Position Description

Fresh Start Support Services | St. Thomas, ON

Position Type: Permanent, Part-Time (16 – 24 hours/week)
Compensation: $18 -$21/hour

About Fresh Start Support Services

Fresh Start Support Services is multi-service, non-profit charitable organization located in St Thomas, Ontario. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for families while putting Christ's love into action. 

We support pregnant and parenting women, children, and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing supportive transitional housing, community drop-in programs, parenting programs, child development screening and support, system navigation, and practical support. Our programs and services aid families in developing the skills required to end the cycle of hurt and poverty. We strive to foster healthy attachment in the infant-parent relationship, building healthier family units integrated into their own communities. We work collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and supports that respond to mental health, parenting, educational and transitional needs. 

All Fresh Start’s programs are trauma informed and attachment focused and built on a Christian theological foundation and with the purpose to show Christ’s love. All the programs and services are open to families, young parents and their children living in the broader community regardless of the client’s race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.
Position Overview

The Program Facilitator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating drop-in programs and structured parenting programs at our Fresh Start Haven (our community drop-in centre) and House of Homes. Programs primarily serve parents and caregivers with children from 0-6 years of age and focus on early childhood development, positive parenting, learning through play, and family well-being. 
The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting families, understands the importance of early childhood development, and is committed to upholding Fresh Start’s Christian beliefs, values, and mission. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Facilitation

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate, educational activities that promote the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children ages 0–6
• Lead drop-in programs at Fresh Start Haven and House of Homes, creating welcoming, safe, and inclusive environments for parents, caregivers, and children
• Plan and facilitate structured parenting and family education programs that encourage positive parenting practices, healthy parent-child relationships, and child development
• Prepare program materials, activities, and resources that support learning through play and caregiver-child interaction
• Adapt activities and programming to meet the developmental needs and interests of participating children and families
• Encourage parent and caregiver participation, confidence, and connection with their children

Family Support and Relationship Building

• Build positive, respectful relationships with parents, caregivers, children, and community partners
• Foster an environment where families feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged
• Collaborate with the Family System Navigator to connect families with relevant community resources and supports when appropriate
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow organizational policies and procedures

Program Administration and Safety

• Prepare program spaces and materials before sessions and ensure areas are clean, organized, and safe
• Maintain attendance records, program documentation, and other required reports
• Promote children's safety during activities and follow applicable health, safety, and child protection requirements
• Assist with program evaluation and contribute ideas for improving and developing programming
• Collaborate with Fresh Start staff to support the organization's programs, events, and overall mission

Faith and Mission

• Personally support and uphold Fresh Start Support Services' Christian beliefs, values, and mission
• Demonstrate Christ-centred compassion, integrity, and a service-oriented approach when working with families and colleagues
• Incorporate faith-based encouragement and resources into programming where appropriate
• Foster a culture of dignity, hope, encouragement, and community for the families we serve

Qualifications and Requirements

• A degree in early childhood education (ECE), child and youth care (CYC), child development, or an acceptable level of education, skills and experience
• Experience working with young children, parents, caregivers, or families is an asset
• Knowledge of early childhood development, age-appropriate activities, and positive parenting practices
• Experience facilitating educational groups, parenting programs, or family programming is an asset
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and group facilitation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team
• A compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental approach when working with families from diverse backgrounds and circumstances
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR certification
• A satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, as a condition of employment

Working Conditions

• 40 hours/week with occasional evening or weekend work
• Mostly in-person services required with some opportunities for virtual services
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
• Exposure to high noise levels, bodily fluids, and infectious illness/disease
• Ability to lift and/or move between 10 to 30 pounds
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, kneeling and crawling
• Comfort in leading groups and meeting people they do not know
• Travel may be required

Fresh Start offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional growth and career development. This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families by supporting early childhood development, strengthening parenting relationships, and fostering a supportive community.

The successful candidate must agree to Fresh Start's Statement of Faith and Sanctity of Life Statement, consistent with our Christian foundation.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Fresh Start's Accommodation Policy, accommodations will be provided throughout the hiring process. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their accommodation needs in advance.
Fresh Start encourages applications from individuals who reflect the diverse populations we serve.
For more information about our organization, please visit www.fsms.ca.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to tfehr@fsms.ca. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.

Date of posting: October 27, 2026