The Culturally Responsive Youth Mentor will report to the designated Program Supervisor at Mishka Social Services and work in collaboration with the administration and student support team at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School. They will provide school-based mentorship, and early intervention support services to equity seeking students through a partnership between Mishka Social Services and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Working collaboratively with school staff, students, families, and community partners, the successful candidate will build positive relationships with students, promote belonging and positive identity development, provide culturally responsive support, and connect youth with appropriate resources based on identified needs.
The role focuses on relationship-building, restorative approaches, leadership development, emotional wellness, and meaningful engagement with youth and their families. This position will contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment where students feel respected, connected, and supported.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship Building and Youth Support
Build trusting and meaningful relationships with students through consistent engagement.
Provide one-on-one mentoring and non-clinical therapeutic support to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or personal challenges.
Offer scheduled and drop-in support for students seeking guidance or assistance.
Promote confidence, resilience, leadership, and healthy decision-making.
Serve as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries.
Support students in developing healthy relationships, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and emotional regulation.
Early Intervention & Prevention
Receive referrals from school staff for students who would benefit from additional support.
Identify presenting concerns early and provide preventative interventions before issues escalate.
Facilitate restorative conversations between students when appropriate.
Assist students in developing positive coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
Connect students to appropriate school and community resources, including Mishka Social Services programs where appropriate.
Promote positive identity, belonging, and school engagement as protective factors against violence and other high-risk behaviours.
Youth Programming and Student Engagement
Develop and facilitate small group sessions and workshops on topics such as conflict resolution, healthy relationships, emotional wellness, leadership development, positive identity and belonging, violence prevention, cultural awareness and inclusion, and goal setting for future success.
Collaborate with students to develop programming that reflects their interests, strengths, and lived experiences.
Organize leadership opportunities, educational experiences, career exploration activities, volunteer opportunities, and post-secondary visits where appropriate.
Support positive student engagement through school-based initiatives, events, and activities.
Family & Community Engagement
Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers, and families.
Participate in parent engagement events, school activities, and community initiatives.
Connect families with community services and supports when appropriate.
Strengthen collaboration between the school, Mishka Social Services, and community partners to improve outcomes for youth.
Promote culturally responsive and inclusive approaches when working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
School Collaboration
Work collaboratively with administrators, guidance counsellors, social workers, child and youth workers, teachers, and other student support staff.
Participate in student support meetings and case discussions as appropriate.
Maintain a visible, approachable, and supportive presence within the school community.
Contribute to school-based initiatives that promote student well-being, inclusion, belonging, and violence prevention.
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, referrals, and follow- up activities.
Track participation in workshops, mentoring sessions, and group programming.
Record program statistics and outcomes to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
Prepare regular reports outlining activities, student engagement, successes, challenges, and recommendations.
Submit all documentation in a timely and professional manner.
Safety & Professional Practice
Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment for all students.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies, school board procedures, and applicable privacy legislation.
Follow Mishka Social Services policies, school board procedures, and professional standards.
Complete incident documentation when required.
Participate in supervision, professional development, and ongoing training.
Maintain respectful and professional relationships with students, families, school staff, and community partners.
Qualifications
Diploma or degree in Social Service Work, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Sociology, Community Services, Education, or a related field.
Minimum two years of experience working with youth in schools, community organizations, or social service settings.
Demonstrated knowledge of youth development, trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, and violence prevention strategies.
Experience facilitating workshops, mentoring youth, and delivering group programming.
Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Understanding of culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approaches to service delivery.
Knowledge of community resources available to youth and families in Hamilton is considered an asset.
Lived experience as a member of an equity-seeking group.
Fluency in Arabic and English is considered a strong asset.
Standard First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
Successful Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
Core Competencies
Youth Engagement & Mentorship
Relationship Building
Culturally Responsive Practice
Trauma-Informed Care
Restorative Practices
Conflict Resolution
Emotional Intelligence
Communication & Facilitation
Collaboration
Professionalism
Organization & Documentation
Community Partnership Development
Pay: From $30.08 per hour
Work Location: In person
