Join Our Team!

Seasonal employment: Part-time January to May, Full time June to August
Location: We are currently hiring all across Canada
For French go here.

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a national exchange program coordinated by the YMCA and funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Each summer, 16- and 17-year-old Canadian youth spend six weeks in another province, living with a local host, gaining paid work experience, practicing their second official language, and participating in weekly program activities.

Support Coordinators serve as team leads for the program in their region. Before the exchange begins, they assist in the hiring process for Local Coordinators, promote the program to youth, support the interview and selection process for participants, and connect with community partners to secure job placements. During the exchange, Support Coordinators guide their local team, supporting youth as they navigate their new environments and delivering a full program of activities.

Responsibilities:

• Support the hiring and training process for Local Coordinators and provide ongoing leadership to the local team.
• Promote the program in communities and support the selection of youth participants, host families, and employment partners.
• Support Local Coordinators to safely plan and deliver program activities in line with program objectives, including managing activity budgets.
• Act as a bridge between the Regional Coordinator and the Local Coordinators, including monitoring compliance with program policies and objectives.
• Build positive relationships with youth exchange participants, host families, employers, and other local community partners; visit program sites during the exchange period and respond to conflict and emergencies as they arise.
• Support participant travel between provinces, including traveling with participants to their host community or providing logistical support at departure points.
• Write a comprehensive report at the end of the summer summarizing the program’s results.
• Fulfill administrative duties in a timely manner, including promotional tracking, case noting, incident reporting, expense claim tracking, and file documentation.
• Assume the role of Local Coordinator in certain situations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Oriented, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program or equivalent experience.
• Valid Emergency First Aid/CPR certification before the start of the exchange.
• At least one year of experience working with youth in a community program context.
• Experience in a leadership role, either professionally or in student leadership.
• Experience working in a role requiring interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in problem solving and conflict resolution in a professional context.
• Previous experience working in the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange program, an asset.
• Experience in training and facilitation, an asset.
• Ability to communicate in both French and English, an asset.
• Strong administrative skills, including budget management, reporting, and tracking using spreadsheets.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Ability to attend and support three mandatory paid trainings in January, March, and April/May.
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle; willing to provide a driver’s abstract.
• Internet access for the duration of employment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends.
• Willingness to travel within Canada.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently with youth, families, and community partners.
• Customer service skills, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for participants and stakeholders.
• Well-developed organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and program requirements.
• A high level of reliability, with a consistent commitment to fulfilling responsibilities and supporting program success.
• Prior training in mental health support and suicide intervention (e.g., MHFA, ASIST, etc.).
• Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ-positive, critical disability, harm reduction, and strengths-based principles into practice.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.

Mandatory Training and scheduled work days:

• Three mandatory training sessions will take place. The first will occur in mid-January. The second session will take place over a weekend in early March and the third in late April/early May.  Exact dates will be confirmed at the time of interviewing.
• Trainings are held in-person and may require travel within Canada for two to four days; all costs related to travel and training are paid for by the YMCA.
• All Support Coordinators are also required to work full-time during business hours the first week of June, and are required to be available on June 27 and August 8 during travel days.

Location, Period of Employment, and Salary:

• Positions are available throughout Canada. Support Coordinators must live within their assigned region.
• Support Coordinators will work 15 hours/week from January 11 to April 25, increasing to 24 hours/week from April 26 to May 30, and then 37.5 hours/week (full-time) from May 31 until August 15. The starting salary is $21.10 per hour.

Application deadline: November 2, 2025

Apply

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here. (French: ici)

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.

Seasonal employment: Part-time March to May, Full time June to August
Location: We are currently hiring all across Canada

For French go here.

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a national exchange program coordinated by the YMCA and funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Each summer, 16- and 17-year-old Canadian youth spend six weeks in another province, living with a local host, gaining paid work experience, practicing their second official language, and taking part in weekly program activities.

Local Coordinators (LCs) serve as the main link between participants, community members, and the SWSE program. Before the exchange begins, they promote the program to youth and community groups, lead the interview and selection process, and help prepare youth and families for the experience. During the exchange, Local Coordinators act as trusted mentors, guiding youth through a full program of activities and providing support as they adapt to their new environments.

Responsibilities:

• Promote the program in communities and support the selection of youth participants, host families, and employment partners.
• Interview and select youth participants and families/hosts, and conduct a pre-departure information session with support.
• Plan local activities aligned with program objectives and manage an activity budget.
• Build positive relationships with youth exchange participants, host families, employers, and other local partners; visit program sites and respond to conflict and emergencies as they arise.
• Support participant travel between provinces, including traveling with participants to their host community or providing logistical support at departure points.
• Write a comprehensive report at the end of the summer summarizing the program’s results.
• Fulfill administrative duties in a timely manner, including promotional tracking, case noting, incident reporting, expense claim tracking, and file documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Oriented, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program or equivalent experience.
• Valid Emergency First Aid/CPR certification before the start of the exchange.
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle; willing to provide a driver’s abstract.
• Previous experience working with youth and/or experiential education programs.
• Internet access for the duration of employment.
• Be able to attend the two mandatory paid trainings in March and April/May.
• Availability to work full-time the first week of June and on travel days.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends – must be willing to make the Local Coordinator position, your primary professional commitment, from June 1st to August 14th.
• Willingness to travel within Canada.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently with youth, families, and community partners.
• Strong customer service skills, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for participants and stakeholders.
• Well-developed organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and program requirements.
• A high level of reliability, with a consistent commitment to fulfilling responsibilities and supporting program success.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.

