SHYM 1 Program Coordinator

YWCA Halifax; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Halifax in Dartmouth seeks a SHYM 1 Program Coordinator to support young mothers and their children through planned programs that build parenting skills, life skills, healthy relationships, recreation, and community connection.

The role includes meal planning, coordinating guest facilitators, maintaining a welcoming program space, and ensuring activities reflect participant needs. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, child and youth care, family studies, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in program coordination or group facilitation with youth, young parents, or families.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Experience with meal planning and kitchen safety is an asset.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours (including some evenings and weekends).
• Current First Aid/CPR and related checks or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a calendar of engaging programs for young mothers and their children.
• Coordinate with community partners, agencies, and guest facilitators to enhance offerings.
• Support residents in identifying personal goals and connecting to resources.
• Plan and facilitate nutritious group meals as part of program delivery.
• Maintain attendance records, program evaluations, and outcome data.
• Collaborate with Family Support Worker and housing staff for holistic care.
• Assist with reporting, documentation, and funding deliverables.
• Assist with move-ins and move-outs and participate in staff meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Harm reduction

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Flexible hours

First Aid/CPR

Driver's license

Youth/family experience

Education

Post-secondary education in social work or related field

Job description

Title: SHYM 1 Program Coordinator

Reports to: Supportive Housing for Families Team Lead

Job Classification: Full-Time, Term (until March 1, 2028)

Salary: $50000-55000

Hours: 37.5 Hours a week – Monday to Friday

Location: Dartmouth

Deadline: October 30th, 2026

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse people.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Position Overview

The Program Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the young mothers and their children living in YWCA Halifax’s Supportive Housing for Young Mothers (SHYM) program. The Program Coordinator plans, implements, and facilitates group and individual programming that promotes parenting skills, life skills, healthy relationships, recreation, and community connection. This role includes meal planning and preparation for weekly programs, coordinating guest facilitators, maintaining a welcoming program space, and ensuring programming aligns with the needs and interests of participants.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Program Coordination & Delivery

• Develop and deliver a calendar of engaging, inclusive programs for young mothers and their children (e.g., parenting workshops, life skills, recreational and wellness activities, healthy relationships, financial literacy, etc.).
• Coordinate with community partners, agencies, and guest facilitators to enhance program offerings.
• Support residents in identifying personal goals and connecting to community resources.
• Plan and facilitate nutritious group meals as part of program delivery, including meal prep, serving, and clean-up.
• Responsible for most of the shopping (program, building, cleaning supplies, individual family needs).
• Develop and implement a program calendar that includes holidays and culturally appropriate programming.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, program evaluations, and outcome data.

Community Building & Participant Support

• Foster a positive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes belonging and empowerment.
• Provide informal mentoring and guidance to residents during program activities.
• Work collaboratively with Family Support Worker and housing support staff to ensure holistic care and support for all participants.
• Work collaboratively with the children’s coordinator.

Program Administration & Communication

• Maintain program materials, inventories, and help keep the building clean and organized.
• Help source and sort donations.
• Keep daily logs.
• Assist with reporting, documentation, and funding deliverables.
• Assistance with move ins and move outs.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Support the orientation and training of new staff, volunteers, and student placements.

Other Duties:

• Advance the vision and mission of the YWCA Halifax.
• Serving on internal and/or external committees that support the YWCA Halifax’s capacity to provide quality participant support and housing.
• Occasional child-minding duties
• May be required to attend appointments, case conferences, court proceedings, and related meetings as needed.
• Other duties as delegated by the Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, child and youth care, family studies, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in program coordination or group facilitation with youth, young parents, or families.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Understanding of early childhood development and experience working with children and or vulnerable youth.
• Experience in meal planning, food preparation, and kitchen safety.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours (including some evenings and weekends).
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, or willing to obtain
• Mental Health First Aid, or willing to obtain
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or willing to obtain
• Food Handlers Certificate, or willing to obtain
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Child Abuse Record Check, Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Check

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, (dis)Ability, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.