Youth Outreach Worker
Location
Niagara Region
Pay
$45,000 ($47,000 if Bilingual in English and French)
Employment Type
Full Time Salaried Contract
Placement Date
Immediate
Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.
At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.
For more than 150 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.
Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.
Nature & Scope
The Youth Gambling Awareness Program is an education and prevention initiative designed to raise awareness regarding youth problem gambling. It is a provincial program funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, Lead Site, in collaboration with other YMCAs across Ontario. The current position is available and will service in Niagara.
With the support of the YMCA of Greater Toronto Lead Site, the Outreach Specialist will deliver awareness sessions, youth engagement activities, and community involvement initiatives in a variety of settings.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver and facilitate educational workshops on line and in person in English to youth (8-24 yrs) and adults involved in youth’s lives
- Plan, organize and implement community involvement initiatives to raise awareness about youth gambling in conjunction with other community organizations
- Design and implement youth engagement activities related to youth gambling awareness
- Develop, engage and support an advisory/partnership committee (including youth and adults)
- Plan and chair online/in person meetings (youth groups, professionals, provincial team, etc.)
- Establish and maintain relationships with school boards, community and youth service providers
- Develop and implement effective outreach strategies to engage local community, meet monthly targets and increase YGAP’s reach
- Maintain accurate records and statistics related to the activities undertaken and outcomes achieved and provide monthly reports
- Create content and support program’s online content strategy and online presence
- Attend and promote gambling awareness in community meetings and events/fairs (including but not limited to Gambling Awareness Week, Financial Literacy Week, Credit Education Week, etc.)
- Research, and maintain up to date knowledge regarding issues and trends related to youth gambling and report learning
- Support program’s research and development initiatives
- Follow and implement program’s quality assurance measures
- Demonstrates appropriate behaviours in line with our Mission, Vision and Values, takes a member focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association and represents the YMCA and the Association in a professional manner
- Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
- Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with members, volunteers, donors and staff.
- Travel and overnight stay as required
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- University degree or college diploma (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Education, Business, Communication, Marketing or other related field
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to draft and design clear and compelling communications
- French language skills, an asset
- Experience in the delivery of public health, prevention and awareness initiatives
- Experience with outreach activities and strategies
- Experience in-group facilitation
- Knowledge of harm reduction principles
- Understanding of principles of learning for both youth and adults
- Experience in working with youth, sensitivity and knowledge in dealing with youth from different cultural and racial backgrounds and youth with special needs
- Flexibility regarding assigned work hours, travel and overnight stays
- Ability to work in an efficient manner with a high degree of independence
- Experience in online communications, social media or interactive engagement
- Must have use of a car
- Criminal reference check is required
- Knowledge of the community resources in the region to which you are applying would be an asset
- Knowledge of gambling issues and harm reduction principles an asset
- Knowledge of Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum an asset
- Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of the community including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity.
Application Process
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application on our job board by noon on April 29, 2026.
Job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free.
If you require accommodation at any stage during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
We will process applications as they come in and close the posting as soon as it is filled.
