Fresh Start Support Services | St. Position Type: Permanent, Part time (16 – 24 hours/week)

About Fresh Start Support Services

Fresh Start Support Services is multi-service, non-profit charitable organization located in St Thomas, Ontario. We support pregnant and parenting women, children, and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing supportive transitional housing, community drop-in programs, parenting programs, child development screening and support, system navigation, and practical support. We strive to foster healthy attachment in the infant-parent relationship, building healthier family units integrated into their own communities. We work collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and supports that respond to mental health, parenting, educational and transitional needs.

All Fresh Start’s programs are trauma informed and attachment focused and built on a Christian theological foundation and with the purpose to show Christ’s love. All the programs and services are open to families, young parents and their children living in the broader community regardless of the client’s race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

The Program Facilitator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating drop-in programs and structured parenting programs at our Fresh Start Haven (our community drop-in centre) and House of Homes. Programs primarily serve parents and caregivers with children from 0-6 years of age and focus on early childhood development, positive parenting, learning through play, and family well-being.

The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting families, understands the importance of early childhood development, and is committed to upholding Fresh Start’s Christian beliefs, values, and mission.





Program Planning and Facilitation

Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate, educational activities that promote the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children ages 0–6

Lead drop-in programs at Fresh Start Haven and House of Homes, creating welcoming, safe, and inclusive environments for parents, caregivers, and children

Plan and facilitate structured parenting and family education programs that encourage positive parenting practices, healthy parent-child relationships, and child development

Prepare program materials, activities, and resources that support learning through play and caregiver-child interaction

Adapt activities and programming to meet the developmental needs and interests of participating children and families

Encourage parent and caregiver participation, confidence, and connection with their children

Family Support and Relationship Building

Build positive, respectful relationships with parents, caregivers, children, and community partners

Collaborate with the Family System Navigator to connect families with relevant community resources and supports when appropriate

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow organizational policies and procedures

Prepare program spaces and materials before sessions and ensure areas are clean, organized, and safe

Promote children's safety during activities and follow applicable health, safety, and child protection requirements

Assist with program evaluation and contribute ideas for improving and developing programming





Personally support and uphold Fresh Start Support Services' Christian beliefs, values, and mission

Incorporate faith-based encouragement and resources into programming where appropriate

Foster a culture of dignity, hope, encouragement, and community for the families we serve

A degree in early childhood education (ECE), child and youth care (CYC), child development, or an acceptable level of education, skills and experience

Experience working with young children, parents, caregivers, or families is an asset

Knowledge of early childhood development, age-appropriate activities, and positive parenting practices

Experience facilitating educational groups, parenting programs, or family programming is an asset

A satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, as a condition of employment

40 hours/week with occasional evening or weekend work

- Mostly in-person services required with some opportunities for virtual services
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, kneeling and crawling
- Travel may be required

This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families by supporting early childhood development, strengthening parenting relationships, and fostering a supportive community.

The successful candidate must agree to Fresh Start's Statement of Faith and Sanctity of Life Statement, consistent with our Christian foundation.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Fresh Start's Accommodation Policy, accommodations will be provided throughout the hiring process. Fresh Start encourages applications from individuals who reflect the diverse populations we serve.

📌 Job Coach (Part-time) (Ontario)
🏢 Fresh Start Support Services
📍 Ontario