Youth Engagement Specialist

**Division**:
Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 6 to 12 months

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Under the direction of the Manager, the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion activities pertaining to youth health (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity, substance abuse/misuse, tobacco control, injury prevention, mental health, social determinants of health and other relevant health issues) in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS), policies of the corporation and approved budget. The YES will work on a multi-disciplinary team including; Youth Peer Leaders, Young Adult Peer Leaders, youth volunteers, Health Promoters, Public Health Nurses, Managers, Community Health Brokers and various external partners to engage youth of diverse backgrounds in the planning, implementation and/or evaluation phase(s) of health promotion initiatives. The YES will utilize knowledge in health promotion, youth engagement, community outreach, and reach impact the health and health equity of Niagara’s youth.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: Community Health Sciences, Child & Youth Studies, Public Health or other related discipline
- Certificate in Volunteer management is an asset
- Health promotion training and health equity training is an asset
- BEd/working with youth is an asset

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- 2-3 years’ experience in similar role
- Experience working with youth and young adults
- An understanding and commitment to youth engagement and peer education
- Experience utilizing a health promotion model - raising awareness, building capacity, advocating and working toward healthy public policy
- Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating health programming
- Demonstrated knowledge of the effect of health inequities/inequalities and its impact on youth and their families, which includes the effects of poverty, marginalization, addiction, mental illness and isolation are required.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of working with vulnerable youth as individuals and as communities are required.

**SKILLS**:

- Facilitation and leadership skills
- Excellent oral/written communication skills
- Experience in recruiting, negotiating and supporting multiple community and/or corporate partners is desirable
- Experience is required in mass/multi-channel media, including social media and effective media strategies
- Proven ability to work independently, as well as, cooperatively within a multi-disciplinary team
- Skills and experience working with youth and young adults of diverse backgrounds, community development, and mobilizing youth in civic action activities
- Skills and ability to identify and capitalize on collective impact opportunities with community partners
- Skills and experience working with youth on creative and innovative projects with an ability to manage potential risk
- Strong organizational skills

**SPECIAL CONDITIONS**:

- Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted specified license for the class of the vehicle operated
- Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
- In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check / vulnerable sectors screening and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
- An annual influenza vaccination is recommended

**Closing Statement**:
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY
- Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
- Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
- In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 - Human Resources Department