Program Leader, Back on Track

YMCA of Greater Vancouver; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym Membership

Y@Home access

Medical Benefits

Dental Benefits

Training & Development

Employee Assistance Program

Childcare Discounts

Community Impact

Job summary

YMCA BC is seeking a Program Leader for the Back on Track initiative in Abbotsford. You will manage day-to-day delivery, work directly with youth and families, and coordinate with schools and partners to support a successful return to school.

The role requires a degree or diploma in a related field, youth experience, trauma-informed practices, and strong organizational skills. This is a full-time, temporary position with a June 30, 2027 end date and possible extension.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, Counselling, Education, Community Services or related field; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Experience working directly with youth in school, community or early-intervention settings.
• Strong relationship-building skills with youth.
• Experience facilitating small groups, workshops or youth programming.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed, strengths‑based and culturally responsive approaches.
• Confidence supporting diverse learning, social-emotional and behavioural needs.
• Strong communication, organization and documentation skills.
• Ability to stay calm, flexible and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a larger team.
• Current Emergency First Aid and CPR‑C with AED or ability to obtain.
• Three references and a current Criminal Record check with Vulnerable Sector.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with youth using strengths-based approaches.
• Provide 1:1 coaching, goal setting and social-emotional support.
• Facilitate small-group workshops based on youth needs.
• Provide academic support and help youth stay connected to schoolwork.
• Coordinate program intake, scheduling, and follow-up.
• Support youth in developing back-to-school strategies.
• Collaborate with parents, school staff and community partners.
• Refer youth to community resources when needed.
• Maintain confidential participant records and program docs.
• Support a safe, inclusive, well-organized program site.
• Assist program staff and volunteers as needed.
• Contribute to program goals and evaluation.

Skills

Youth work

Trauma-informed

Group facilitation

Communication

Education

Degree or diploma in related field

Job description

Position Title: Program Leader, Back on Track

Term: Temporary, Full-Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Shift: Monday to Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm, with flexibility based on program needs

Start Date: As soon as possible

End Date: June 30, 2027, with possibility of extension based on program funding

Salary: $58,633.64 annually

Reports To: Manager, Youth Programs

• Competitive vacation and paid sick time
• Free YMCA Gym Membership+ Y@Home
• Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Extensive Employee assistance program
• Reduced childcare rates and priority placement for YMCA Staff
• Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

Nature & Scope

YMCA BC's Back on Track program supports youth ages 12–17 who may be experiencing personal, academic, social or behavioural challenges that are affecting their connection to school.

Delivered in partnership with local school districts, Back on Track provides youth with a short-term, structured and supportive environment focused on reflection, academic continuity, personal growth and a successful return to school.

Over a typical 3–5 day intervention, youth receive one-to-one support, academic assistance, group workshops, goal setting and opportunities to build practical strategies they can take back to their school community. As the Program Leader, you'll lead the day-to-day delivery of Back on Track in Abbotsford while working directly with youth, families, schools and community partners. This is a hands-on role for someone who can build trust quickly with youth, create a safe and welcoming environment, facilitate meaningful conversations and groups, and confidently manage the daily operations of a busy youth program.

Major Responsibilities -in this position, you will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with youth using strengths-based, trauma-informed and youth-centred approaches.
• Provide 1:1 coaching, goal setting and social-emotional support.
• Facilitate engaging small-group workshops based on the needs of participating youth.
• Provide academic support and help youth stay connected to their schoolwork.
• Coordinate program intake, scheduling, exit planning and follow-up.
• Support youth in developing strategies for a positive return to school.
• Work collaboratively with parents/guardians, school staff and community partners.
• Connect youth and families with additional community resources when needed.
• Support restorative conversations and de-escalation when challenging situations arise.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records, case notes, statistics and program documentation.
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive and well-organized program site.
• Support program staff, practicum students and volunteers as required.
• Contribute to program goals, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Some travel required to the lower mainland for team meetings and trainings.

Qualification -you bring:

• A degree or diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, Counselling, Education, Community Services or a related field; equivalent education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience working directly with youth, ideally in a school, community or early-intervention setting.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to connect authentically with young people.
• Experience facilitating small groups, workshops or youth programming.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally responsive approaches.
• Confidence supporting youth with diverse learning, social-emotional and behavioural needs.
• Strong communication, organization and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently while being a collaborative member of a larger team.
• Current Emergency First Aid and CPR-C with AED certification, or ability to obtain as required.
• Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable sector search issued no later than six (6) months preceding the start date.

About YMCA BC:

By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.

As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.

We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.

YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at ymcabc.ca.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.