YESP Youth Support Worker

Join the YMCA Team

Be the Spark Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.

Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.

Why The Y?

At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.

We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:

• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.

All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.

Position: YESP Youth Support Worker

Location: London

Start Date: December 1st, 2025

Salary: 49,000

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA personal membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Access vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations, and up to 12 paid personal days annually
• Benefits package and Pension, applicable with position/contract length
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services
• Contribute to real, meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth

Core Responsibilities

The Youth Support Worker (YSW) provides vulnerable youth, leading up to and at critical academic transition points, with the community support and life skill development they need for educational attainment and future success. Program delivery includes, but is not limited to, the development of youth-centered plans, facilitation of workshops, supportive counseling, and the coordination of peer mentorship. The YSW is responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of program services. Services will be provided in both London and Sarnia and staff will be required to drive between the two communities.

• Ensures a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for participants.
• Design, implement, and evaluate youth-centered individual action plans, in-person/virtual services and workshops as per guidelines and funder mandates.
• Perform case management as per guidelines and funder mandates.
• Coordinates peer mentorships opportunities and relationships.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant services and community resources.
• Engages with schools, community agencies, and other organizations to maximize services and resources to participants.
• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines
• Work independently and as a team to develop program activities and workshops
• Ability to connect with a diverse population, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to manage conflict are integral to the core function of a Youth Support Worker
• Youth Support Worker must understand boundaries, and use good judgment, in assessing whether a youth should be referred to other services or supports in the community

Education & Skills Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field.
• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth
• 2 years of experience in client intake and assessment, case management, and workshop facilitation
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Experience within a team environment and working remotely
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C and able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle, in communities where applicable
• Working knowledge of issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning, and outcome evaluation
• Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills
• Working knowledge of computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office, and Outlook)

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.

Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.