Program Assistant 

Program: MFRS Summer Youth and Senior Programs

Hours: 30 hours per week - Requires evening and weekend work

Start Date: June 3, 2024 (flexible)

Salary Range: $17 per hour

Length of Contract: 9 weeks

Reports to: Program Coordinator

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to increasing diversity in our workforce and inclusion in our organizational practices. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Applicants must be between ages 15- 30 years old. 

Context of work:

MFRS Summer Youth Program

A safe space for youth between the ages of 12-16 to gather and be guided by Youth Leaders with support from Program Assistants. In the months of July and August, the program participants will have the opportunity to engage in group discussions on topics  that foster social inclusion, academic success, leadership skills, and physical fitness.

MFRS Senior Program

A group for seniors of different cultural backgrounds to learn English and other new skills to thrive in their new home country. The program is focused on creating a network of support within their communities, and building strength and confidence in their ability to navigate new challenges. The Program Assistants will provide support with setup and takedown, food bank collection and preparation, farming and agriculture field trips and other basic administrative duties as requested by the group facilitators.

Job Purpose:

• Provide assistance to the Program Coordinator, Youth Leaders and Senior Group Facilitators in delivering weekly programs
• Serve as a positive role model to the younger program participants, strive for mutual respect and deal with each one in a patient and friendly manner
• Build relationship with the youth and seniors by participating in activities that build self-esteem and motivation
• Encourage and support participants by being respectful of individual and cultural differences while remaining willing and reflective listeners
• Help supervise and organize field trips for both Youth and Senior groups (as determined by the facilitators)
• Assist Youth Leaders in planning, organizing and conducting in-house activities, social and recreational field trips
• Help both Youth and Senior groups with coordinating summer garden schedule for visits and garden care
• Creating marketing materials and/or websites for the Youth, Senior and Parenting programs that are dynamic and accessible to the relevant target audiences
• Support Senior Group Facilitators and Youth Leaders in collecting and organizing food hampers for weekly Senior Groups
• Attend training sessions and program recognition events
• Assist with public transportation for youth and seniors
• Contribute to program evaluation efforts and assessment of participants needs and growth
• Assist in creating weekly session reports for the program
• Report any concerns to the Coordinator or Group Leaders immediately

Qualification requirements:

The MFRS Youth Program Assistant may have work/volunteer experience in a Community-related field/Social Services discipline.

Behavioural Competencies

• Communication – the ability to understand others and to respond in an appropriate and respectful manner

• A commitment to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of yourself and others; creating a safe environment where learning is considered a shared experience and where people can continue to develop new skills.

• Openness to intercultural learning – the ability to manage biases and use curiosity to learn more about others while also learning about yourself and creating spaces to share ideas and perceptions.

• Self-awareness – the ability to understand oneself and the impact that one’s perceptions and attitudes have on others

• Focus on outcomes and plan/drive for results - maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and external stakeholders

• Agility – function as a role model of how to effectively work though change and how to adapt your approach, even in times of uncertainty

Additional requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Police Clearance is required, including vulnerable sector check

If you are interested:

Please submit your complete résumé to:  HR@mfrsedmonton.org 

We thank all applicants but only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. 

Please submit your application by Monday, May 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM MST.