Date Posted:        June 17, 2022

Position Title:       Group Facilitator, Y Mind Youth
                                (This facilitator leads the Y Mind administrative responsibilities as well)

Location:               Robert Lee YMCA in downtown Vancouver and a central location in Surrey.

Terms:                   Fixed Term, Part-Time

Hours:                   9 hours per week during program delivery

                               Program delivery approximately 10 weeks each in Fall 2022, Winter/Spring 2023 and Spring 2023

                               Additional hours for training and program meetings as required

Schedule:              Tuesdays, 5PM – 8:30PM (Vancouver)

                                Wednesdays, 5PM – 8:30PM (Surrey)

                                2 additional admin hours on a Thursday or Friday, between 8:30PM – 4:30PM, same time weekly.

                                Schedule may change to meet program and operational needs.

Start Date:            Program delivery begins in September 2022.  Availability required in August 2022 for training.

End Date:              June 30 2023.  Extension beyond this dependant on funding.

Rate:                      $30.00 per hour

Reports To:           Supervisor, Y Mind Youth & Teen

Situation:

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change. We are building a community in which a generation of children and families reach their full potential. Our values guide our decision-making and behaviour—we do the right thing, put people first, keep our promises and lead by example.

For over 135 years, we have been part of the community, a place where people of every age and background find the support they need to grow in spirit, mind and body. One of the Lower Mainland’s leading charities, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver provides services in health & fitness, child care, camping, employment & community services to over 120,000 participants annually.

The YMCA Y Mind Youth program supports youth aged 18-30 years of age who experience symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety to learn healthy coping strategies and connect with peers in a safe and encouraging group environment.  

The Y Mind Youth Program meets for 2.5 hours weekly for 7 weeks in a safe and welcoming environment. Two Y Mind Youth Facilitators are responsible for the intake and assessment of 12 group participants, co-facilitation of the program, and delivery of the program. The Y Mind Youth Group Facilitator will co-lead this psychoeducation and support group to help participants learn about their anxiety and discover helpful coping tools through creative activities and discussions grounded in mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Nature and Scope:

Reporting to the Y Mind Youth & Teen Supervisor, the Y Mind Youth Group Facilitator will work collaboratively with other staff and participants. The Y Mind Youth Facilitator is responsible for screening and onboarding new participants and delivering program sessions in-person at the Robert Lee YMCA and in-person near Surrey city centre.  Facilitators are required to deliver virtually from home if for any reason, in-person programming is not possible.

Major Responsibilities:

• Intake of program applicants at information sessions.
• Co-facilitate group sessions and create a warm, welcoming, and safe group environment.
• Maintain a strengths-based approach that inspires participants to engage in self-development & change.
• Administrative program tasks, including completion and organization of program records such as intake forms, attendance records, participant databases/spreadsheets, participant casenotes and other admin duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Support applicants and participants to contact appropriate referrals to community agencies when necessary.
• Organization of data for evaluation of program.
• Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA standards/ policies/ procedures.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mental health related field (e.g. Counselling, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, etc.)
• Experience leading group psychoeducation and support group sessions.
• Experience working with youth (18-30 years of age) with mild to moderate anxiety and mood problems.
• Experience conducting intakes.
• Ability to recognize mental health signs and symptoms beyond the mild to moderate spectrum and provide referrals to appropriate medical and community agencies.
• Understanding of mindfulness and knowledge of mindfulness practices.
• Experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) preferred.
• Excellent administrative skills, including timely documentation, communication and organization.
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check/ Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding your start date and provide 3 professional references.
• The YMCA has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated as per the timelines set out by the province

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Human Resources department.  

Competencies:

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies:

Leading Self

• Evolve in Professional Capability – Commit to being better
• Achieve Excellence and Authenticity – Show up with the best version of you

Leading Others

• Develop the Potential in Others – Help people grow and lead
• Create a Culture of Connection – Build bridges between people and partners

Leading Mission

• Think and Act Strategically – Make good decisions and act on them
• Make an Intentional Impact – Advance the strength and cause of the Y