ABOUT US

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the center of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Job Class

Non-Union

Department

Justice Services

Location

Hybrid / Head Office - Suite 800, 2 Carlton Street

Status

Full-time, Contract - until December 31st 2029

Pay Rate

$63,000 per annum

Vacancy Number

JS-NU25-51

Number of vacancies

 1

Available

Immediately

Hours/Shifts

Monday - Friday 0900-1700 - with some flexibility

Flexibility to work beyond regular shift due to programming needs is required.

Opportunity to balance work remotely and on-site after orientation and training period, subject to operational needs

Coverage at other sites and travel may be required.

Schedules may change depending on operational requirements.

The Systems Innovation for Justice-Impacted Youth project is a five-year project which aims to transform the youth justice system to better address the needs of Black and racialized youth with developmental disabilities, by seeking out and implementing recommendations from youth, families, justice stakeholders, and community organizations, and working to increase the sector's capacity, collaboration, and knowledge. Through research, community consultations, policy review, service coordination and ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders, the project aims to:

-          Identify and address systemic gaps in how youth are supported within the justice system

-          Develop solutions to improve access to services and resources

-          Foster stronger collaboration among service providers to address siloed responses

Reporting to the Manager, Justice Services, the Youth & Community Engagement Specialist will lead the project’s participatory and community-driven processes. This role is responsible for designing and facilitating meaningful engagement with youth, families and community stakeholders, and for ensuring those voices are embedded in the work of the Collaborative Partners, Advisory Council, and Youth Advisory. The role will work closely with the Research & Strategy Specialist to translate lived experience into actionable recommendations and will directly support the governance structures of the project to ensure authentic and meaningful participation.

Requirements

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Youth Engagement and Advisory Development

• Establish, recruit, and facilitate the Youth Advisory, ensuring meaningful youth participation and youth leadership development
• Plan and facilitate regular Youth Advisory meetings and peer leadership activities.
• Work closely with Collaborative Partners to ensure youth representation from across the collaborative
• Support youth representatives in bringing perspectives forward to the Collaborative Partners and Advisory Council

Stakeholder and Collaborative Engagement

• Support Manager, Justice Services with all Collaborative partner meetings, Advisory Council meetings, and lead the Youth Advisory meetings, fostering meaningful participation from all members
• Work directly with Collaborative Partners and Advisory Council members to embed youth and caregiver input into decision-making
• Collaborate with Justice Manager to co-design agendas, prep youth for participation, and present engagement findings
• Build trusting relationships with Collaborative Members to strengthen two-way flow of input between youth/community and governance bodies
• Foster relationships and represent the program and organization at network tables, community groups, conferences, etc. as assigned

Community Engagement and Facilitation

• Lead consultations with youth, caregivers, and community stakeholders to identify gaps and challenges in the justice system
• Ensure culturally responsive and accessible engagement methods
• Document and synthesize community insights into recommendations that feed into Advisory Council and Collaborative Partner discussions and reports
• Assist in planning and executing the final knowledge-sharing event
• Document youth input and participation to inform the development of the Theory of Change and Action Plan.

Administration & Professional Development

• Actively participate in individual and team meetings, supervisory meetings, planning sessions, project meetings, and designated trainings
• Support in the implementation of the program evaluation and other reporting processes or special projects, as assigned
• Participate in strategic planning and other organizational initiatives and committees as required
• Regular reporting to funders, internal accounting, and fiscal management of the program budget
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned

WHO YOU ARE

Education/Experience

• Degree in the Social Sciences, Social Work, Community Development, or related field
• Minimum three years’ experience in community engagement, youth programming, and facilitation roles. Related experience will be considered

Knowledge and Key Competencies

• Expertise in facilitation, participatory methods, and inclusive governance
• Knowledge of the systemic challenges facing Black and racialized neurodivergent youth within the youth justice system
• Ability to translate community insights into actionable recommendations
• Direct experience engaging with diverse populations and an ability to apply a culturally responsive lens to all interactions, including program implementation and capacity-building with young people
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Satisfactory vulnerable sector screening (VSS)

In addition, the following are considered assets:

• Understanding of relevant legislation and institutional policies (including the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Education Act, Safe Schools Act)
• Knowledge of the social service agencies operating in Toronto, GTA, and provincially
• Strong network of youth and justice stakeholders across the province

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard.

Completion of satisfactory, professional references, background checks, and proof of education are requirements of employment.

The position is open until November 7th at 5pm. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.