August 14, 2024 Posting #1444
YouthLink believes in the potential of every youth. We are dedicated to providing them with the support, guidance and opportunities they need to make positive life choices. We provide youth with brief and ongoing counselling, in-home wraparound support, shelter, housing, educational support, and safe drop-in spaces. YouthLink works towards equitable outcomes for youth in our community and, as such, is committed to equity-based hiring practices.
We welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve, particularly candidates from Black communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities and people with lived experiences. We are seeking candidates who demonstrably operate and practice from an equity and trauma-informed lens. We encourage applications from passionate professionals who will help us dismantle systemic barriers and will embrace working outside of Euro-centric practices.
Program Facilitator, Peer Support
(Temporary, Part-time 20 hours per week)
(Starting ASAP – March 31, 2025)
(Bargaining Unit Position)
Youthlink is seeking an experienced Program Facilitator-Peer Support to oversee a three-year project funded by the City of Toronto. The project entails working with three community partners to implement weekly group programming for youth in Eglington East. The coordinator will plan and conduct holistic activities and workshops to develop skills, enhance self-efficacy, and foster connections among youth to address violence and conflict resolution while improving employment skills in the community.
Highlights of Your Role
Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement a dynamic weekly group program that addresses the diverse needs of the youth in Eglinton East.
Organize and facilitate workshops covering various life skills topics, including Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Gender-Based Violence and Healthy Relationships, Stress Management, Cooking, and Health and wellness.
Arrange monthly workshops featuring guest speakers who share their lived experiences within the system and have transitioned into successful business owners or entrepreneurs.
Oversee Elder Support Groups conducted through the Afrocentric Neighbourhood Group, fostering intergenerational connections and community support.
Manage the operation of weekly youth lounges at both the Hub and YouthLink’s Danforth Road location, providing a safe and engaging space for youth to connect and unwind.
Facilitate access to employment opportunities for youth through peer work, involvement in the youth advisory council, event support, and partnerships with local community businesses.
Develop and oversee mentorship and leadership support programs, including collaboration with community partners such as Peace Builders, Zero Gun Violence Movement
Plan and implement Crisis Intervention training workshops for youth
Coordinate and organize a series of special events throughout the year, including Talent Show, Violence Intervention & Prevention Day, Black History Month Celebrations, Elder Community Circle Celebration, Youth Leadership and Mentorship Day, Graduation Celebrations, and Back to School Celebrations.
Supports Organization’s Strategy: Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall plan. This includes continual learning to proactively and enthusiastically stay update on best practices as it relates toEquity, Diversity and Belonging and organizational development. .
This position is also expected to take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect their health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices.
All other job duties as required.
Highlights of What You Bring
Education:
· Completion of Social Services Worker Diploma, Child & Youth Worker Diploma or combination of education and directly related experience.
Experience:
· One (1) year experience working with youth in a variety of different contexts, schools, community, shelters and workshop facilitating.
· Previous experience in program facilitation, youth engagement, and community development is essential.
· An understanding of the strengths and capacities of, as well as the barriers and challenges faced by Scarborough black and racialized youth
· Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage and coordinate diverse activities.
· Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with youth, families, community partners, and stakeholders.
· Cultural competence and a commitment to addressing violence within the community.
· Familiarity with the Scarborough or Eglington East and its resources is a plus.
· Demonstrated empathy and understanding of the community’s challenges faced by youth and families in Scarborough
· Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and the ability to provide support during community crises.
· Sensitivity to cultural diversity and the ability to work within an Afrocentric framework.
· Proficient in excellent written and verbal communication. Skilled at fostering rapport with staff, volunteers, partners, and youth.
· Knowledge of Anti-Black racism and the impact on youth
· Operates using a strong Anti-Black Racism lens is an asset.
· Bilingualism is an asset.
Additional requirements:
VSS Police Reference Check required.
Compensation:
· $50,105 (to be pro-rated based on hours worked)
Work Location:
· 596 Danforth Road and various YouthLink sites
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
· The position holder must be able to lift tables and program materials when setting up community space and workshops on a regular basis.
· This position requires working Tuesday to Friday, daytime and evenings, with occasional weekend work.
Full job description available here:
https://youthlink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Program-Facilitator-Peer-Support-Footprintz-JD-July-2024-1.pdf
How to Apply
· Submit application to communityposting@youthlink.ca – Please quote posting #1444 in the subject line.
As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities. If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact accessibility@youthlink.ca.
· Job Posting closing date – Open Until Filled.
Tagged as: child and youth, social work