Focus on Food Youth Project Coordinator

FoodShare Toronto is looking for a full-time staff member to coordinate the Focus on Food Youth Employment Project for a six-month maternity leave contract.  

This individual will support, coordinate, coach, and supervise 12 young adults (aged 15 – 30) who face significant barriers in their lives to maintaining employment.  It will be the role of the Youth Project Coordinator to support the Youth Interns to grow professionally and personally, while ensuring they contribute to FoodShare’s Vision of  “Good, Healthy Food for All.”

Detailed job description:

• Supervise and support the Focus on Food participants in their roles at FoodShare, as well as with their interpersonal workplace relationships.
• Coach and Counsel the participants in finding future direction in their professional/educational lives, and in making positive lifestyle changes.
• Coordinate Focus on Food Staff team; support Team Leaders to lead their individual teams.
• Administrate the program (coordinating monthly activities, payroll, monthly report writing, cheque requests, etc.).
• Liase with VPI (Employment and Case Management Services) and other community partners to help participants develop employment skills and find next place of employment.
• Facilitate life skills sessions.
• Help colleague with grant proposal.
• Co-facilitate recruitment and hiring process, including orientation and interviews.
• Facilitate ongoing link between FoodShare and participants/leaders after program completion

Qualifications and skills:

• Capacity and passion for supporting youth/young adults with their personal and/or professional development
• Strong informal counselling/coaching skills
• Ability to effectively manage a large budget
• Ability to provide information and referrals to community resources
• Strong communication and administrative skills
• Experience working with diverse groups of people
• Ability to advocate for marginalised populations within agency and the community
• Strong written language skills, including ability to write reports to funders
• Computer literacy, including basic proficiency in Excel, and Word
• Experience in overcoming significant barriers in one’s own life
• Some evenings and weekends required

The following will be considered assets:

• Other language(s)
• A valid driver’s license

FoodShare is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to employment equity and value diversity.

Hours and Compensation: 37.5 hours per week, prorated to six months of an annual salary of $40,000.

Duration:  This position is for a six month contract from July/09 – December 31/09

How to apply:
Please submit the following to Meredith Hayes at meredith@foodshare.net or fax to (416) 363-0474, or mail to 90 Croatia St., Toronto, ON, M6H 1K9.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. A creation that communicates your passion and capacity for working with young adults (written, visual, auditory, or any other medium will be accepted; however, it should not exceed 300 words, or 5 minutes to experience)