Back On Track by the Y: Youth Support Volunteer, Central Huron

Join the YMCA Team!

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.

Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees have excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed childcare in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 13 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.

Why The Y?

At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.

We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:

Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity

Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals

Hardworking and Dependable

Positive Role Model

Team Player

Professionalism

Enjoy working in a Social Environment

Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.

All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment or a volunteer position.

Position: Back On Track by the Y: Youth Support Volunteer

Location: Central Huron YMCA

As part of being a volunteer:

Receive a complimentary YMCA personal membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
Contribute to real, meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth

Program Description:

To assist the Youth Support Worker in facilitating the Back On Track program, a 3-to-5-day referral initiative for students aged 12–17. You will help provide a positive, restorative experience for students facing difficulties at school. By demonstrating the YMCA mission and core values, you will act as a positive role model to help youth develop autonomy, personal growth, and social skills in a supportive environment rather than through traditional disciplinary measures.

Core Responsibilities:

Provide high-quality support and mentorship to student participants
Assist the Youth Support Worker with daily activities, workshops, and program delivery
Foster a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment for all youth
Support students in developing social skills and restorative practices
Assist with the setup and organization of program materials and workspace
Build positive, professional relationships with YMCA staff, school board partners, and youth
Maintain excellent communication and confidentiality regarding student progress
Complete all online trainings, program training, and Volunteer WHY School
Be an Ambassador for the YMCA and the Back On Track partnership

Qualifications:

Minimum age: We consider volunteers as young as 18 years old (due to the age of participants)
Understanding of youth development and the challenges facing students today
Standard First Aid and CPR-C preferred
Experience working with youth or interest in social services/education preferred
Original Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening less than 6 months old for volunteers 18 years and older
Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic
Excellent active listening and communication skills
Hardworking, dependable, and a team player
Genuinely interested in being a part of the YMCA and supporting youth success
Minimum commitment: 4 months, 2 hours/week