Lead Facilitator - Neurodiverse Youth Programs

Ymca-of-Southern-Interior-Bc; Penticton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation, wellness and family day

Extended health and dental benefits

Membership to Y facilities for self &

Annual Y pension 5% (after 2 years)

Job summary

YMCA of Southern Interior BC is seeking a Lead Facilitator for Neurodiverse Youth Programs in Penticton. You will lead inclusive activities, foster confidence, and build meaningful relationships with youth and families.

The role emphasizes strengths-based, person-centred approaches, collaboration with partners, and ongoing program evaluation to ensure high-quality delivery. A passion for supporting neurodiverse youth is essential.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Social Sciences, Psychology, Education, Community Support, Recreation, or related field.
• Two or more years of experience with youth, ideally including neurodiverse children or youth.
• Experience facilitating programs, groups, workshops, or activities for youth.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Understanding of strengths-based, person-centred, inclusive approaches to supporting youth.
• Ability to adapt communication and facilitation based on individual participant needs.
• Patience, calm demeanor, and solution-focused mindset in changing situations.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for neurodiverse youth.
• Lead engaging programming and activities that build confidence and social connections.
• Build trusting relationships with participants using a strengths-based approach.
• Provide leadership during program delivery to keep activities organized and participant-focused.
• Adapt activities to different communication styles and abilities.
• Support participants in navigating social interactions and transitions.
• Maintain open communication with families and partners to support participation.
• Collaborate with YMCA colleagues and community partners to strengthen supports.
• Assist in program planning, preparation, documentation, and evaluation.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Conflict-resolution

Inclusive approaches

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Post-secondary education in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category: Employment

Requisition Number: LEADF001522

• Posted : October 5, 2026
• Full-Time
• Rate : $24.91 CAD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Quick Facts

• Compensation: $24.91 per hour,
  • Paid vacation, wellness, and family responsibility days
  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • Membership to Y facilities for self and family
  • Annual Y pension of 5% (after 2 years)
• Reporting to: Manager, Community Programs
• Schedule: Full-Time, 35 hours per week

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working alongside neurodiverse youth and brings a strengths-based, flexible, and relationship-focused approach to program leadership.

Why This Role Matters

YMCA Neurodiverse Youth Programs provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen social connections, develop skills, and experience a meaningful sense of belonging.

As the Lead Facilitator, you will play an important role in creating programming that recognizes and responds to the individual strengths, interests, and needs of participants. Through relationship-based support, engaging activities, and collaboration with families and community partners, you will help create positive experiences where neurodiverse youth can learn, connect, and thrive.

What You Will Do

You will take a lead role in the delivery of Neurodiverse Youth Programs by:

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where neurodiverse youth feel safe, respected, and valued.
• Leading engaging programming and activities that support confidence, social connection, life skills, and individual growth.
• Building trusting relationships with participants and taking a strengths-based, person-centred approach to supporting their individual needs and goals.
• Providing leadership and guidance during program delivery to ensure programming is organized, responsive, and participant-focused.
• Adapting activities and approaches to support different communication styles, learning preferences, abilities, and support needs.
• Supporting participants in navigating social interactions, challenges, transitions, and new experiences.
• Building positive relationships with families and maintaining open communication to support successful participation in programming.
• Collaborating with YMCA colleagues, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen supports and opportunities for participants.
• Supporting program planning, preparation, documentation, and evaluation to ensure consistent and high-quality program delivery.
• Promoting a culture of inclusion, belonging, respect, and continuous learning throughout the program.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Social Sciences, Psychology, Education, Community Support, Recreation, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience working with youth, ideally including experience supporting neurodiverse children or youth.
• Experience facilitating programs, groups, workshops, or activities for youth.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• An understanding of strengths-based, person-centred, and inclusive approaches to supporting youth.
• Ability to adapt your communication and facilitation approach based on individual participant needs.
• Ability to remain patient, calm, and solution-focused in complex or changing situations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort managing program documentation and communication.

Who You Are

• Inclusive: You recognize that every young person brings unique strengths, experiences, and ways of engaging with the world.
• Patient and empathetic: You take the time to understand individual needs and build relationships based on trust and respect.
• Adaptable: You can adjust activities, communication, and supports to help participants engage in ways that work for them.
• A relationship builder: You create meaningful connections with youth, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Why Join Us

At the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodiverse youth and their families while working for a purpose-driven organization committed to belonging and stronger communities.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values inclusion, learning, meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.

Additional Requirements

• Three professional references
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Search
  The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.