Youth Wellness Program Animator

Position Type – Full-time permanent

Hours of Work per week – 35 hours

Salary range:  $48,731 to $56,747 per annum

Benefits:   we offer generous group employee benefits which includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage and EAP, premium fully paid by organization
• Life and disability insurance
• Defined Contribution Pension plan with employer matching up to 6% based on length of service
• Generous paid time off (Vacation, Sick and Float days)
• Pregnancy/Parental leave top-up
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Access to employee perks and discounts

Union Position – This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto Support Services (“Strides Toronto”) Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency supporting infants, children, youth and young adults from birth to age 29, and their families, primarily across east Toronto. We offer community-based, residential and treatment programs—including mental health counselling, autism services, early intervention, day treatment, education, outreach and community support—using a client-centered, evidence-informed approach. Since 2015, Strides Toronto has served as Toronto’s Lead Agency for Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health, partnering with 21 core service providers to provide system leadership, citywide planning, coordinated service delivery and program alignment. Strides Toronto also leads initiatives with broader reach, including Help Ahead and the HOPE Strategy across Toronto and One Stop Talk/Parlons Maintenant and the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program across Ontario.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an existing vacancy for a full-time permanent Youth Wellness Program Animator. The Youth Wellness Program Animator (YWPA) provides intake, orientation and Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) service navigation support to clients and families who are accessing the Youth Wellness Hub.  The YWPA communicates and coordinates with the YWHO integrated care team to connect youth to relevant supports and service providers.  The YWPA supports the coordination of day-to-day operations in the Youth Wellness Hub.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Provide administration support to the ‘Youth Wellness Hub’ ensuring the efficient operation of services through screening and processing referrals and scheduling YWHO services for clients.
Support youth that visit the Youth Wellness Hub by creating a welcoming space and linking youth to other service providers.
Learn about initiatives, tools, resources other hubs are using and share back with the Youth Wellness Hub team to improve internal processes.
Act as the initial point of contact in the Youth Wellness Hub and collect relevant client information from the referral source.
Oversee the intake process for youth and families including use of YWHO’s electronic client information system (MWP) and the use of measurement-based care tools.
Support the development and implementation of hub initiatives as needed.
Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate, non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing and welcoming hub atmosphere.
Work with YWHO partners and/ or Youth Advisory Committee to develop content for social media posts, and outreach material.
Outreach and connect with community organizations, schools and community members to promote YWHO services.
Support partner and YWHO initiatives through the co-facilitation of skills and wellbeing activities and groups as needed.
THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

Post-Secondary Education in a related field.
1 year experience working in a hospital or community-based setting.
1 year experience in an administrative support role.
Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.
BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

A Vulnerable Sector police check
A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto.  The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

We provide a hybrid work model and competitive Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan.
We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.
HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is January 21, 2026.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to  increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.