136-Youth Worker at YMCA of Three Rivers

Youth Worker

Location: Stratford -Perth, Guelph- Wellington & Waterloo Region

Work Hours: Must be available to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings and occasional weekends

Employment Type: Part Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: November 26, 2025

Deadline to Apply: November 20, 2025

Guaranteed Starting Hourly Rate: $18.57

Are you passionate about creating an inclusive space for all youth ages 13-24? Are you a leader who has experience creating programming for youth in a variety of recreational settings? Are you passionate about engaging youth and creating positive relationships with them? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a young person, and be a positive role model?
If this is you, join our team and make an impact in the lives of youth in our communities
The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community’s largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing, and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong. We have the assets to affect positive social change and we know the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Programs are an important piece of our work. That’s where you come in..

Role Overview:

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

What you will do…

You will work as a part of the Youth Team, leading and facilitating a variety of programs for youth (aged 13-24 years) that support their physical, social and mental wellbeing, personal development, leadership skills, and more. You will support the Youth Engagement Workers, alongside the youth themselves, to deliver programs, events, and activities to meet the changing needs of youth within the community. You will be available on a part-time basis to support high quality program delivery including: Alternative Suspension, Youth Leadership Development, Youth Sports, Teen Basketball, Community Meals, Youth Drop In, amongst other programs. You will encourage youth to discover their personal identity regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio economic status. You will help youth develop leadership skills such as communication, problem solving and teamwork. You will empower youth to explore personal talents to build confidence and self-esteem
You will build and maintain positive relationships with both internal YMCA partners and external community organizations to support program offerings. You will be committed to ensuring that the youth programs are a safe, inclusive and engaging space for all youth, while building trusting relationships with youth directly in programs
Youth Programs take place at the following locations: AR Kauffman Family YMCA (Kitchener) & Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo) OR The Guelph YMCA & Chaplin YMCA (Cambridge)
Youth Programs are offered Monday-Saturday approx. 9:00am – 9:00pm This is a part time position that may require you to work afternoons and evenings, including the occasional weekend

What you will bring…

You will have experience working with youth between the ages of 13-24 years from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. You will have knowledge of the unique needs of the youth and resources available to them within our community. You will have experience creating program plans, facilitating programming and an understanding of healthy adolescent development
Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Work, Recreation & Leisure, Social Sciences or a related field, or experience equivalent is an asset. You will have excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, in addition to strong interpersonal skills needed to build positive relationships. You will have a passion for meaningfully engaging with youth, to meeting them where they are at, ensuring they feel heard, welcomed and supported in YMCA Programs. You are committed to supporting justice, access, inclusion, diversity and equity for all youth
You have an up-to-date Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification (or are willing to obtain) and can provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check
You will have access to transportation to access our partner sites as described above (Waterloo Region, Guelph & Cambridge)

What you will gain…

You will become a part of the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Program Team and a will be positive role model that creates safe spaces and places for youth. You will be part of and an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

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.

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.

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