Youth Wellness Center Animator (2026-218-YPS)

WoodGreen Community Services • Toronto, ON

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Wellness Centre (YWC) is a hub for youth services which include WoodGreen provided and partner supported services and activities. Services include drop-in support for youth including settlement support, recreational activities, mental health support, general counselling support, employment related supports and supports for school related needs. The YWC animator will engage youth in impactful programming aimed at empowering young people through personal development, community involvement and overall wellness.

Requirements

• College Diploma, Youth Services Worker, or High School Diploma, with at least 1 year experience working with youth.
• At least one (1) year experience working with young people in community development activities, sports & recreation, and/or wellness and personal development initiatives.
• Must meet the participant requirements under the Canada Summer Jobs Agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada as outlined: be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and, have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Commitment to values and practices that promote inclusion, belonging, equity and diversity.
• Adaptive and flexible approach to planning and facilitating youth programing.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement workshops.
• Experience in client support and referral process.
• Proven ability to work with clients of various backgrounds and needs.
• Basic understanding of crises intervention techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong group presentation and facilitation skills.
• Effective communication (written and oral) skills required for interacting with community stakeholders.
• Strong time management skills.
• Demonstrated outreach, marketing, organizational and planning skills.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Windows, MS Office, and Internet.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Youth Team members to plan and facilitate a variety of engaging and inclusive activities for youth drop-in sessions and summer programming, tailoring activities based on the interests and needs of the youth present.
• Assist with the facilitation of sports activities, teaching essential skills and organizing/leading games.
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment that promotes a sense of community as well as physical and mental wellbeing for youth by role modelling positive, inclusive behaviours, managing group dynamics, engaging isolated youth and encouraging respect and cooperation.
• Provide informal mentorship and support to youth by developing rapport and offering support and guidance where appropriate (e.g. navigating challenges such as stress, school, relationships etc.)
• Support with community outreach events and initiatives to attract new youth clients to programs and offerings provided by the YWC. This includes active promotion of YWC services and activities as well as engagement of new clients to the space with orientation and registration.

Benefits

• WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at [email protected] of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED