Job Title: Youth and Community Engagement Worker
Department: Durham Humanitarian Response Program (DHRP)
Reports To: Durham Reception Center (DRC) Manager and Team Lead Information and Program Engagement Support
Hours of Work: Rotating 8-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Location: 533 Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 3N7
Application Deadline: August 4, 2026
Job purpose
Reporting to the Durham Reception Center Manager and Team Lead Information and Program Engagement Support, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting DRC youth programming and activities, information, and referrals, and follow up to help them integrate and resettle inDurham Region.
Youth and Community Engagement Worker will also create educational and outreach materials, promote the Durham Reception Centre services, conduct outreach activities, and coordinate information sessions and presentations on education, employment, health and housing-related topics for eligible clients and work collaboratively with the DRC Team.
Company Overview
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.
Duties and responsibilities
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Using client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, staff and volunteers.
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Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, staff, volunteers and clients
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Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
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Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
Program Engagement and Youth Activities Support
- Collaborate with the Youth Program Team to plan, coordinate, and support youth-focused programming, workshops, and recreational activities.
- Assist in organizing educational sessions and group activities focused on life skills, wellness, employment readiness, settlement, education, and community integration.
- Support youth participation and engagement in programs by fostering inclusive, welcoming, and culturally sensitive environments.
- Provide logistical and administrative support for workshops, presentations, outreach events, and information sessions.
Presentations and Information Sessions
- Plan a diverse range of presentations and information sessions tailored to the needs and interests of asylum claimants and temporary resident individuals and families, ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
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Research and partner with community agencies to facilitate presentations in a large group setting on topics such as settlement, rights and responsibilities as a citizen, housing, financial aid, education, and general living services, including health and public transportation.
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Effectively advertise the presentations, information sessions and other activities to the newcomer community through various communication channels, such as flyers, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
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Coordinate with community partners to deliver all the information sessions at DRC.
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Collaborate and engage with community members and local agencies to promote CDCD’s programs and services.
- Liaise with Durham Social Service sector stakeholders to promote project awareness and strengthen existing partnerships.
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Ensure program activities, presentations and information sessions comply with social and employment laws, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
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Evaluate the success of events and activities through attendee feedback, attendance numbers, and other metrics, and use findings to improve and refine future event planning efforts continually.
Community Engagement and Outreach
- Develop and implement strategies to engage with local communities and grassroots organizations to promote awareness of resettlement services and foster collaboration.
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Organize and facilitate community forums, focus groups, and town hall meetings to gather feedback from community members and identify emerging needs and concerns.
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Establish partnerships with faith-based organizations, cultural associations, and ethnic media outlets to reach diverse communities and enhance access to information and services.
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Represent the organization at community events, fairs, and festivals to raise awareness of resettlement programs and build relationships with community members and leaders.
Resource Development and Management
- Research and compile a comprehensive database of local resources, including housing options, employment opportunities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and recreational facilities.
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Develop and disseminate resource guides, directories, and handouts to clients and service providers to facilitate access to essential services and supports.
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Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and distribute multilingual informational materials and resources to meet the diverse needs of clients.
Program-related duties:
- Attend and support internal and/or external meetings and events where applicable.
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Represent CDCD at various internal and external meetings, presentations, and events in a way that positively reflects on the agency.
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Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Diploma or bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Community Development, Social Services, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field.
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An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
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Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth, families, or diverse communities.
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Experience developing and delivering youth engagement, outreach, or community-based programs.
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Experience facilitating workshops, group activities, or educational sessions.
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Experience working with equity-deserving, newcomer, Indigenous, racialized, or marginalized communities is an asset.
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Experience collaborating with community agencies, schools, and service providers.
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Demonstrates understanding of the Durham Region social service sector and issues faced by marginalized populations we serve
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Proficiency to a second language is an asset
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Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom
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Strong work ethic, integrity and ability to instill trust
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Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information
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Detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to keep accurate records, write reports and meet deadlines
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Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines
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Legally entitled to work in Canada
Additional Requirements
- Be flexible regarding assigned work hours and location.
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A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
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The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening before commencing employment.
This job posting relates to an open vacancy. The recruitment process does not involve artificial intelligence or automated decision-making. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are conducted by human reviewers.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis while this posting remains open. Early applications are encouraged, as the position may be filled before the closing date.
CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.
CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.
CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
