Senior Youth Worker (Leadership)

BGC Ottawa; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

BGC Ottawa is seeking a Senior Youth Worker to lead the Leaders4Life program for youth aged 13-18 across Ottawa. You will deliver sessions, mentor youths, and build strong relationships with families and community partners.

The role involves coordinating program activities, attending to logistics, and supporting special events. Flexible hours include evenings; travel across clubhouse locations is required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent experience with children and youth.
• Experience overseeing programs and working with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and implement a safe, supportive L4L program; follow BGCO policies.
• Foster professional relationships with youth, families, and community partners; monitor attendance and growth.
• Assist Mentorship Coordinator in budgets, promotional materials, and reporting; maintain databases.

Skills

Leadership development

Group facilitation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Multilingualism

Reliable transportation

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

PURPOSE:

As one of Ottawa’s largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, BGC Ottawa provides FREE, subsidized, and cost saving Community-based services, and life-changing programs to an annual average of 4,500 young Members each year. We provide safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. From anti-Racism to Reconciliation to LGBTQ2S+, food security to scholarships to job readiness, our programs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions—equity, acceptance, support, opportunity.

As a growing team that embraces different ways of thinking, abilities, and experiences we aim to make our staff feel safe. We want you to feel heard, respected, and empowered. We believe in our diverse shared power as being the key to serving our members, volunteers, community, and each other with the utmost care.

BGC Ottawa is about building positive and inclusive environments for all.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Hybrid position that includes working out of and traveling to all clubhouse locations across the city. Working closely with the Mentorship Coordinator, the Senior Youth Worker will provide positive leadership to children and youth, facilitate the delivery of L4L evening sessions, program offerings with measurable outcomes, and strong community relationships.

Youth workers are responsible for planning, organizing and overseeing the Leaders4Life program which is focused on developing leadership skills and qualities in youths (aged 13-18) within various communities in Ottawa. It is a multi-level program; meaning youths will be in the program for a minimum of two years before they graduate. Various topics will be discussed such as effective communication, leadership styles, mental health, post‑secondary opportunities/pathways, workplace readiness and job retention to name a few. The program delivers workshops on each topic and provides youths with a safe space where they are encouraged to practice these skills and learn through trial and error, with guidance and support from staff and peers. Additionally, the Senior Youth Worker will act as a mentor to the youths in order to foster community and a sense of belonging. The program aims to supply tools, techniques, and support to youths as they transition out of their adolescent years and become active members of their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES / ACTIVITIES

Major Responsibility 1: Deliver and implement a safe and supportive program based on the Leadership and Life skills pillar.

• Ensure Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO) Programs Policies and Procedures Manual and Employee Handbook are followed.
• Assist in the development and promotion of program schedules.
• Planning and organizing appropriate materials and/or activities for the programs.
• Provide direct delivery of the L4L program.
• Responsible for supporting and actively participating in special events.
• Maintain an inventory as required.
• Represent the program at assigned community and Clubhouse activities.
• Liaise with other community agencies to support existing programs and/or develop new opportunities for members.

Major Responsibility 2: Actively foster relationships with members, families and community

• Develop professional, engaging and trusting relationships with youth.
• Be a positive role model for youth.
• Provide youth guidance and support throughout program.
• Monitor youth attendance and address any concerns or questions they might have.
• Encourage youth to set learning objectives, and to help them apply their skills.
• Advocate on behalf of youth that attend the program.
• Demonstrate understanding of various aspects of child development.
• Develop a strong connection with families.
• Support parents and members and assist in referrals when needed.
• Ensure identified program policies and procedures are followed in regard to member support and behaviour management.

Major Responsibility 3: Administration

• Assist the Mentorship Coordinator in monitoring operational budgets.
• Provide support in the development of promotional materials and information.
• Submit reports as required.
• Ensure database information is accurate and maintained.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Post-secondary education in a related field, and/or equivalent experience working with children and youth (must be recommended by Clubhouse Manager)
• Overseeing programs
• Experience working with youth from diverse language, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• A working understanding of equality and diversity with the ability to identify.
• Training and experience working in group facilitation and leadership development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive relationships with youth.
• Ability to work flexible hours is essential; position involves working evenings on a regular basis (weekend work dates may arise)
• Very good organizational and administrative skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in using SharePoint.
• Maintaining database records
• Preparing (management approved) and distributing publicity materials and displays.
• Liaising and working with parents, schools, the police and other community groups/organizations.
• Reliable transportation as you will be travelling to various locations on a regular basis.
• Recognized certification in first aid
• Fluency in English; Multilingualism is an asset.

Please note the following are required for this position:

• Police Record Check (vulnerable sector, for candidates 19 years of age and older)
• HIGH FIVE certification

WORKING CONDITIONS

These are the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.

Example: The majority of the work is performed in an environment that is mostly clean and comfortable. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision on a computer screen for a large part of the working day. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Bgc Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however we will only be contacting those selected for an interview.