Volunteer

We are looking for positive, committed, and passionate individuals who are interested in becoming members of our Youth on a Mission Committee (YOM) for our youth employment programs. These individuals will mentor youth participants, ages 15-29, in areas such as: leadership, networking, goal-setting, and the development of interpersonal and relationship-building skills which are the foundation of workplace interactions.

Our youth participants are actively looking for employment; however, they are experiencing multiple and/or complex barriers and challenging life circumstances. The goal for our programs is to help youth attain long-term employment in their areas of interest by providing skill development and job readiness training to increase their employability in a competitive labor market.

Through our YOM Committee, we will be able to support youth participants with the additional guidance and leadership that is required to achieve short-term and long-term success.

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting youth with referrals and applications to community programs and services
• Assisting youth with identifying and clarifying their goals based on priorities
• Empowering youth by encouraging them to identify their own solutions to personal challenges
• Motivating youth to make positive life decisions by being a positive role model
• Building relationships and fostering trust with youth participants by sharing personal experiences
• Brainstorming and planning events to engage and encourage youth participation
• Meeting/connecting with youth on an on-going basis through multiple means of communication and various formats (i.e. group events, 1-to-1 sessions, e-mentoring, etc.)
• Demonstrating a positive, open minded, and professionally engaging demeanor

Qualifications:

• Be minimum of 16 years of age
• Commit to a minimum of 3 months, 5 hours per month
• Have a flexible schedule
• Willing to undergo a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Provide references as required

Benefits of becoming a Youth Mentor:

• Be an active and positive influence in the lives of youth
• Gain meaningful experience and unique training to add to your resume
• Build professional relationships and references for career related employment goals
• Enhance core skills needed for everyday life and the workplace (i.e. teamwork, leadership, problem solving, decision-making etc.)

Interested applicants must submit their resume and cover letter to: youthjobconnection@jvstoronto.org.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Full training and on-going supports will be available for mentors.

We thank everyone for their interest and applications.

The Toronto Youth Job Corps (TYJC) program helps at-risk youth gain sustainable employment through skill development and intensive life skills training. About 90 at-risk youth participate in pre-employment training, assessment and work experience, leading to a 16-24 week work placement, with the goal of securing full time employment with the same or a different employer. Participants are involved in a community work team experience assessment that includes providing painting services for non-profit organizations, receiving structured feedback, developing an action plan, carrying out career exploration, and participating in employability skills workshops.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assist Workforce Specialist (Paint Site Supervisor) with supervising youth at paint sites
• Assist with assessments of paint sites for safety and transferring painting supplies
• Report to assigned staff member to gather instructions for specific task
• Administration may include: answering phone inquiries from clients & logging the calls, filing, faxing, photocopying, and data entry
• Other duties as assigned

Student Eligibility Requirements & Qualifications:

• Must be a student or working toward the completion of a relevant degree program
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to interact with a wide range of individuals and personalities
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Basic computer skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and part of a team
• Reliable and flexible (hours of operation are Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm)
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check required

Applications will only be received through volunteering@jvstoronto.org.

The YouthReach program connects youth with schools, community, and businesses to help them achieve their goals. This position will help at-risk youth who have experienced conflict with the law or are at-risk of being in conflict with the law and are in need are in need of one-on-one employment counselling or referrals to appropriate community resources. Participants are provided with a variety of resources and services designed to help them overcome barriers to employment success.

Responsibilities will include:

• Administration, may include: answering phone inquiries from clients & logging the calls, filing, faxing, photocopying, and data entry
• Support outreach efforts to the local youth community, as well as community partners
• Report to assigned office staff member to gather instructions for specific task
• Other duties as assigned
• The student will be given the opportunity to participate in activities that are not available through the YouthReach program, but are in other Youth Services programs (ie. assisting with workshop facilitation, client assessment, etc.)

Student Eligibility Requirements & Qualifications:

• Must be a student working toward the completion of one of the following degree programs: Criminal Justice, Community Worker, Social Work, or Child & Youth Worker
• Effective communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to interact with diverse populations and personalities
• Individual who works from an anti-oppressive framework
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Basic computer skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and part of a team
• Reliable and flexible (hours of operation are Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm)
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check required

Learning outcomes may include:

• Knowledge of Employment Ontario services and processes
• Case management skills
• Basic knowledge of The Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Opportunities to participate in the writing of grant proposals

Applications will only be received through volunteering@jvstoronto.org.