Summary : 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.

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 protected environment
- Ensure all Health and Safety policies and procedure are followed
- Adhere to strict confidentiality policy for staff and residents

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, Ps

📌 Youth Engagement Specialist (Etobicoke)
🏢 Youth Without Shelter
📍 Etobicoke