Lead After School Program Worker

Overview

West Neighbourhood House, formerly St. Christopher House, is a multi-service, neighbourhood-based agency that has served the diverse communities of downtown west Toronto since 1912. The central purpose of West Neighbourhood House is to enable less-advantaged individuals, families and groups in the community to gain greater control over their lives and community.

As a valued member of the Children, Youth and Family Services team, the Lead After School Program Worker is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating safe, inclusive, and engaging after-school programming for children ages 6 to 12. As the lead staff person at their site(s), they will build positive relationships with children, families, volunteers, and community partners, while working collaboratively with the Team Lead to support the day-to-day operation and delivery of high-quality programming.

West Neighbourhood House is actively seeking qualified applications from Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, women and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Applicants with lived experience as a participant of West Neighbourhood House programs, or related programming from similar organizations, are also strongly encouraged to apply.

West Neighbourhood House will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment & selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, facilitate, and evaluate engaging, developmentally appropriate activities, including sports, games, crafts, and homework or quiet time, for children ages 6 to 12;
• Serve as the lead staff person at the assigned site(s), fostering positive relationships with children, families, volunteers, school staff, and community partners;
• Actively engage participants to promote healthy social, emotional, and physical development through play-based and recreational programming;
• Provide direction, guidance, and mentorship to placement students and volunteers;
• Promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of participants by maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment through active supervision and positive engagement;
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and parent concerns, ensuring appropriate documentation, reporting, and follow-up in accordance with organizational policies and procedures;
• Monitor attendance, participant engagement, and site needs, communicating updates and recommendations to the Team Lead to support program planning and continuous improvement;
• Work collaboratively with the Senior After School Program Worker, Team Lead, and broader Children, Youth and Family Services team to deliver high-quality programming;
• Work collaboratively with the Senior After School Program Worker, Team Lead, and broader Children, Youth and Family Services team to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality programming.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or relevant experience in child development, education, recreation, community social work, or the creative arts. A solid understanding of child development principles is an asset;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Previous experience supervising and managing groups of school-age children, with a focus on safety and engagement;
• Demonstrated ability to program plan and implement age-appropriate activities;
• Strong role modelling of effective social and conflict resolution skills in a diverse setting;
• Ability to recognize situations that exceed your scope and seek support from program staff and/or a supervisor;
• Experience with supporting children with diverse needs and exceptionalities is an asset;
• Experience working with students and/or volunteers would be an asset;
• Demonstrated understanding of teamwork, collaboration, and group dynamics;
• Familiarity with the local community would be an asset;
• Familiarity with HIGH FIVE®Principles/Certification is an asset; training will be provided;
• Up to date First Aid/CPR Certification is an asset; training will be provided.

Status: Part Time Contract (possible full days March Break and P.A. Days, as required, Contract ending June 29, 2027)
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Start Date: September 8, 2026
Hours: Up to 18.5 hours per week (2:30/3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday)
Unit: Community Program and Social Change
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator Children, Youth, and Family Services
Closing Date: August 25, 2026

Compensation

Rate: $20.58 per hour

How to Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume clearly indicating “Lead After School Program Worker” by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date to:

• Hiring Committee
  248 Ossington Ave.
  Toronto, Ontario
  M6J 3A2
  [email protected]