Newcomer Youth Engagement Worker- Full Time Contract

Newcomer Youth Engagement Worker - Full time Contract

Location: Waterloo Region

[Regular in-person presence required (Guelph-Wellington Dufferin Region, Stratford-Perth and Waterloo Region)

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Must be available to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Employment Type: Full Time, Contract

Number of Vacancies: 1

Language: Language proficiency in Tigrinya is required

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Contract End Date : March 31, 2026

Deadline to Apply: October 29, 2025 [Applications will be reviewed as they are received]

Starting Rate: $24.30

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

• 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases

• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

• Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care

• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers

• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview:

Are you passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces for immigrant and refugee youth?

Do you thrive in a team environment and enjoy supporting young people in building positive relationships and community connections? Are you committed to empowering youth through creative programming and collaboration with community partners?

If this sounds like you, join our team and make a lasting impact in the lives of newcomer youth across our region.

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community's largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing, and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong. We have the assets to affect positive social change and we know the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Programs are an important piece of our work. That's where you come in...

What you will do…

As a Newcomer Youth Engagement Worker, you will be part of our Immigrant Services and YMCA Community Programs teams, including EarlyON, Employment Services, and Youth Programs. You will work closely with the School Settlement Workers, community partners, and the YMCA Youth Team to support newcomer children, youth, and their families.

You'll collaborate directly with youth to develop and deliver meaningful programming, events, and activities that reflect their needs and lived experiences. You'll also:

• Foster and maintain strong partnerships with internal YMCA departments and external agencies.
• Plan and deliver engaging workshops on topics like school readiness, life skills, conflict resolution, and wellbeing.
• Program and activities development that equips newcomers with various skills (orientation)
• Support newcomer youth in building community connections and accessing local resources.
• Work occasionally with newcomer parents to support their engagement in their children's lives and education.
• Create safe, inclusive spaces where youth feel welcomed, supported, and heard.

What you will bring…

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Work, Recreation & Leisure, Social Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–2 years of experience leading programs or youth teams.
• Experience working with children and youth ages 4 to 21, especially those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds.
• Knowledge of youth needs and available community resources.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for youth engagement and inclusive programming.
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification (or willingness to obtain).
• A valid and current Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed within the past 6 months).

Language Requirement for the role :

• Language proficiency in Tigrinya is required.
• Additional languages are considered a strong asset (Arabic, Dari, Rohingya and Pashto)

What you will gain…

By joining our team, you'll become part of a trusted and supportive organization that plays a vital role in building strong communities. You will:

• Be a positive role model in the lives of youth.
• Join a local team making a global impact.
• Access professional development and training opportunities at no cost.
• Contribute to programs that truly make a difference every single day.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver's license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

If you are an external candidate interested in joining our team, please click the apply button below to create an application. Internal candidates can apply through the internal career centre by clicking here.

Additional Information:

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don't believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.