Summary:
Youth Without Shelter is looking to fill a 3-year contract (with the possibility of extension) in the role of Youth Engagement Specialist. The successful candidate will design, implement and oversee programs and activities that promote well-being and personal growth. You will work closely with program staff and community partners to create a dynamic program for our youth. This role requires an enthusiastic and engaging personality who can motivate youth to participate in the programs and have fun while learning new skills.
Start date: July 2026
Qualified internal and external applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by July 6, 2026.
If you have a disability that needs to be accommodated in order to participate in the hiring process or employment, please let us know so we can work to make the appropriate accommodations.
*Our recruitment and selection process is conducted by people. We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to evaluate or make hiring decisions. *
Title: Youth Engagement Specialist
Reports To: Director of Operations
Contract Length and Job Type: 3-year contract, requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, 40 hours per week on-site. Etobicoke, ON
Compensation: Starting at $60,000 annual salary, health benefits and RRSP matching program
Company Description
Youth WithoutShelter (YWS) is an emergency residence and referral agency serving homeless youth age 16-24. We don’t just provide a warm bed for a night; we are dedicated to providing shelter and individualized support through our wraparound services including case management which provides life skills, employment and housing plans, on-site psychotherapy and a medical team, workshops and engagement. We are a safe, non-judgmental, comfortable home dedicated to diverse, client-focused services designed to move young people out of homelessness and reach their goal of independent, stable living. We have become known as a house where a youth’s culture and needs are understood, and where all operations are trauma-informed and designed to be youth-centric, build self-esteem and resiliency, and focus on personal strengths.
A larger percentage of our funding is generated by our philanthropy team. For more information visit [www.yws.on.ca]
Position Description
As the Engagement Specialist, you will design, implement and oversee programs and activities that engage our youth. You will provide meaningful age-appropriate opportunities to promote mental and physical wellbeing, foster personal growth and empower individuals to build resiliency. You will work closely with shelter staff, community partners and youth to create a safe and supportive environment to offer recreational, educational and therapeutic programming such as sports, games, yoga, educational workshops, art therapy, crafts, meditation, outings and support groups. This role requires an enthusiastic and engaging personality who can build rapport and motivate youth to participate in the program and have fun while learning new skills. An anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach is necessary in working with this population. Budgeting, scheduling, leading and overseeing activities and community partners is a requirement.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Development:
- Design and implement engaging activities, workshops and events focused on improving mental and physical health, building life skills and fostering creativity
- Coordinate a calendar of recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities
- Source materials, instructors, or volunteers to facilitate diverse programming on-site
- Aid youth with enrollment in community programs
- ·Ensure a safe and inclusive environment
Community and Partner Collaboration
- Establish partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to bring in resources, expertise, and support for activities
- Coordinate with mental health professional, Primary Case Managers and other service providers to integrate wellness and support services into programs
- Supervise all engagement activities and support volunteers/instructors during sessions
Youth Engagement
- Build trusting relationships with youth, encouraging active participation in programs
- Create a safe and inclusive space for young people to express themselves and connect
- Collect feedback from youth participants to tailor programs to their needs and interests
Administration and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of participation, outcomes, and feedback (AirTable, SMIS)
- Report on program impact and effectiveness for the leadership team and donor
- Manage the program budget, ensuring responsible use of resources
- Manage schedule of activities to ensure activities don’t impede other shelter activities
Safety and Crisis Management
- Provide support to staff to maintain a safe environment
- Ensure all Health and Safety policies and procedure are followed
- Adhere to strict confidentiality policy for staff and residents
- Apply First Aid and Crisis Management training as required
Core Competencies
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritize, schedule & use time effectively
- Work professionally & collaboratively with colleagues & partners
- Demonstrate creativity, flexibility & understanding when working with residents
- Experience working with diverse gender, sex, cultural and racial backgrounds
- Sharp attention to detail & organized
- Experience in schedule management
- Presentation Skills
- Initiative and Resourcefulness
- Accountability & dependability
- Flexibility with your hours
Requirements
- University degree/College diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Work, Education, Recreation or equivalent/related field
- Minimum 2-year experience working with youth (age 16-24)
- Current VSC background check and clearance
- First Aid and CPR training
- UMAB or other crisis management training
- Knowledge of the issues that lead young people to become homeless
- Trained in trauma-informed practices
- Proven ability to build rapport with diverse group of youth in a sensitive, caring and non-judgmental manner
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Knowledge of community resources
- Able to keep detailed and up-to-date statistics in AirTable
- Deals with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally at all times
- Experience working with people from diverse gender, sex, cultural, and racial backgrounds
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with basic data management
- Commitment to the mission and values of YWS
Work Conditions
- Shelter setting
- Work physically close to others when on-site
- Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends – program dependent
- Local travel within the GTA may be required
- Possible conflict and rude or challenging behavior from clients
- Facility has 3 floors - 2 sets of stairs
- Attendance at events
- IPAC policies and procedures in place
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. at a time
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Application question(s):
- Do you have training is crisis management and de-escalation?
- Do you have a current (18 months) Working with Vulnerable People police background check?
- Are you able to work flexible hours - days, evenings and weekends?
Experience:
- Youth work: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Class G Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
