anti-oppression, anti-racist, culturally sensitive, and low-barrier services
- Experience working with youth with multiple vulnerabilities which may include racialization, transient housing or homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, abuse, neglect, diagnoses such as FASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, eating disorders, depression, etc.)
- Experience in the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) or Violence Against Women (VAW) sectors is an asset
- Experience working within the public school system an asset
- Experience working with youth (12-24 years old)
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with vulnerable adolescents and adults
- Certification in Mental Health, Addictions, Youth, Trauma Counselling etc. is an asset
- UMAB or CPI certification (preferred)
- ASIST or suicide intervention/prevention training (preferred)
- First Aid & CPR (preferred)
- Vulnerable Sector Clearance Certificate
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License and a vehicle. The role requires staff to drive to various locations in and around York Region and South Simcoe to deliver program and be in the community with participants.
- Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

- Employee assistance program

Schedule:
- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newmarket, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:
- teaching/facilitation: 3 years (preferred)
- working with vulnerable youth: 2 years (required)
- working in Anti-Human Trafficking or Violence Against Women: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person Job Type: Full time

Pay: $55,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Employee assistance program

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newmarket, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):
- Do you have lived experience of sex trafficking and/or sexual exploitation?

Experience:
- teaching/facilitation: 3 years (preferred)
- working with vulnerable youth: 2 years (required)
- working in Anti-Human Trafficking or Violence Against Women: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Instructor (Newmarket)
🏢 BridgeNorth Women's Mentorship u0026 Advocacy Services
📍 Newmarket