Relief Children's Programmer

About the role:

Job Title: Relief Children's Programmer

Reports to: Manager, Programs & Services

Job Classification: Relief, OPSEU Bargaining Unit Position

Work Schedule: Variable

Compensation: $32.43/hr

Date Posted: September 16, 2025

The Children's Programmer (Relief) plays an important role in the design and delivery of NYWS' child and youth programs. This role is responsible for developing and facilitating age-appropriate educational and recreational programs to support the positive social and emotional development of NYWS' children and youth clients in alignment with our principles of trauma-informed practice.

What you will be doing:

• Foster and maintain a trauma-informed, respectful, and inclusive environment for clients, colleagues, volunteers, and other members of the NYWS internal and external community while adhering to NYWS' policies and procedures.
• Design and facilitate age-appropriate activities and programs for NYWS' children and youth clients with a focus on promoting positive social and emotional development e.g., building confidence and self-esteem, healthy relationships, and self-leadership using play and inquiry-based learning strategies.
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion by considering diverse cultures, physical abilities, neurodiversity, and lived experiences of children and youth in the design and delivery of programs and services as well as in communication with children and youth and their caregivers.
• Develop and manage a schedule of activities considering a variety of learning needs, developmental milestones, and facilitation methods such as stories, media, indoor/outdoor activities, group activities, etc.
• Actively participate in indoor and outdoor activities with children and youth while modelling and encouraging positive social skills e.g., clear communication and constructive conflict resolution skills.
• Provide direct support to children and youth, including group interactions that foster safety, trust, and well-being.
• Provide individualized attention and care, recognizing and responding to developmental milestones and unique challenges at various stages of development (infants, toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents).
• Address inappropriate behaviour in a respectful and inclusive manner which helps facilitate reflection and growth.
• Recognize and de-escalate challenging situations in a trauma-informed manner.
• Identify and source approval from the Programs and Services leadership e.g., supplies, equipment, and other resources required for programming.
• Follow protocols for safety and security, and proactively identity and report safety and operational concerns with the Programs and Services leadership.
• Maintain accurate and consistent program documentation such as budget, key performance indicators/ metrics to support operational effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement of child and youth programs and activities.
• Demonstrate professional conduct that that aligns with NYWS's values and provides safety, support, and empowerment for clients.
• Collaborate with Women's Advocates to identify areas where children and youth may need additional support.
• Uphold confidentiality of all clients and staff in accordance with organizational policies.
• Attend and participate in additional team building, training, and community outreach projects as required.
• Support NYWS in remaining current and active in harm reduction policy development and community advocacy.
• Proactively uphold our principles of trauma-informed practice.
• Additional duties as assigned.
  

Who you are:

Your Education and Experience

• You have completed or are currently enrolled in post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, or a related field.
• You have experience and/or training in designing and implementing programs and activities for children and youth.
• You have experience and/or training in trauma-informed care or mental health.
• You can demonstrate a strong understanding of child and youth development, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
• You have or are willing to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with future checks.
• You have completed CPR Level C and First Aid certifications.

Your Skills and Competencies

• You have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools e.g., Outlook and Word.
• You take ownership for tasks and have strong work ethic.
• You demonstrate excellent professional and empathetic communication skills.
• You have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• You are able to document and take comprehensive notes.
• You can work effectively independently as well as part of a team.
• You are committed to understanding and working from an intersectional feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive lens.
• You have a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
• You can work under pressure and in crisis situations.
• You are comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment.
  

The following additional qualifications would be considered assets:

• Experience working with survivors of violence and their dependents.
• Experience working with children and youth who have witnessed intimate partner violence (IPV) and/pr situations of violence.
• Fluency with speaking and/or writing in additional languages.
  

Working Conditions:

• This role operates in a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Shelter which provides client services inclusive of adults, children, youth, and houses pets (dogs and cats).
• May be required to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or moving items.
• Speaking and listening on the telephone and using a computer.
• Exposure to GBV and IPV subject matter and cases.
• Occasional exposure to animals (dogs and cats).
• Occasional exposure to loud sounds.
• Occasional exposure to interpersonal conflict.
• Occasional exposure to substance use.

How to apply:

Does this sound like the right opportunity for you? If so, please apply with your resume on BambooHR. Only applications submitted by September 30th at 5pm, through the BambooHR application portal will be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please do not call the Shelter.