Assets:

• Preference will be given to candidates able to communicate in both French and English
• Prior participation in the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange program
• Prior training in mental health support and suicide intervention (e.g. MHFA, ASIST, etc.)
• Experience in training and facilitation
• Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ-positive, critical disability, harm reduction, and strengths-based principles into practice

Mandatory Training and scheduled work days:

• Two mandatory training sessions will take place. The first session will take place over a weekend in early March and the second in late April/early May.  Exact dates will be confirmed at the time of interviewing.
• Trainings are held in-person and may require travel within Canada for two to four days; all costs related to travel and training are paid for by the YMCA.
• All Local Coordinators are also required to work full-time during business hours the first week of June, and are required to be available on June 27 and August 8 during travel days.

Location, Period of Employment, and Salary:

• Positions are available throughout Canada. Local Coordinators must live within their assigned region.
• Local Coordinators will work 12 hours/week from early March to April 25, increasing to 24 hours/week from April 26 to May 30, and then 37.5 hours/week (full-time) from May 31 until August 15.  The starting salary is $20.50 per hour.

Application deadline: November 2, 2025

Apply

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here. (French: ici)

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a national exchange program coordinated by the YMCA and funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Each summer, 16- and 17-year-old Canadian youth spend six weeks in another province, living with a local host, gaining paid work experience, practicing their second official language, and participating in weekly program activities.

Title: Regional Coordinator

Location: Nova Scotia Works, 112 Wyse Road, Dartmouth

Program: Summer Jobs - Student Exchanges

Position Status: Full-Time, Contract

Compensation: $46,000 per year

Start Date: November 3, 2025

Specialized Skills: Bilingualism in English and French required

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults. 

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.  

With us at their side, they can Shine On. 

As part of your total compensation: 

• Complimentary YMCA membership to access our health and fitness facilities
• Access to YMCA at Home, allowing you to participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare services and camp programs
• Three (3) weeks' vacation and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension plan
• Comprehensive wellness and counselling services

About the role:

The Regional Coordinator will be a key member of the national team responsible for program implementation, ensuring regional participant targets are met through the development of an effective outreach plan. Each year, the Regional Coordinator will recruit, orient, train, and supervise Local Coordinators who directly support exchange participants in their host communities, as well as Support Coordinators who act as team leaders. Through the Local Coordinators, the Regional Coordinator will also ensure that youth are placed in appropriate summer employment.

The Regional Coordinator is responsible for managing and maintaining relationships with local employers and community support organizations. They promote YMCA programs to the community, employers, and other individuals and organizations to help the YMCA achieve program goals and strategic outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Promotion and Outreach: Develop and implement a regional promotion and communication plan to achieve youth recruitment goals across the province, reflecting Canadian demographics.
• Staff Management: Recruit, orient, train, support, and supervise an effective team of Local Coordinators who directly support participants in their host communities, as well as Support Coordinators acting as team leaders.
• Program Implementation: Provide services to participants, hosts/families, employers, and the public in both official languages. Resolve issues efficiently, manage conflicts as they arise, and keep supervisors informed.
• Financial Management: Monitor financial systems and maintain financial reporting according to YMCA policies and procedures. Ensure timely and accurate submission of invoices, expense forms, and statistics to local and national offices.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to all conditions of government contribution agreements and contracts, including provincial objectives, regional fund expenditures, and financial/statistical reporting.
• Professional Conduct: Demonstrate behaviors aligned with our mission, vision, and values as reflected in YMCA competencies. Adopt a member-centered approach to enhance understanding of programs offered within the Association. Represent the YMCA and the Association professionally.
• Child Protection: Understand the legal and moral responsibilities to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• Volunteer Partnerships: Recognize the importance of partnering with volunteer staff and integrate the value of philanthropy and volunteerism into relationships with staff, volunteers, and members.

Educational and skills qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in program management and team leadership; specific experience in youth programs and/or exchange programs is an asset.
• Education, training, and experience equivalent to a college diploma or bachelor’s degree in youth work, education, social work, community services, or related fields.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with staff, program participants, families, volunteers, community members, and employers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
• Excellent human resource management skills (e.g., hiring, performance support, etc.).
• Knowledge of and ability to integrate principles related to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, accessibility, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, trauma-informed practices, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment, with sensitivity and self-awareness to the diverse needs of members, including both visible and invisible dimensions of diversity.
• Experience managing budgets is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in facilitation, training, and/or experiential learning is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud-based technologies.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for work; access to a vehicle is an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel up to a week at a time, multiple times per year.

Key competencies required by the Association:

• Advanced interpersonal communication skills in French and English.
• Advanced competencies in ethics and self-management; member-focused; relationship and partnership development; results-oriented; teamwork and collaboration; valuing diversity and social inclusion; leadership; human resource management; planning and initiative; financial management.
• Core competencies in Association management and resource management; cross-functional integration; strategic orientation and change management.

To apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by October 30, 2025. Please submit your resume and cover letter in both French and English.

Please note that all selected candidates are required to provide the following:

• Criminal record check, vulnerable sector check, and child abuse registry check (dated within the last 6 months), if you are 18 years or older
• Completion of Child Safeguarding training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR training

Background checks are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any offenses, if applicable, are assessed in relation to the role and child protection requirements and may not necessarily exclude a candidate from employment with our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and encouraged to bring their whole self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthens our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic and religious minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us in advance so that reasonable and appropriate arrangements can be made.