Youth Leadership Facilitator

**The opportunity**:
The Youth Leadership Facilitator at the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the youth room, providing a safe and welcoming environment for youth to gather and socialize. This role requires fostering trust and respect among youth participants while maintaining a supportive atmosphere that encourages autonomy and self-expression. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in our community by providing a supportive and empowering space for personal growth and social connection.

**In this role, you will**:

- Prepare the youth room for daily activities, ensuring it is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
- Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment by arranging furniture, decorations, and equipment to facilitate social interaction and relaxation.
- Provide supervision and support to youth participants during operating hours, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Foster a sense of community and belonging by engaging with youth in positive interactions and offering encouragement and guidance as needed.
- Build trust and respect among youth participants through consistent and fair interactions, demonstrating empathy, and maintaining confidentiality.
- Act as a role model for positive behavior and conflict resolution, helping youth develop social and emotional skills.
- Facilitate open-ended activities and opportunities for youth to engage in self-directed play, such as games, art projects, and music.
- Encourage youth to express themselves authentically and explore their interests in a non-judgmental environment.
- Collaborate with other YMCA staff members to coordinate programming and resources that meet the diverse needs and interests of youth participants.
- Collaborate with community partners to fulfill youth needs and uphold program initiative requirements.
- Enforce YMCA policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of all youth participants and staff members.

**You bring**:

- Grade 12 minimum.
- An interest in youth social work considered an asset.
- Previous experience working with youth in a recreational or educational setting considered an asset.
- Knowledge of youth development principles and best practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to establish rapport and build positive relationships with youth.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
- Understanding of and commitment to YMCA values and mission.
- Clear Police Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after commencement of work including:

- AODA Training
- Health & Safety Awareness Training
- Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
- PCI Compliance
- WHMIS
- Child Protection Training

**Why work for the Y**:
At the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Youth Leadership Facilitator, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our members and the community as a whole. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our mission of building healthy communities.

**Perks**:

- Compensation $17.00/hour
- Extended Health benefits after 90 days
- Paid sick time
- Wellness day
- YMCA Health and Fitness membership

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.

**About us**:
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility.

Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate.

Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their pot