Youth Advisor - Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

Vacancy: This posting is for an existing vacancy. This part-time contract position end March 31, 2027.

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

• Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

What do you offer?

The Youth Advisor is responsible to provide orientation information and consultation to the youth participants, facilitating training workshops for the participants, providing mentorship, and organizing the sport group activities for the youth. As part of a team, the Youth Advisor is responsible to provide support to the Director to organize and facilitate the advisory committee with the relevant stakeholders and to develop course materials, resources and curriculum. The Youth Advisor presents a professional appearance and attitude at all times and ensures excellent customer service is provided to participants through providing coaching and mentorship and general program delivery.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Engaging participants who are having difficulty acquiring certain skills or achieving a difficult goal.
• Facilitating leadership and life skills training as requested.
• Providing coaching and mentorship to the youth participants.
• Ensuring quality of the Y experience for the youth participants.
• Implementing procedures for the operation of programs within the guidelines and contractual obligations.
• Providing one-on-one need assessment to the youth.
• Organizing weekly webinars and activity sessions with the youth in-person and online.
• Providing support in marketing, outreach activities, and others.
• Providing follow-up support to program participants.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in a related field

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written is essential
• Other languages are considered important assets

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in providing coaching and mentorship
• Experience working with Youth, especially in a recreation/sport setting, Newcomer Youth an asset
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate and build rapport with diverse clients
• Excellent Customer Service Skills particularly as it relates to Youth and Newcomers to Canada
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification is an asset
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intermediate computer skills, including MS suite
• Requires knowledge of methods, techniques, or procedures that are clear, well documented, and that generally involve several different steps to achieve a given outcome
• High level of interpersonal oral and written communication skills
• Superior problem-solving and creative skills
• Ability to create a strong presence and provide a welcoming environment
• Ability to work with clients with diverse backgrounds and skill levels

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis 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.
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for the Protecting Children & Youth, and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.

• Compassion: Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.

• Dignity: Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.

• Accountability: Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.

• Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email peopleandculture@ymcaottawa.ca upon scheduling your interview.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.

Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.