Careers
Come Join the HPCAS Family!
Located in the picturesque town of Goderich and the City of Stratford, Ontario, we are committed to partnering with communities to provide professional child protection services. We advocate for and protect children’s rights; support and strengthen families and we are leaders for positive change in our community.
HPCAS is committed to staffing a workforce representative of the diverse population we serve. We encourage applicants from African Canadian, Indigenous, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ communities to apply and to self-identify in their cover letter. We are also committed to creating an accessible environment for all. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We thank all applicants, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
About HPCAS
The HPCAS family is comprised of full-time, part-time and casual employees, as well as volunteers who are dedicated to serving the well-being of children and families Huron and Perth counties. We operate from our head office in Stratford, and our branch office in Goderich.
Huron County, Ontario’s West Coast, is located along the shores of Lake Huron. This vibrant rural community is the most agriculturally productive county in Ontario, and a leader in numerous areas of agricultural technology and innovation.
The County of Perth is a rich agricultural community, diverse in its heritage and culture. It’s located in the centre of Southwestern Ontario and is comprised of thriving communities that are fit for your business and life.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To advocate for and protect children’s rights; to support and strengthen families; and to be a leader for positive change in our community.
Vision
Safe Children. Confident Youth. Resilient Adults.
Why work for us?
Flexible Work Environment
Work/life balance and flexibility are priorities for HPCAS.
Competitive Benefits Package
Competitive base salary and extended group health and dental insurance plans for permanent full-time employees.
OMERS Pension
Eligible employees can participate in our OMERS pension plan, with employer and employee sharing premiums equally.
Inclusive and Diverse Staff
HPCAS is committed to the diversity of our workforce being present at every level of the organization and in every service area, as well as having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the communities that we serve.
Vacation
Full-time employees start with 21 days of vacation for the first five years.
Casual Dress Code
Our staff are encouraged to wear casual dress, less formal than business casual. We use this as a means to better our relationship with our community, by breaking down any perceived power barrier between community members and our staff.
Please see our external recruitment section below to learn about the steps in this process.
You will be required to provide the following as a condition of employment:
- Criminal Reference Check – request completed personally at your local Police Station; cost reimbursed 100%
- The use of an automobile
- A Valid full “G” Ontario Driver’s License and vehicle are required
- Proof of business use automobile insurance with third party liability coverage of $2,000,000 including accident benefits, collision and comprehensive
- Medical Note from your physician stating that you are medically fit for employment as well as a Tuberculin Disease Screening (TB test)
- Copy of most recent relevant education degree/diploma
HPCAS is fully committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of Huron and Perth Counties and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and those from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
HPCAS is committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free.
Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview.
Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
We appreciate all applications received. All communications will be held in strict and professional confidence. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their submissions.
External Recruitment Process
Job Posting
A job is posted to fill a vacancy need (backfill, special project or additional support). Prior to posting a position, requisitions and service level agreements have been established. In addition to accommodation considerations.
Application
Applicants are pre-screened to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Qualified applicants then move to the next stage in the recruitment process.
Assessment
Applicants are provided with an assessment which is used to analyze their knowledge, skills and abilities as it relates to the role requirements.
Interview
Successful applicants are then invited to participate in a panel interview (virtual or in person).
Appraisal
Once interviews have concluded, the panel will evaluate all applicant interview scores to identify the top candidate. (If applicable) Collective Agreement provisions such as seniority are considered, e.g. in the case of two close applicants. Next steps may include additional interviews and/or testing prior to moving forward to references.
Offer
Once all required checks are complete, the successful applicant is made a verbal offer of employment followed by a written offer. Once a signed offer is received, all unsuccessful applicants are notified via email and offered feedback.
Onboarding
Orientation activities such as access, equipment, additional documentation, onboarding, and training begin.
Let’s Get Social
1d
Did you know? Research shows that broad kin networks are directly linked to better outcomes for children and youth in the child welfare system.
Here are 5 reasons why child welfare is increasingly collaborating with community members to keep children and youth safe
1.) Children …and youth in the care of the child welfare system really care about the adults in their extended networks – regardless of whether they are related to them or not.
2.) Children and youth are safer and happier when extended kin networks are involved in their lives.
3.) Community members who are familiar to a child or youth (also sometimes referred to as “kith”) can be great primary caregivers when children and youth are not able to live with their families.
