Position Description

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant, non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end chronic poverty in Toronto. Since 1896, we’ve worked to transform the lives of people living with poverty, going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services, and a pathway which enables street-involved youth, families in need, adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.

To make this happen, we are passionate about investing in the people we work with, and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need, a desire to transform the lives of our community members, and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. 

If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSM’s work, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

As a staff member at YSM, some of the things you can look forward to include a values-based and highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staff’s mental health and well-being; meaningful, innovative and impactful work, with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, as well as flexible hybrid work arrangements. Our competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includes Group RRSP matching, annual leave and paid personal days, comprehensive health and dental care coverage, an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals, and numerous other perks.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Community Development Specialist to drive social transformation in the communities YSM serves. This role involves representing YSM and fostering relationships with key collaborators across Toronto. The successful candidate will identify opportunities in new neighborhoods, establish YSM’s presence through our Community Development Tools, and develop partnerships with diverse collaborators, including grassroots groups and agencies. They will also enhance the capacity of community leaders by delivering training grounded in our community development model. Working within YSM’s Community Development framework, this position will leverage our existing services and external partnerships to maximize impact.

Responsibilities:

• Support the YSM Community Development team and community-based groups in delivering on their mandates through capacity building and strategic partnerships.
• Champion the launch and application of YSM’s  Community Development tools through strategic partnerships and capacity-building efforts.
• Represent YSM and establish its presence in new neighborhoods across the city.
• Build and foster strong relationships that encourage active collaboration and synergy among key supporters, partners, and community collaborators, including agencies, grassroots groups, and community leaders.
• Enhance the capacity of community leaders and partners by providing training and facilitating workshops using YSM’s Community Development tools, including the CD Toolkit, TIMES Framework for Measurement and Evaluation, Faith Communities Leading Change Toolkit, and Hello Neighbour mobile application.
• Create proposals and presentations to establish new partnerships and collaborative projects across the city.
• Review research materials as needed to participate in and facilitate conversations with collaborators, driving initiatives forward.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers while managing administrative reporting as necessary.
• Actively represent YSM’s Christian presence and identity within the neighborhoods served by engaging with and being known by the community.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education combined with 3- 5 years’ experience or equivalent academic training in Asset Based Community/International Development, Partnership Brokering, Social Work, or Urban Studies
• Self-starter with strong facilitation, community engagement, cross-cultural competence, partnership development, and neighbourhood organizing skills, as well as an ability to work with a high degree of independence
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong ability to build partnerships, and strategically guide conversations
• Strong project planning, organizing, and coordinating skills. Experience with project management 
• Ability to and experience working with complex materials translating them into community-friendly formats for the purpose of capacity building
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information for a variety of audiences
• Ability to support groups towards shared goals and outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to apply advanced knowledge related to the social, emotional and health-related barriers affecting vulnerable populations
• Strong understanding of the factors and challenges contributing to poverty in Toronto
• Strong understand of City of Toronto Community Development programs, practices, and policies. Experience working alongside COT and/or government and community agencies staff in Community Development is a strong asset.
• A police check will be required. First Aid training is an asset
• Demonstrated personal commitment to YSM’s principles of faith, mission and values

Compensation: YSM offers market competitive rates and will pay a starting salary of $54,016.58 for this role, combined with a comprehensive suite of benefits and perks.

Deadline for Application: January 19, 2025

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Please note that YSM does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process. These stages include candidate screening and shortlisting, assessment and selection.

Learn more about YSM at www.ysm.ca 

Date Posted: December 10, 2024