Back on Track Facilitator

YMCA of Three Rivers; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Three Rivers seeks a Back on Track Facilitator to support suspended youth in partnership with local schools. You will build trusted relationships, help with academics, and lead workshops to address root causes behind suspensions.

You will travel regionally, coordinate with parents and school staff, and provide a safe, engaging environment that promotes positive behavioural change and successful re-engagement in learning.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth (12–17 yrs) from diverse backgrounds.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholders.
• Ability to build relationships with schools, families and partners.

Responsibilities

• Work with middle and high schools to support suspended youth.
• Help with schoolwork and keeping students on track.
• Create and facilitate workshops; manage behaviours constructively.

Skills

Youth work

Communication

Facilitation

Team collaboration

Education

Child & Youth Work

Education

Social Sciences

Job description

Guelph Region – Back on Track Facilitator

Location:Guelph/Wellington

Work Hours:37.5

Employment Type:Full-time Contract

Number of Vacancies:1

Anticipated Start Date:September 7, 2026

Anticipated End Date:July 23, 2027

Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026

Why Join the Y?

Are you a passionate professional who has experience working with youth? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a young person and know that your contribution has supported them, their parents and their school through a challenging time? Do you want to join a team of leaders working across Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph-Wellington, Cambridge and Stratford Perth?

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community’s largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong. We have the assets to affect positive social change, and we know YMCA Back on Track is an important piece of our work. That's where you come in.

What you'll Be Doing…

You willwork in partnership with local middle and high schools to offer support to youth, who, for various reasons, are temporarily suspended from school. Low youth-to-adult ratios and community partnerships will enable you to support youth at a time in their life when they need it the most. You will connect and build trusted relationships with youth through individual meetings and group workshops, helping them to identify some of the root causes to the behaviours that have resulted in their suspension. You will support youth with assigned schoolwork, so they don't fall further behind. You will also create and facilitate workshops, manage challenging behaviours, and redirect negative behaviours in a positive and supportive way.

You will establish strong partnerships with schools through regular communication, setting reasonable objectives and goals for youth upon their return. You will maintain regular communication with parents and caregivers throughout the youth’s participation in the program and during the follow up process. You will support students upon their return to school, following up and checking in, and providing help as needed.

You will shift the impact of a suspension from a punitive context to a meaningful intervention that can effect positive change in behaviour and trajectory for a vulnerable youth. You will provide a full day, safe, caring environment where both the academic and social / emotional behavioural development needs of the suspended student is supported to help them positively re-engage in the life of the school. Hours during the school year will follow the school schedule; however, during summer holidays, hours may be adjusted based on program needs.

What you will bring (Knowledge & Experience) …

Ideally, you will have experience working with youth (12-17 yrs.) from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. In addition to experience working with youth and families you have post-secondary education in Child and Youth Work, Education, Social Sciences or a related field. You are a superior communicator with the interpersonal and facilitation skills needed to work effectively and collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders including families, schools and community partners.

You are committed to assisting each youth develop new skills and have a demonstrated ability to work independently and achieve set goals. Relationship building, adaptability, communication, diversity, interpersonal skills, self-management and teamwork are key competencies you rely on in your day to day work.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. This role can also require travel between regions (i.e. Guelph-Wellington, Cambridge, Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford/St. Mary’s) for trainings and meetings. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver's license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended. Over the summer, you'll be supporting youth programs across Guelph-Wellington, Waterloo Region, and Stratford/Perth.

What you will gain…

You will be an integral part of the Back on Track team, delivering a unique program, proven to reduce the number of repeat suspensions and decrease behaviours that can result in suspension. During a time of crisis, you will build social competencies and uncover the root causes of the suspension, to help participants harmoniously integrate back into school life.

Overall, you'll join a dynamic team and an organization that has massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization but you'll also be part of a global movement. Your work will have impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver's license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.
Over the summer, you'll be supporting youth programs across Guelph-Wellington, Waterloo Region, and Stratford/Perth.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy, please visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.