4.) Broad kinship networks also improve outcomes for children and youth in care because they provide invaluable respite to the primary temporary caregiver, whether it is a foster parent or kin parent who has stepped in.
5.) Broad kinship networks are strong and highly valued in many racialized and ethnic communities, as well as in Indigenous communities. Given the known overrepresentation of both Indigenous and African Canadian children and youth in Ontario’s child welfare system, the Reconciliation Call to Action as well as the One Vision One Voice: Changing the Child Welfare System for African Canadians Race Equity Practices have recommended placing Indigenous and Black children and youth with their kinship networks within their communities.
2d
The Huron – Perth Children’s Aid Society had the pleasure of welcoming consultants, Heidi Hebditch and Rosina Harvey, to the agency for a 3-day Safety Planning Practice Intensive where staff had the opportunity to strengthen their Signs of Safety practice.
It was an amazing three …days of collaboration and learning.
#HPCAS #ChildWelfare
3d
The Ignite Students were proud to complete their first “Stained Glass” art pieces! 🫶
These intricate pieces took patience and a steady hand. Their effort paid off because they are stunning!
Ignite is a creative learning program focused on Igniting Curiosity, Creativity …and Confidence! Each week we explore a new activity with the help of our dedicated Volunteer Mentors.
#IgniteStudents #HPCAS
3d
September 18 to 22 is Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week. During this week, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies celebrate the family and community members who support children and youth when they need it most.
When it is not possible for …children or youth to live with their primary caregiver, child welfare agencies first look to family and community for placement options. Kinship placements can involve biologically related kin, members of cultural communities, or individuals with other social, emotional, or community connections, such as teachers, coaches, or neighbours.
This year during Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week, OACAS is reflecting on the various layers – identity, relationships, organizations, community collaborations, and government – that influence the well-being of children and youth, as well as the family and community members who support and care for them
5d
From all of us at Huron-Perth Children's Aid Society, we wish you a happy Rosh Hashanah!
#HPCAS #RoshHashanah
1w
Unlock the Magic of Communication
Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers! Join us for an incredible early language workshop that will provide strategies to help enhance development.
Don't miss out! Call 519-271-5290 to register for our September 19th and 26th …workshop dates or visit the link in our bio.
#HPCAS #Workshop #ParentingResources
1w
International FASD Awareness Day is held annually on September 9th
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Day is held on the 9th day of the 9th month to highlight the importance of going alcohol-free during the full 9 months of pregnancy
We all have a role to play in FASD …prevention. The more we talk about the social and structural factors influencing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the more we are able to understand and act together on FASD-related issues.
Learn more about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) at www.canfasd.ca
#FASDMonth2023 #RedShoesRock #UnitingStrengths
1w
Today is #FosterFriday!
If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child or youth, we invite you to apply to become a foster caregiver.
To learn more, visit the link in our bio.
2w
Helping to ensure that children and adolescents stay healthy is important for their individual development.
Parents and caregivers play an important role in developing healthy eating habits by:
– Eating together
– Make healthy foods the routine
– Make healthy drink …choices
– Make mealtime the focus
– Getting the children involved in the kitchen.
For more information on healthy eating habits visit https://food-guide.canada.ca/en
#HPCAS #CanadaFoodGuide
2w
Happy Labour Day!
We hope everyone is having a wonderful final long weekend of summer.
Back-to-school season is in full swing! We have tips to help ease the transition into a new school year. (Source: @kidshelpphone)
1.) Prepare early: Write a list and prepare your …back-to-school essentials at the start of the summer instead of the end to avoid the rush.
2.) Sleep smart: In the weeks leading up to your first day, try going to bed earlier each night — and getting up earlier each morning — to help your body adjust to a new schedule.
3.) Know the route: No matter what method of transportation you use to get to school, it’s a good idea to test out the route so you know exactly how to get to class and how long it will take.
Feeling nervous or anxious about returning to school is common. If you need support, a Kids Help Phone counsellor is available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868.
3w
True or False? 13 is the legal age a child can be left home alone or to babysit other children.
If you guessed false, you are correct The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, does not identify a specific age at which a child can be left alone, or an age at which a child can …supervise or babysit other children.
