The opportunity:
YMCA facilitators will encourage students to envision, create and enact initiatives and
programs that tackle a community problem like homelessness, poverty, hunger, mental
health, physical health, social isolation, environmental sustainability to increase the well-being of our communities. Students will use their voice, critical thinking skills, problem- solving skills, and communication skills to initiate change through a genuine desire to make a difference.
Launched in 2025, the Youth Changemaker Leadership program is a weeklong summer initiative designed to inspire and equip young people with the skills, confidence, and mindset to create meaningful change in their schools and communities. Secured funding now supports the expansion of this program into a multi-level, year-round model serving multiple age groups. This includes integrating
Changemaker curriculum into existing YMCA programs, developing additional program streams, and delivering an annual Changemaker conference.
Program Facilitators work with groups of youth to lead our Changemaker Leadership program that runs for 6 weeks over the summer at Lakehead University and Midland YMCA. Program Facilitators are creative, adaptable, fun, and always lead programs in a safe manner to ensure it is a meaningful and impactful experience for participants.
Shifts may vary, but regular hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 Monday to Friday. Travel costs are reimbursed as per our Associations travel expense and mileage policy.
Contract length: June 22 to August 28, 2026
Join us and participate in the development and growth of this new program!
In this role, you will:
- Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the YMCA in Canada.
- Demonstrates strong support and commitment to serving all participants, clients,
- customers, donors, families, members, sponsors, staff, volunteers, etc. of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
- Establishes rapport and maintains effective relationship-building behaviors.
- Maintain high quality program in accordance with YMCA standards and best practices, participant needs and Association strategic directions.
- Work with groups of children and youth to offer meaningful and impactful change-maker programming over the course of summer 2026.
- Exercise sound judgment in making decisions, which affect the safety and welfare of program participants.
- Build collaborative working relationships with funding partners, mentors, and other community partners through ongoing reports, communication and visits.
- Link participants with community resources that may assist them in achieving success.
- Ensure all administrative duties and reporting is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Adherence to all provincial and federal legislation relevant to job description.
- Other duties as assigned.
You bring:
- Post-Secondary education in education, recreation and leisure studies, child and youth worker, environmental studies, or a combination of education and work experience
- Minimum 2 years’ relevant work experience
- Strong facilitation, communication, leadership, presentation and customer service skills
- Have access to a car and have a valid G or higher level of driver’s license or ability to get to Lakehead University and Midland YMCA for daily shifts.
- Experience working with individuals facing barriers and equity deserving groups
- Must be able to work flexible hours based on program needs
- Clear Police Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after
commencement of work including:
- AODA Training
- Health & Safety Awareness Training
- Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
- PCI Compliance
- Child Safeguarding Orientation
- Willingness to be able to work flexible hours based on client needs
Why work for the Y:
At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Changemakers Summer Facilitator, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our participants and the community. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our vision of building vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs.
Perks:
- Compensation: $18.67/hour
- Paid Well-Being Days
- YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics Membership
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
When people find a community where they belong, they shine. At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.
About us:
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being for all. We offer a wide range of inclusive and affordable programs and services to individuals and families, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Applications will remain open until filled.
This role is for an existing vacancy that is available or will be available at the time of fulfillment. We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Each step of our recruitment process is human-led; we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated screening tools. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at
[email protected].
In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis 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. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.
