Youth Outreach Worker

YMCA of Niagara•St. Catharines, ON

1d•CA$45,000 - CA$47,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Outreach Worker position is part of the Youth Gambling Awareness Program, an education and prevention initiative funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. This role will service the Niagara region, delivering awareness sessions, youth engagement activities, and community involvement initiatives in various settings. The YMCA of Niagara is a purpose-led organization focused on community well-being, inclusion, and supporting individuals and families through opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection. With a history of over 165 years, the YMCA of Niagara has a presence in over 125 program sites and is committed to creating welcoming spaces.

Requirements

University degree or college diploma (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Education, Business, Communication, Marketing or other related field.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to draft and design clear and compelling communications.
Experience in the delivery of public health, prevention and awareness initiatives.
Experience with outreach activities and strategies.
Experience in-group facilitation.
Knowledge of harm reduction principles.
Understanding of principles of learning for both youth and adults.
Experience in working with youth, sensitivity and knowledge in dealing with youth from different cultural and racial backgrounds and youth with special needs.
Flexibility regarding assigned work hours, travel and overnight stays.
Ability to work in an efficient manner with a high degree of independence.
Experience in online communications, social media or interactive engagement.
Must have use of a car.
Criminal reference check is required.
Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of the community including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity.

Nice To Haves

French language skills, an asset
Knowledge of the community resources in the region to which you are applying would be an asset
Knowledge of gambling issues and harm reduction principles an asset
Knowledge of Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum an asset

Responsibilities

Deliver and facilitate educational workshops online and in person in English to youth (8-24 yrs) and adults involved in youth’s lives.
Plan, organize and implement community involvement initiatives to raise awareness about youth gambling in conjunction with other community organizations.
Design and implement youth engagement activities related to youth gambling awareness.
Develop, engage and support an advisory/partnership committee (including youth and adults).
Plan and chair online/in person meetings (youth groups, professionals, provincial team, etc.).
Establish and maintain relationships with school boards, community and youth service providers.
Develop and implement effective outreach strategies to engage local community, meet monthly targets and increase YGAP’s reach.
Maintain accurate records and statistics related to the activities undertaken and outcomes achieved and provide monthly reports.
Create content and support program’s online content strategy and online presence.
Attend and promote gambling awareness in community meetings and events/fairs (including but not limited to Gambling Awareness Week, Financial Literacy Week, Credit Education Week, etc.).
Research, and maintain up to date knowledge regarding issues and trends related to youth gambling and report learning.
Support program’s research and development initiatives.
Follow and implement program’s quality assurance measures.
Demonstrates appropriate behaviours in line with our Mission, Vision and Values, takes a member focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association and represents the YMCA and the Association in a professional manner.
Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with members, volunteers, donors and staff.
Travel and overnight stay as required.
Other duties as assigned.