Child and Youth Program Manager

Mission Services of Hamilton • Hamilton, ON

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About The Position

The Child and Youth Program Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of child and youth programs that address complex issues such as poverty, food insecurity, bullying, self image, and overall wellbeing. The Manager provides leadership to program staff, works collaboratively with internal teams and community partners, and ensures programs are trauma informed, inclusive, effective, and aligned with organizational goals. This role plays a key leadership function in improving access to supports for children and youth, strengthening partnerships, ensuring program quality and accountability, and supporting staff success in a fast paced, community based environment.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in social work, psychology, or a related human-service field
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience working in child and youth services, including experience in program development, coordination, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and supporting staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience working in environments addressing complex needs such as poverty, food insecurity, trauma, mental health, and family instability.
• Strong knowledge of the Community Youth Services sector and services for children, youth, and families.
• Knowledge of trauma informed, strengths based, and youth centered approaches.
• Ability to assess the needs of children, youth, families, and staff within a program context.
• Ability to build and sustain trusting relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills with the ability to build trust and accountability.
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Test

Nice To Haves

• ASIST, NVCI and First Aid training are assets

Responsibilities

• Participate in leadership and management meetings as required.
• Provide overall leadership, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Child and Youth programs.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with community agencies, schools, colleges/universities (including McMaster University and Mohawk College), and other stakeholders.
• Ensure meaningful engagement of children, youth, and families in program planning and delivery using a youth led and strengths based approach.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate program staff, including Youth Wellness Workers, Coordinators, student placements, and volunteers.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance to ensure high quality, age appropriate programming.
• Support staff wellness and manage performance concerns in accordance with organizational policies.
• Oversee program delivery to ensure safe, developmentally appropriate, and trauma informed practices.
• Continuously assess program outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and growth.
• Act as a primary liaison and represent the Child and Youth program within internal and external forums.
• Attend community meetings, networks, and events as required.
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, including purchasing and resource allocation.
• Maintain accurate program statistics, data, and outcome measures.
• Contribute to funding proposals, reports, and accountability requirements for funders and stakeholders.
• Support the development of environments that promote positive relationships, social skill development, independence, and confidence among participants.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to remain current with best practices and sector trends.
• Ensure safe and ethical practice by modeling trauma informed, and respectful practice and contribute to a culture of accountability, diversity, inclusion, equity and continuous quality improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, organizational policies, and sector standards, including the Child and Family Services Act.
• Identify and respond to child welfare concerns, ensuring appropriate reporting to management and community agencies.
• Monitor health and safety practices, identify risks, and ensure adherence to Workplace Health and Safety policies.
• Committed to uphold the organization’s Mission, Values and standards
• Uphold strict confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Perform other related duties as required to ensure continuity and quality of service to clients.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager