Indigenous Junior Community Mentor (Summer Position)

Durham Community Health Centre • Oshawa, ON

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Indigenous Junior Community Mentor position is a temporary, full-time contract role for the summer months (June 2026 to August 2026), requiring 35 hours per week. The role may involve availability in the late afternoon, early evening, and occasional weekend hours. This position reports to the Manager of Integrated Care & Experience. The Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered charitable organization providing integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members facing barriers to health and well-being. DCHC focuses on priority populations including Indigenous, Black, 2SLGBTQI, Newcomers, Seniors, and Unattached patients. The organization operates with a team-based, interprofessional approach, prioritizing client needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education. This role is part of a program designed to hire First Nations, Inuit, or Métis youth or young adults (ages 15-29) to gain valuable employment experience, receive training, and support the Indigenous Youth Outreach Worker. The Junior Community Mentor will assist in planning and implementing health and wellbeing programs for children and youth, receiving coaching and training from the program partner, Right To Play. Responsibilities include supporting program planning, logistics, delivering activities, and completing administrative tasks for grant reporting.

Requirements

• Be between 15 and 29 years of age.
• Identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
• Be eligible to be paid minimum wage (or above) in the province where they work.
• Be new to the Junior Community Mentor (Jr. CM) Program.
• Willingness to be trained in effectively facilitating leadership and recreation programming for children and youth aged 6–18+ years.
• Interest or experience in sports, arts, recreation, and/or play-based programming.
• A positive attitude and aStrengths-based approach to working with children and youth.
• Highly motivated self-starter and committed to program success.
• Good team work ethic, and capable of working independently.
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (Durham CHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback and ideas to support in designing a monthly program schedule to fit participant needs and interests.
• Support in procuring and preparing the materials/equipment necessary for program sessions.
• Assist the with the registration process.
• Create healthy relationships with children and youth who participate in the program and adhere to child safeguarding policies and protocols.
• Engage children and youth in conversation to encourage them to share their ideas and give feedback about program activities.
• Help promote the program to children, youth, and families, informing all participants about upcoming activities and answering questions about the program.
• Assist the with the implementation of their weekly outcome and play-based programming for children and youth.
• Help to maintain a safe and tidy program space ensuring equipment is set up and stored properly.
• Report all accidents, incidents, and concerns to your immediate supervisor.
• Attend all mandatory trainings to learn about the RTP program and role.
• Attend two Right To Play virtual training sessions.
• Complete a learning plan and evaluation to outline employment interests, learning style and development goals.
• Support program design, planning, and preparation.
• Facilitate activities during programming (i.e., homework help, cooking, small group activities).
• During Modified Programming, plan weekly activities, post activities on Facebook or social media, assemble and deliver care packages.
• Attend and support the delivery of any special intergenerational events and/or youth events.
• Support the planning and implementation of events and initiatives.
• Assist with program supply shopping.
• Recruit children and youth to attend programming.
• Help ensure youth voice informs the design and delivery of the program.
• Support the recognition and celebration of participants, volunteers, and families for their contributions and involvement in the program.
• Assist the with recording and submitting daily attendance for child and youth participants.
• Assist with participant sharing circles and/or surveys to gather feedback on the program.
• Take pictures of program and/or event participants.
• Attend meetings as required and connect with Right To Play staff as required.

Benefits

• Authentic leadership opportunities to exercise their voice and share their needs and interests as part of the PLAY program.
• Comprehensive onboarding that focuses on general employability skills and abilities specific to the Junior Community Mentor role.
• Build a youth network of support with other Junior Community Mentors participating in the employment program.
• Ongoing mentoring and coaching from their Community Mentor throughout the duration of the role to support their ongoing development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed