Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student

October 27^th, 2026

Student Placement Posting #2027-STU-01

New Role: Placement Student

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

[1 Vacancy – Unpaid – Winter Term]

The York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS) is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. As a leader within the child welfare sector, we partner with parents, caregivers, and community to provide a safe environment for children and youth, through equitable, culturally aligned services.

Comprised of interdisciplinary teams of diverse professionals who push boundaries in support of family centered care, we engage with children and families for a stronger, healthier community within the York Region.

YRCAS is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace and community where children youth and families thrive.

To support us on our journey, YRCAS is looking for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Placement Student to support our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team.

Why Complete Your Student Placement With Us?

• Hybrid working model (working virtual and in person).
• Casual dress code.
• Shortened Summer hours.
• Mileage Reimbursement.
• Enhanced Wellness Initiatives and Virtual Fitness Classes.
• The support of a dedicated student mentor and committed team to enhance your learning and provide opportunities for knowledge and skill development within and beyond the placement student role, potentially including but not limited to: departmental shadowing opportunities, internal and external learning and development opportunities, opportunities to participate in Agency committees, projects and events, and more!

SUMMARY OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Equity Practice Integration Specialist, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student will work within the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and may be asked to perform any of the following responsibilities with the direct support of their Student Mentor:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in DEI consultations, developing skills as a subject matter resource for staff and supervisors with respect to service planning for families and supporting the integration of equity within teams.
• Participate in the review of organizational policies and procedures to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion principles and best practices are embedded into Agency practice.
• Assist with research initiatives relevant to the diversity, equity and inclusion team, including current literature reviews, best practice reviews, and sector and community scans. Support the development of analysis, reports, presentations and recommendations as required.
• Support the design, development and delivery of relevant diversity, equity and inclusion training programs in collaboration with relevant community and internal stakeholders.
• Engage with individuals, groups and organizations to promote awareness of Agency services and to assist in building community support for the Agency.
• Participate in planning, organizing and attending virtual or in person internal and community events pertaining to departmental initiatives.
• Participate in relevant diversity, equity and inclusion lead committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Have awareness and competency in identifying and addressing bias, discrimination, and racism to disrupt systemic barriers that families, children, and youth are experiencing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anti-oppressive practice (AOP), anti-racism, and intersectionality.
• Strong facilitation, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to connect, collaborate and engage with individuals to ensure optimal service delivery to children, youth and families.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond to highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential and professional manner.
• Curious, creative and innovative thinker.
• Knowledge of community services within York Region and surrounding environments considered an asset.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, or a related human services program at the Bachelors or Masters level.
• Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle for the duration of the placement opportunity is required.
• Ability to work during evenings and occasional weekends is a required.

HOURS OF WORK: Up to 33.75 hours per week. Some flexibility is supported to meet the needs of the Placement Student’s Educational Requirements.

Candidates who meet the qualifications are welcome to apply through the ADP Student Portal no later than 11:59 PM on November 16^th, 2026.

Please quote job posting #2027-STU-01 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student.

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 thank all applicants for their submissions.

Employment at York Region Children’s Aid Society is conditional upon the verification of credentials, a satisfactory vulnerable sector check, a class “G” driver’s license with daily access to an insured vehicle, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination (2 doses required), as per YRCAS’ Mandatory COVID-19 policy.

York Region Children’s Aid Society works in a hybrid virtual and on-site working environment.

Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism at York Region Children’s Aid Society

YRCAS is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages application from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

York Region Children’s Aid Society is committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices is a key aspect of the search process. The current posting is in search of candidates who identified from the following equity seeking groups; women, racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you are of the aforementioned identities, and feel comfortable making it known, you may choose to self-identify as member of a designated group. Any information directly related to you is kept confidential and used in a safe manner to inform our recruitment process towards being an equal opportunity employer.

Vaccination Policy

The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated is defined as having received all of the required doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine and having received the final dose at least 14 days before your employment start date. The candidate will be asked to provide York Region Children’s Aid Society with proof of full vaccination, prior to the candidate’s employment start date. Acceptable proof includes an Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccine receipt which you can obtain through the Provincial portal https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/, or other government-issued vaccine passport or certification. As described above, the requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to the Ontario Human Rights Code. If the candidate is unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for a reason protected by the Code, requests for accommodation from the vaccine policy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to York Region Children’s Aid Society accommodation process.

Accommodation at YRCAS

We are 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 Department of People and Culture when contacted for an interview.

The Department of People and Culture 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.

Children at the heart of all that we do!