Closed for applications.
The Writers’ Exchange is hiring a Youth Program Leader!
Work Hours: 10.5 hours per week
Wage: $22-$24 an hour
Full/Part Time: part-time contract
Location: East Vancouver, various
Who We Are
The Writers’ Exchange is a community that supports under-resourced kids and youth to get them excited about reading, writing and their own potential. Each year 250 kids and youth at six different sites across East Vancouver, participate after-school and over summer to boost their confidence, be creative, and have fun! The kids and youth provide direct input into programs and activities, and our team of staff and 70 volunteers work to turn their interests into engaging reading and writing activities. Our vision is that through literacy, all kids and youth will grow up with the power to make their own choices, achieve anything and be happy. All of our programs take place on the traditional and stolen territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Selilwitulh Nations.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Youth Program Leader to help dream up and lead creative literacy activities that inspire youth ages 11 – 18 in our after-school programs. As the program lead each day, you are responsible for setting up the youth and their volunteer mentors to have a fun and engaging time, and to ensure a safe and welcoming environment that removes barriers to participation. During a typical program there are 12-20 youth and 4-6 volunteers. Youth eat snacks, play games and then do a fun activity (created by you!). Working with the Program Manager, you will also help support program administration such as attendance, evaluations, chapbook writing/production, and more. This position is required to be in-person, onsite at various locations across East Vancouver each week.
How We Do Our Work
We are all committed to our own anti-oppression learning journey and committed to equity and decolonization at the Writers’ Exchange. You can find our full vision, mission and values at www.vancouverwe.com/about-us-2. We value diverse backgrounds that may further contribute to the rich diversification of skills and knowledge at the Writers’ Exchange and we are particularly interested in considering applications from Indigenous, Black and all people of color, LGBTTIQQ2SA folks, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities or another equity-seeking group with which you identify. * Please consider self-identifying in your cover letter via email to help us prioritize your application.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to
- Develop fun, engaging, and appropriate literacy activities for youth ages 11 – 18 through a trauma-informed approach, that promotes positive socio-emotional development.
- Lead the volunteers and youth through the program each day, making the environment supportive and safe for all participants.
- Procure all needed supplies for activities.
- Support the Program Manager in keeping track of attendance, compiling program surveys, producing chapbook writing with the youth, communicating special events, etc.
- Support program volunteers through pre-brief, debrief, and during program time, to ensure they have a positive experience and are equipped to engage youth in the day’s activities.
- Set up the program space each day and clean-up at the end to ensure it is clean and tidy.
- Step in to lead the site in the absence of the Program Manager.
- Attend Book Celebrations and special events as needed to support youth participation.
- Collaborate with the program team to create strategies that set youth up for success based on their individual needs, and ensure consistency.
- Participate in professional development opportunities put on by Writers’ Exchange, as required.
- Uphold the mission, vision and values of the Writers’ Exchange, including our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
Competencies and Skills
- Two years experience working with youth ages 11 – 18; strong preference given to those who have experience with under-resourced youth and/or leading and developing program activities.
- A sound understanding and application of trauma-informed care is preferred.
- Experience working collaboratively with teams of volunteers, community members and partners, such as Vancouver School Board staff, is an asset.
- Able to be self-directed and meet deadlines on time while working independently.
- Can create a supportive and safe environment through positive mentorship, empathy, active listening, and coaching.
- Sound judgement to ensure health and safety of all kids, youth and staff.
- Must have, or be willing to obtain, a criminal record check, valid first aid and Food Safe
- Fluency in a language other than English is an asset
- Self-aware and dedicated to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion)
- Bonus: up to date with pop culture and niche trends (or enthusiasm to learn from the youth!)
What We Offer
Location: Various sites across East Vancouver
Dates: after September 4, 2024 – June 20, 2025 (Contract: Sept 4, 2024 – June 20, 2025 with the possibility of extension)
Pay Rate: $22 – $24 an hour. Plus 4% added for vacation and $250 in wellness funds after three months.
Work hours: (Tues and Weds 2:45-4:45pm, Fri 2:45 – 6:15pm, and plus 3 hrs activity prep time) **potential for more on-call hours in other programs.
Reporting to: Program Manager, Phillies Tanafranca
Application Process
Upload your résumé and cover letter as a single PDF document as soon as possible. In your cover letter, please be specific about what skills and talents you will bring to the position. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview by phone and/or in person.
The successful candidate must obtain a criminal record check, valid first aid certificate and Food Safe (we will work with you to complete all of these before you start work if you do not have them at the time of hire). Please also note that the incumbent would need to either live in East Vancouver or easily travel/commute there.
