Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto

CCAS' physical workplace is rated as very good. The CCAS has six offices across Toronto. The downtown head office is located on a quiet residential street, steps away from busy Yonge Street. The Society's head office was recently renovated and employee feedback was incorporated into the building's new workplace design. Inside, the head office building features a employee lounge (with comfortable seating and television); nap room; religious observance room; secure bicycle parking; free parking; close to several public transit stations; nearby fitness facility (with subsidized memberships); self-serve lunchroom; two Starbucks coffee shop within walking distance.

CCAS' work atmosphere is rated as very good. On the job, CCAS employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. The subsidized social committee organizes a variety of events throughout the year, including a Christmas potluck lunch, a separate children's Christmas party, a popular "20-minute makeover" day, a multicultural potluck lunch. CCAS employees also manage their own volleyball and baseball teams that compete in local leagues. In addition, the Society hosts a long service recognition celebration, a wellness fair, annual administrative and supervisor staff days away, and foster caregiver and volunteer recognition events. Employees at the Society stay informed about new developments and can provide direct feedback through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; traditional suggestion box; email suggestion box.

CCAS' financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. The Society also provides defined benefit pension plan; retirement planning assistance; discounted auto lease rates; annual recognition bonuses for employees celebrating 10 or more years of service; year-end bonuses for some employees.

CCAS' health and family benefits are rated as exceptional. The Society's health benefits plan is managed by Green Shield. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. The health plan is a flexible plan with adjustable premiums and coverage levels. Employees who work 14 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The health plan also includes retiree coverage with no age limit. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($500 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Fitness club subsidy. The Society's family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 70% of salary for 30 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 70% of salary for 30 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 70% of salary for 30 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; extended unpaid parental leave option (beyond the first year). Employees may apply for an additional two-year leave of absence following maternity or adoption leave. The Society also provides employees with 8 paid days off each year for family leave, which can be used for family medical appointments, daycare and elder care.

The CCAS also operates a unique trauma support team that includes 15 specially trained employees who provide counselling and support services to employees facing unforeseen family emergencies. Additional family-friendly benefits include; compassionate top-up payment (to 70% of salary for 8 weeks) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; telecommuting; 35-hour work week (with full pay); shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); reduced summer hours program; compressed work week; earned days off (EDO) program; phased-in retirement work options; job-sharing.

CCAS' vacation and personal time-off are rated as exceptional. New employees receive 4 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 1 personal day off each year, as needed. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 1 day off. Employees receive 5 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. The Society also grants employees unpaid leaves of absence last year, ranging from a few days to a full year. After 10 years on the job, employees receive an additional day of vacation each year, up to a maximum of 6 weeks annual vacation.

CCAS' employee engagement program is rated as above-average. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. Exit interview provided for departing employees. As part of the review process, employees complete self-evaluations and meet with their manager to discuss past progress and set goals for the upcoming year. CCAS sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 24 months); CCAS hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 36 months).

CCAS' training and skills development program is rated as average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. The CCAS works closely with schools of social work at a number of Canadian universities and community colleges. As part of this initiative, the Society operates a comprehensive student placement program and is recognized as a professional teaching centre for future social workers. The Society also assists employees' career development with in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; formal mentoring program; career planning services; new employee orientation program; formal mangement training program; management training and succession planning; outside temporary work assignments; teaching opportunities for senior employees; full- and part-time educational leaves of absence; paid time off to attend post-secondary classes.

CCAS' community involvement program is rated as above-average. The Society actively supports a variety of local charitable initiatives. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Last year, employees donated over 5,500 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 3 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. Beyond its own significant role in the community, much of the Society's focus is directed to the Hope For Children Foundation. Every year employees participate in numerous events, including a golf tournament, raffles, barbeques, summer camps and toy drives to raise funds for the charity, which assists in providing academic scholarships to youth of all ages.