Open Air Learning is seeking an educator, mentor, youth worker, or other passionate professional to join our Teen Connections program.
About Teen Connections
Teen Connections is a community-based experiential learning program for youth ages 13–18. Teen Connections focuses on helping (primarily) home learning teens building community, develop life skills, support personal growth, and create opportunities for teens to explore their interests through hands-on experiences, projects, mentorship, and community involvement.
This is not a traditional classroom teaching position. While educational experience is valued, success in this role depends on the ability to build meaningful relationships with teens, facilitate engaging experiences, and support youth as they develop confidence, independence, and leadership skills.
About the Role
We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with teens and understands the balance between providing guidance and creating space for young people to take ownership of their experiences.
The ideal candidate believes that meaningful learning happens through real-world experiences, relationships, and active participation. They are comfortable facilitating discussions, supporting group projects, helping teens build practical life skills, and encouraging teen-led ideas and initiatives.
You know when to step in and provide support, and when to step back and let teens take the lead.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate weekly programming for teens ages 13–18
- Support experiential, project-based, and community-based learning opportunities
- Facilitate discussions and group problem-solving
- Support teen-led projects, activities, and decision-making
- Help teens build practical life skills, confidence, leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy
- Build positive relationships with participants and families
- Help maintain a safe, supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment
- Collaborate with program staff to plan and implement activities and experiences
- Contribute ideas to help shape and grow the program
Qualifications
- Degree, diploma, or coursework in Education or a related field such as Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, Recreation, Human Services, or a similar field
- Significant experience working with teens may be considered in place of formal education
- Experience facilitating groups and building positive relationships with youth
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to create an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment
- Current First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check required
The Following Experience Would Be Considered an Asset
- Homeschooling or alternative education environments
- Experiential or project-based learning programs
- Youth leadership, recreation, or community-based programming
- Mentoring, coaching, or supporting youth development
What We're Looking For
Above all, we're looking for someone who is passionate about working with teens. The ideal candidate values curiosity, connection, personal growth, and experiential learning, and understands that some of the most meaningful learning happens when young people are trusted to take the lead.
Our goal is to provide a space where teens feel connected, capable, and empowered to take an active role in shaping their own learning and experiences.
While this position is focused on our Teen Connections program, there may be opportunities for additional hours through other Open Air Learning programs for candidates whose skills and experience are a strong fit.
To learn more about Teen Connections and our approach, please visit our website.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] describing your experience working with youth and why this role interests you.
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
