Position Description

Are you a dynamic and empathetic female individual dedicated to fostering community connections and empowering youth? Join our passionate team as a Child and Youth Worker at NeighbourLink North York! You'll be part of a well-connected organization deeply embedded in the community, offering outstanding personal and professional development opportunities.

• Position: Child and Youth Worker (5-month contract starting as soon as possible)
• Salary/Hours: $25 per hour for 25 hours per week
• Location: In-person in the Willowdale community
• Reporting to: Youth Program Manager

In this role, you will plan, coordinate, and execute an enriching after-school program for the underserved community of Willowdale. Working with a supportive team that values collaboration and innovation, you'll have the resources and mentorship needed to succeed. Your schedule will include:

• Working with children in their community on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, late afternoons
• Leading the Girls Empowerment Program meant for teen girls within the community on Tuesday evenings
• Facilitate our tutoring program on Thursday evenings for youth in the community
• Commuting youth to our church partners' Christian-focused programming or activities outside the community on Friday evenings.

We seek a motivated and compassionate individual with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. You will engage with parents, community partners, and local churches to create meaningful experiences for youth, focusing on the under-resourced and vulnerable. By building strong relationships, you will mentor and guide the youth you encounter, impacting their lives and the community.

Responsibilities:

Program Management (80%)

• Collaborate with the Youth Program Manager to design, implement, and evaluate the after-school program, ensuring it caters to the diverse needs of youth.
• Lead the Girls Empowerment Program by fostering a safe, supportive environment for teen girls, facilitating creative and engaging activities, and collaborating with community partners to develop and deliver impactful workshops.
• Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations to facilitate the safe and timely transportation of children and youth to off-site programs and activities.
• Facilitate the tutoring program by creating a supportive learning environment, working with volunteers to provide academic guidance
• Develop and uphold operational procedures, including adherence to Plan to Protect policies.
• Partner with the Training and Development Coordinator to support youth requiring additional assistance.
• Foster a culture of respect and dignity, maintaining confidentiality and nurturing a welcoming environment for all participants.
• Identify service gaps and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Stay abreast of local youth services and programs, facilitating referrals as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Maintain effective communication with parents/caregivers via various channels.

Communications and Administration (10%)

• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to bolster program support and minimize duplication of effort. This includes outreach to local schools, businesses, organizations and grantors.
• Maintain daily participant attendance for each program
• Communicate pertinent information to parents regarding the girls' program
• Maintain constant communication with the Youth Program Manager

Team Support (10%)

• Support other team members as needed, especially with large-scale events when all staff members are involved.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in social work or a related field.
• Commitment to serving low-income populations with diversity, social justice, and anti-oppression principles.
• Proven experience coordinating and leading youth programs, including arts, sports, and recreational activities.
• Strong understanding of and dedication to inclusivity and cultural competency.
• Knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to mentor and provide positive role modelling for youth.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Google Suite; Canva proficiency is an asset.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, patient, and flexible.
• First Aid and CPR certification are assets.
• Preference will be given to individuals whose lived experiences reflect those of the community we serve, particularly those from Black communities.
• G-Drivers' license with a good standing background is an asset

About Us:

NeighbourLink North York is a Christian Community development organization in Willowdale, North York. Our mission is to engage and empower neighbours to care for each other in practical, relational and sustainable ways that give everyone the opportunity to live out their potential. As a Christian-based organization, we have spiritual practices, including contemplation and prayer, as a part of our meetings. We do not require all of our employees to be of the Christian faith, but invite them to participate according to their comfort level. Please note that this program has Christian components, such as devotionals and church.