SHORT-TERM CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY

Position: Program Assistant, Step Up March Break program (1-2 positions)
Organization: Serve! http://www.servecanada.org

Location: Mainly in the Flemingdon Park/Thorncliffe Park area, Toronto ON
Start & End Dates: Approx. March 6 - March 20, 2012
Hours: Full-time, 35-40 hrs/wk during actual March Break week (may involve evening work the odd day); plus some hours prior to program week and after program week.
Pay Rate: $12.50/hr.

Description:

The March Break Program Assistant supports the activities of youth (13 to 16 years old) in Serve teams
during March Break week in accordance with Serve policies and procedures. Some preparation/orientation activities will take place the week prior to program week and some post-program activities will take place as well (those final dates to be determined). The Program Assistant works in collaboration with the Program Manager and other program staff (as well as program partners)
and provides leadership, supervision and support for Team Members (youth participants) in achieving team, individual and program goals. There will be approximately 24 youth participants in the program.

Responsibilities:

*Collaborates with the Program Manager in organizing and implementing program activities consistent with organizational goals (including program orientation session, educational activities, and adventure-based activity);
* Supports and supervises the participation of Team Members so as to effectively deliver the program and achieve program, team, project, and personal Team Member goals;
* Provides positive role modelling for the youth participants and motivates/coaches participants as needed;
* Participates in and assists in the delivery/facilitation of educational activities and workshops for the youth participants;
* Maintains positive communications and relationships with community partners (while supervising community projects);
* Participates positively in problem solving and conflict management;
* Maintains program statistics and record-keeping as needed;
* Responds to requests for program information on Serve;
* Participates in staff orientation, program meetings and other team building activities;
* Participates constructively in ongoing supervision and feedback discussions;
* Other relevant duties as required.

Requirements:

* Experience and ability to work with youth and diverse populations, particularly youth facing barriers
* Good organizational and coordinating skills
* Ability to work independently and in a team setting
* Good stamina and energetic
* Ability to manage in a face paced environment and challenging situations
* Good communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
* Experience in and commitment to anti-oppression work
* Demonstrated positive role modeling ability and professional conduct (including punctuality and professional boundaries)
* Knowledge/familiarity with Flemingdon Park area is an asset
* Experience in voluntary service, group facilitation, popular education and group development are assets
* MUST be interested and able to commit to the short-term contract upon job offer (full March Break week plus preparation time prior to program delivery and wrap-up work post-program).

Please submit résumé and cover letter no later than Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 to:

Posting# PAmar2012
Serve!
c/o Elaine Munro
Program Manager
543 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 1V1

elainem@servecanada.org
Fax: (416) 933-2951

Please, no phone calls.

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.