Youth Empowerment Specialist

**At Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto (BBBST), our vision is to build thriving communities by **empowering lives through mentorship.**

**Job Title**:Youth Empowerment Specialist** (mpact Boys Mentoring Program and Thrive Black Youth Mentoring Program)

**Reports to**: Manager, Group Programs and Director of Service Delivery

**Summary**:
The Youth Empowerment Specialist will be responsible for the overall coordination of the Impact (_mpact_) Boys Mentoring Program and the I Thrive ( Thrive) Black Youth Mentoring Program, including the recruitment, screening, and training of volunteers (mentors), networking with schools, curriculum development, program support/facilitation and evaluation.

Promote a thriving community of current and future men by:

- Delivering the _mpact and Thrive _program and any future boys’ empowerment mentoring programs at BBBST.
- Modernizing program curriculum and structure to better fit the needs of young boys.
- Provide multigenerational support for current and future men.

mpact Boys Mentoring Program is a group-based mentorship program designed to engage boys in grades 6 through 8 in the city of Toronto. The mpact program provides a safer space for participants to build life skills, confidence, resiliency and covers topics such as bullying, gender and masculinity, anti-violence, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

The Thrive Black Youth Mentoring Program is a culturally specific initiative focused on empowering Black students in grades 6 through 8 in Toronto. Through meaningful mentoring relationships with Black mentors, we address cultural and racial barriers while nurturing self-identity. Our program is grounded in an Anti-Black Racism lens, recognizing the daily impact of racial injustice on Black communities.

**Responsibilities**:

- Manage and coordinate the setup, operation, and conclusion of multiple mpact and Thrive programs in multiple locations deploying and supervising volunteer facilitators across Toronto.
- Support mpact and Thrive volunteer facilitators in the successful delivery of the program through quality training, on-site support, and consistent correspondence.
- Ensure volunteer, host school (and community center) and youth’s satisfaction with the mpact and Thrive program.
- Address any issues of concern and use problem solving skills to ensure the success and completion of the program.
- Increase engagement and retention of quality volunteers through consistent communication and volunteer appreciation events/opportunities.
- Enhance program’s curriculum and delivery through research, providing lessons learned from current issues that plague young boys.
- Network and build strategic partnerships with similar youth/community services, and like-minded organizations that support boy empowerment initiatives.
- Abide by BBBST policies and procedures managing both physical files and a confidential database.
- Collaborate with the Stewardship Group and identify additional partnership opportunities.
- Perform administration functions promptly including correct use of CRM Dynamics Case Management System and compliance with BBBSC National Standards of documentation and recordkeeping.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to the privacy statement as set out in the Policies and Procedures at BBBST

**Qualifications**:

- Undergraduate Degree in relevant discipline or at least 5 years of experience in social service area in youth programming and development.
- Experience facilitating groups of adolescents in recreational or educational settings.
- Experience working with people of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong understanding of interests and passions of children and youth; more specifically young boys, including youth from Black communities.
- Experience with recruitment and coordination of volunteers.
- Experience in Case Management, assessment, and intake.
- Familiar with program development and preparing curriculums.
- Demonstrated ability to use creativity to meet the needs of today’s children and youth.
- Interpersonal skills required for canvassing and building networks with other community organizations and schools.
- Strong organizational skills including time management, prioritizing, and multi-tasking.
- Use of own vehicle is highly preferred as travel is necessary to access local schools, communities, and neighborhoods.
- Successful up-to-date Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Ability to work flexible hours to meet client needs, including 1-2 evenings a week and some weekends.
- Requires in-office work as well as regular travel to Toronto communities, schools and neighborhoods.

**Integrity** - Embrace courage. Let honesty guide our actions. Work with purpose and principle.

**Trust** - Be honest. Show and receive vulnerability. Believe in each others’ abilities. Create a safe space to honour EDI.

**Respect** - We are equals. Recognize and appreciate one another. Be kind. L