Newcomer Youth Engagement Worker - Full Time Contract

Role Overview

Are you passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces for immigrant and refugee youth?

Do you thrive in a team environment and enjoy supporting young people in building positive relationships and community connections? Are you committed to empowering youth through creative programming and collaboration with community partners?

If this sounds like you, join our team and make a lasting impact in the lives of newcomer youth across our region.

Position Details

• Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
• Employment Type: Full Time, Contract
• Starting Rate: $24.30 per hour
• Language: Tigrinya required

Role Location and Travel

Regular in-person presence may be required within the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas; travel across the region may be needed.

What you will do…

As a Newcomer Youth Engagement Worker, you will be part of our Immigrant Services and YMCA Community Programs teams, including EarlyON, Employment Services, and Youth Programs. You will work closely with the School Settlement Workers, community partners, and the YMCA Youth Team to support newcomer children, youth, and their families.

You’ll collaborate directly with youth to develop and deliver meaningful programming, events, and activities that reflect their needs and lived experiences. You’ll also:

• Foster and maintain strong partnerships with internal YMCA departments and external agencies.
• Plan and deliver engaging workshops on topics like school readiness, life skills, conflict resolution, and wellbeing.
• Program and activities development that equips newcomers with various skills (orientation).
• Support newcomer youth in building community connections and accessing local resources.
• Work occasionally with newcomer parents to support their engagement in their children’s lives and education.
• Create safe, inclusive spaces where youth feel welcomed, supported, and heard.

What you will bring…

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Work, Recreation & Leisure, Social Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–2 years of experience leading programs or youth teams.
• Experience working with children and youth ages 4 to 21, especially those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds.
• Knowledge of youth needs and available community resources.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for youth engagement and inclusive programming.
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification (or willingness to obtain).
• A valid and current Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed within the past 6 months).

Language Requirement for the role

• Language proficiency in Tigrinya is required.
• Additional languages are considered a strong asset (Arabic, Dari, Rohingya and Pashto).

What you will gain…

By joining our team, you’ll become part of a trusted and supportive organization that plays a vital role in building strong communities. You will:

• Be a positive role model in the lives of youth.
• Join a local team making a global impact.
• Access professional development and training opportunities at no cost.
• Contribute to programs that truly make a difference every single day.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver’s license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

If you are an external candidate

If you are an external candidate interested in joining our team, please click the apply button below to create an application. Internal candidates can apply through the internal career centre by clicking here.

Additional Information

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(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. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.