Situation:
The YMCA mental wellness programs help young people experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety to learn healthy coping strategies and connect with like-minded individuals in a safe and encouraging group environment.

The Y Mind Youth Group (18-30-year-olds) meets for 2.5 hours weekly for 7 weeks. Y Mind Teen (13-18) Group meets for 1.5 hours for 7 weeks. Y Mind is a psychoeducation and support program made possible through Provincial funding and uses ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Mindfulness to support participants in navigating their relationship to anxiety and stress. Two Program Facilitators are responsible for the intake and assessment of 12 group participants per program cycle and co-facilitation of the program. The Program Facilitators will co-lead this program and engage participants in learning about their anxiety and discovering helpful coping tools through experiential activities and discussions.

Nature and Scope:
Reporting to the Mental Wellness Program Manager, the Program Facilitators will work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, and participants. The Program Facilitators are responsible for screening new participants at information sessions and for delivering program sessions. If program participants require additional support, the Program Facilitators would find appropriate referrals in collaboration with other staff members. This casual position is entitled to an individual YMCA-YWCA facility pass. This year we are offering in person cycles of the program - depending on need we may do an online delivery in the winter. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to deliver in both or either format depending on need.

Responsibilities:

• Intake and assessment of program applicants at information sessions
• Facilitate 7 group sessions per cycle and create a warm, welcoming and safe group environment
• Attend mid- and post- program debrief meetings
• Support applicants and participants to contact appropriate referrals to community agencies
• Conduct post program follow up meetings and reporting paperwork
• Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA-YWCA standards/policies/procedures

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in mental health, counselling, or clinical social work; or equivalent combination of experience and education required
• Experience working with young adults (13-30 years of age) experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and mood problems
• Experience with group facilitation and teaching using a variety of strategies
• Experience conducting intakes and assessments
• Ability to recognize mental health signs and symptoms beyond the mild to moderate spectrum and provide referrals to appropriate medical and community agencies.
• Experience developing and facilitating stress management and coping skills workshops.
• Experience using ACT and mindfulness-based practices and supports with clients is considered an asset
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and decisions, effective prioritizing and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills
• Computer proficient - Microsoft Office
• High degree of independence and initiative within a team environment
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C required
• A clear Police/RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required

Competencies:

• Commitment to Organization and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for mission, vision, and values of the YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island.
• Service Orientation: Deliberately identifies needs and wants of members/participants as priority and creates opportunities to enhance each and every person's YMCA-YWCA experience.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve optimal collective results.
• Communication: Ability to speak, write, listen, and secure information in a variety of settings
• Outcomes Oriented: Ability to lead, manage, and achieve identified goals.