Youth and Community Engagement Worker

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals families and communities in Durham for 55 years. We organize a variety of research community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at for more information.

• Using client-centered anti-oppression anti-racism trauma-informed gender-based analysis plus and strength-based approaches build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners vendors staff and volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners vendors staff volunteers and clients
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive harmonious cooperative efficient and productive.
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities

Program Engagement and Youth Activities Support

• Collaborate with the Youth Program Team to plan coordinate and support youth-focused programming workshops and recreational activities.
• Assist in organizing educational sessions and group activities focused on life skills wellness employment readiness settlement education and community integration.
• Support youth participation and engagement in programs by fostering inclusive welcoming and culturally sensitive environments.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for workshops presentations outreach events and information sessions.

Presentations and Information Sessions

• Plan a diverse range of presentations and information sessions tailored to the needs and interests of asylum claimants and temporary resident individuals and families ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Research and partner with community agencies to facilitate presentations in a large group setting on topics such as settlement rights and responsibilities as a citizen housing financial aid education and general living services including health and public transportation.
• Effectively advertise the presentations information sessions and other activities to the newcomer community through various communication channels such as flyers newsletters and other promotional materials.
• Coordinate with community partners to deliver all the information sessions at DRC.
• Collaborate and engage with community members and local agencies to promote CDCDs programs and services.
• Liaise with Durham Social Service sector stakeholders to promote project awareness and strengthen existing partnerships.
• Ensure program activities presentations and information sessions comply with social and employment laws such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Evaluate the success of events and activities through attendee feedback attendance numbers and other metrics and use findings to improve and refine future event planning efforts continually.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and implement strategies to engage with local communities and grassroots organizations to promote awareness of resettlement services and foster collaboration.
• Organize and facilitate community forums focus groups and town hall meetings to gather feedback from community members and identify emerging needs and concerns.
• Establish partnerships with faith-based organizations cultural associations and ethnic media outlets to reach diverse communities and enhance access to information and services.
• Represent the organization at community events fairs and festivals to raise awareness of resettlement programs and build relationships with community members and leaders.

Resource Development and Management

• Research and compile a comprehensive database of local resources including housing options employment opportunities educational institutions healthcare providers and recreational facilities.
• Develop and disseminate resource guides directories and handouts to clients and service providers to facilitate access to essential services and supports.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and distribute multilingual informational materials and resources to meet the diverse needs of clients.

Program-related duties:

• Attend and support internal and/or external meetings and events where applicable.
• Represent CDCD at various internal and external meetings presentations and events in a way that positively reflects on the agency.
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Diploma or bachelors degree in Social Work Child and Youth Care Community Development Social Services Psychology Sociology Education or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth families or diverse communities.
• Experience developing and delivering youth engagement outreach or community-based programs.
• Experience facilitating workshops group activities or educational sessions.
• Experience working with equity-deserving newcomer Indigenous racialized or marginalized communities is an asset.
• Experience collaborating with community agencies schools and service providers.
• Demonstrates understanding of the Durham Region social service sector and issues faced by marginalized populations we serve
• Proficiency to a second language is an asset
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom
• Strong work ethic integrity and ability to instill trust
• Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information
• Detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to keep accurate records write reports and meet deadlines
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Additional Requirements

• Be flexible regarding assigned work hours and location.
• A valid Ontario drivers license (Class G) use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening before commencing employment.

This job posting relates to an open vacancy. The recruitment process does not involve artificial intelligence or automated decision-making. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are conducted by human reviewers.