Join CASO’s Board of Directors and make a difference for children and families in your community!
As a leader in the child welfare sector, the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO) is seeking individuals from Ottawa’s diverse and linguistically rich community to join the Board of Directors. By setting strategic direction and providing strong organizational governance, Board Members play a critical role in the achievement of the Society’s mission of engaging families and communities to protect children and youth.
Board Members serve a three (3) year term and may be renewed for up to two (2) further consecutive terms.
The Organization:
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO) is a non-profit community organization funded by the Government of Ontario and mandated by law to promote the best interests, protection, and well-being of children in Ottawa. We are re-imagining our agency as an organization that works WITH children, youth, families, and their communities to achieve better outcomes for children and youth. Our plan aims to generate authentic engagement and create a culture of inclusion. We are part way through a 5-year strategic plan focussed on truth and reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, excellence and innovation, and community partnerships. Within the plan we are working to achieve three stretch goals:
- No child or youth will grow up in our care;
- No child or youth will exit our care into loneliness; and,
- Families feel empowered to make the best decisions for their child.
CASO was recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers in 2022.
The Role:
As one of up to sixteen volunteer Board members, you will make an important contribution to the well-being of children, youth, and families in this community through your responsibilities for overall governance and strategic direction of CASO.
The Board meets monthly to govern and oversee the management of CASO. After a period of orientation and learning, board members are also expected to participate in board committees.
Board functions include:
- Strategic planning, including the oversight of strategic plan implementation.
- Financial oversight, including proper management of the Society’s resources and oversight of risk management.
- Quality and performance measurement and monitoring.
- Stakeholder communication and accountability.
- Government relations and advocacy of the needs of children, youth, and families.
- Ensuring CASO actively works to recognize, challenge and dismantle systemic oppression and inequity in its service delivery.
Your contribution to the board will also include:
- A passion for CASO’s mission and vision and an understanding of our diverse and Indigenous communities.
- A commitment to action on equity, diversity, anti-racism, anti-colonialism and inclusion, including allyship with Ottawa’s diverse communities.
- An ability to devote about 8 – 10 hours a month to the work of the board, and strong strategic thinking, listening and teamwork skills.
- A willingness to speak up/play an active role in meetings and board governance and participate fully in decision-making activities.
While all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, currently we are particularly interested in hearing from:
- Those with lived experience of the child welfare system;
- Members of equity-deserving groups, particularly First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, individuals with varying visible and invisible abilities; and/or those
- With financial, communication or advocacy skills and experience.
How to Apply:
Please note – The Application period has ended.
As responsible employers, the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa strives to have a staff and board that reflect the diverse and bilingual/francophone communities we serve. CASO is committed to creating an equitable environment receptive to diverse experiences, perspectives and interests, inclusive of all, where all individuals, families, and communities are treated fairly with decency and respect, free of discrimination or harassment. The CASO Board provides leadership by considering diversity when recruiting new Directors, and to continue to guide and support equitable efforts for all who CASO serves.
