Position Description:

We believe that it is through the power of our amazing people that the #YSavesLives. By joining the EIYS, you will contribute to making our Y the best place to work.

The Youth Outreach Worker will support youth while attending the YMCA Back on Track (BOT) Program through academic support, one-one case management and facilitating skill building workshops as well as maintaining a collaborative relationship with the youth’s parents and schools to encourage successful reintegration back into the school environment.

The YMCA Back on Track Program works in partnership with local schools to offer support to students an early intervention program for teens 12-17 who have acquired short-term suspensions (3-5 days). Through academic support, goal setting and workshops focused positive skill building, the BOT program is intended to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to transform their time away from school into a positive experience and an opportunity for social skill development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with a solid interest in working with the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford as a charitable organization, contributing to the Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford, ON.

What You’ll Do:

- Implement strong youthwork approach informed by program and participants’ objectives
- Intervene with elementary (grades 6-8) and secondary (grades 9-10) school students on an individual basis and in a group setting
- Facilitates daily group workshops on social or behavioural issues (e.g. anger management, self-esteem, responsible self, bullying, impulsivity, etc.)
- Possess a strong understanding of youth facing and having diagnosed disorders (e.g. ODD, ADHD,
- FASD, ASD) that require a youth worker to have coping strategies to assist in working through
- problematic behaviors (e.g. disruptive behaviours, physical violence, verbal abuse, maladaptive
- sexual behaviours, substance misuse and abuse, apathy and lack of motivation, theft and bullying)
- Remain calm during emotionally charged situations and able to de-escalate potential conflicts between youth participants and intervene if necessary
- Take initiative, problem solve and work with limited supervision




- Build respectful boundaries with students, parents/guardians and school personnel
- Effectively manage case files and data entry into the program’s database
- Supervise and support students with assigned schoolwork.
- Maintain strong partnerships with the principals and vice principals of partnering schools
- Supports individual youth with establishing and strengthening school connections
- Provide case management support and follow up with students for ongoing support and referrals to community services
- Communicate regularly with participants’ parents/guardians throughout the program and follow-up processes
- Foster communication and linkages with community agencies/organization to improve access and mitigate barriers to services
- Assists in compiling draft annual reports and provides statistics on program results at the end of the school year, and/or as required
- Ensure that YMCA Child & Youth policies are implemented
- Be responsible for the health and safety of participants
- Meet monthly statistical requirements and maintain records on all activities performed
- Completes other general administrative duties

What You’ll bring:

- Post-Secondary Education related to psychology, counseling, child & youth development and/or related experience
- At least 2 -3 years' experience in youth intervention; working with young people who present behavioural issues, concerns and challenges (12-17 years of age)
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience conducting intakes and assessments
- Strong facilitation skills on sensitive topics relevant to behavioural and social determinants (e.g. bullying, substance use, consent and healthy relationships, stress / mental health, etc.)
- Demonstrated proficiency in ability to write and speak fluently in English
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with youth




- Ability to work in an efficient and effective manner both independently and as part of a team
- Experience working with participants of various cultural and racial backgrounds
- Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Check as per the Associations Policy
- Must be able to work at Hamilton base location in person, and be willing to work out of Brantford Alternative Suspension location when needed
- Availability: Program runs 5 days a week – Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
- Access to reliable personal transportation to travel throughout Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire.

Police Records

Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Ready to Make a Difference?

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone thrives, we want to hear from you!

Interested in applying?

Please submit your resume attention to: Stephanie Lostanaw Lavin, Program Coordinator by Thursday October 8, 2026 at [email protected]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure

Artificial intelligence ("AI") may be used to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position. All hiring decisions involve human review.

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Application question(s)

- Are you willing to travel to site locations in Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford?

Experience:
- youth work : 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Driver's Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Outreach Worker, Back on Track (Canada)
🏢 YMCA Of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford
📍 Canada