The Act says that a person who has charge of a child who is less than 18 years of age cannot leave the children without making provision for their care or supervision that is reasonable under the circumstances.
4w
Installing a car seat can seem like a complicated task, but parents and caregivers are often pleasantly surprised at how easy it is once they know where to find the information they need.
There are four stages of child car seat including seat belt use for children. Each stage is designed …to keep your child as safe as possible, given their particular age, height and weight.
Stage 1: Rear-facing
Infants and young children ride facing the rear in an infant seat with a detachable base or in a convertible seat.
Stage 2: Forward-facing
Children who have outgrown their rear-facing seat and weigh at least 10 kg (22 lb) may ride facing the front in a child car seat.
Stage 3: Booster seats
Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seat and weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb).
Stage 4: Seat belts
The vehicle seat belt should only be used alone when children have outgrown their booster seats.
4w
Children and youth are at the centre of our services.
A child and youth's voice, identity, culture and heritage are at the centre of safety planning.
We centre services and planning around a child and youth’s voice, identity, culture, and heritage.
Great …emphasis is placed on ensuring that children and youth can stay with their families and be safe and thrive whenever possible. We try to minimize disruption and maintain connections with extended family, kin, and community.
1mo
We encourage individuals looking to enhance the lives of children and youth to apply to become a foster caregiver.
To learn more about the application process, visit: https://www.h-pcas.ca/foster-care-2/
#FosterFriday #HPCAS #HuronPerth
1mo
Most injuries to young children happen at home. Prevention is the most important thing parents and caregivers can do to keep children safe at home. Check your home often. Look at your home from your child's point of view to see what might be dangerous.
Make your home a safe place to …explore by:
– Blocking stairs with gates at the top and bottom.
– Cut cords for blinds and curtains short. Remove all drawstrings from clothing. Children can be strangled by these cords.
– Lock all medicines, vitamins, household cleaners, and other dangerous chemicals in a high cabinet.
– Keep lighters, matches, sharp objects and electrical appliances out of your child's reach.
– Attach all bookcases, heavy appliances, and other heavy furniture to the wall.
– Keep electrical outlets covered and tie up electrical cords.
#HomeSafety #HPCAS
1mo
As a parent, raising a child can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Positive parenting is an approach that emphasizes empathy, communication, and mutual respect between parents and children.
The purpose of positive parenting and positive discipline is to teach children …boundaries, values, and behaviour in a non-punitive way.
We are proud to offer a wide range of positive parenting resources. To find a resource visit: https://www.h-pcas.ca/caregiver-supports-2/positive-parenting/
1mo
Today, we recognize #InternationalYouthDay
This day is commemorated every year on August 12th, bringing youth issues to the international community's attention and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today's global society.
This year will focus on green …skills for youth, highlighting initiatives at the global and national levels, discussing relevant opportunities and challenges, and offering forward-looking policy guidance.
#InternationalYouthDay #HPCAS
1mo
From all of us at Huron-Perth CAS, we wish you a safe and happy long weekend.
Please be informed that our office is closed today in observance of the Civic holiday. However, our community can still get in touch with our trained workers by phone 24/7.
If you are not sure whether to… call, we recommend that you do. We are here to help and can be reached at:
☎️(519) 271-5290
☎️(519) 524-7356
☎️1-800-668-5094.
#HPCAS
1mo
Huron-Perth Children's Aid Society continues to encourage individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of children and youth to apply for our foster parent program.
We encourage individuals with a variety of backgrounds, who are single, living common-law, married, with or …without children of their own and range in cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is interested, visit the link in our bio to start your application, today
#FosterFriday #HPCAS #ChildWelfare
1mo
Did you know? In 2018, the age of protection in Ontario was raised from 16 to 18.
As a result, 16 and 17-year-olds are now eligible for the full range of child protection services, including the option of a voluntary youth services agreement if the youth is in need of protection and an …out-of-home placement is required.
A Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) is available for youth who:
🤝Are aged 16 or 17
🤝Cannot be adequately protected at home or in their current living situation
🤝Have no other safe options with family or friends
🤝Need an out-of-home placement
If you are concerned that a 16 or 17-year-old may be in need of protection; or if you are a 16 or 17-year-old and you think you may be in need of protection, you can contact us or the children’s aid society in your area.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
#YouthProtection #HPCAS #ChildWelfare