News Item

Employment: Urban Arts Program Facilitator

July 12, 2012

PROGRAM FACILITATOR, URBAN ARTS

Position Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Hours: 30 hours per week
Position Reports to: Arts Program Manager
Deadline for resumes: July 31st, 2012
Start Date: September 4th, 2012

Organization Profile:
UrbanArts is a progressive, not-for-profit community arts council providing opportunities for diverse cultural expression, artistic development, training and employment to urban communities with a focus on youth in central west Toronto. Our programs in digital photography, music, dance, visual arts, spoken word and leadership development teach youth how to enhance their artistic skills while developing their leadership capacity.
Position Summary:
UrbanArts is seeking a dynamic person to fill the position of Program Facilitator. As part of a dynamic team, the Program Facilitator will work with youth ages 11-17, from Toronto’s priority neighbourhood of Weston/Mount Dennis. The Program Facilitator will require expertise in program planning and design, facilitating workshops and working with high risk youth. S/he will be responsible for engaging youth and teaching leadership skills while working closely with a specialized team to enhance the work of UrbanArts.
The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and be comfortable with and enthusiastic about working with marginalized youth from inner city neighbourhoods. Some evening and/or weekend work will be required.

Responsibilities:
 Plan and deliver the arts-based It’s A Girl Thing! Young Women’s Leadership Development program in five schools and assist with the planning and delivery of our new Young Men of Honour Mentorship program in local schools
 Facilitate workshops including: goal setting, budgeting, self-esteem
 Assist in the recruitment and intake of youth participants for It’s A Girl Thing! Young Women’s Leadership Development Program
 Liaise with schools, community organizations and agencies to coordinate presentations and programs
 In collaboration with our Special Events Coordinator, plan and host the It’s A Girl Thing! Young Women’s Leadership Forum
 Implement program evaluations and oversee the tracking of program results
 Engage Youth Leaders in program development and facilitation
 Coordinate program attendance – phoning, scheduling, providing referrals etc.
 Design, coordinate and implement performing arts / theatre, cultural programs and special events with vision, integrity and expertise
 Work with Arts Program Manager to prepare, monitor and review individual program budgets; maintain appropriate fiscal records concerning budgetary expenditures
 Positively interact with young people 8 – 29 years of age (participants, volunteers, interns, etc.)
 Provide crisis intervention and supportive services on behalf of youth as required
 Support artists and participants, encouraging additional volunteer support where possible
 Facilitate group discussions with youth covering various youth related topics and issues
 Assist with the development of a publicity and marketing strategy for the programs
 Provide outreach support; Develop and organize methods for publicity including seasonal program brochures, flyers, posters, news releases, P.S.A.’s, Cable TV, website and email blasts
 Assist with set up of the After School Arts Program, filling in where necessary
 Represent UrbanArts at community coalitions and networks, meetings and events (e.g. YYC, Community Safety Committee, Community Consultations, Open Houses, Fairs, etc.)
 Maintain clear, accurate program and participant documentation
 Prepare program and activity reports as required
 Develop and implement leadership training for summer staff
Qualifications and competencies:
 Post-secondary education in the Arts, Human Services or equivalent education and experience
 Minimum 2 years’ experience working with youth in a group or arts based setting
 Strong youth engagement, facilitation, communication and group dynamic skills
 Understanding and knowledge of the challenges and issues facing high risk youth
 Familiarity with issues affecting youth in high needs communities
 Analytical skills to identify and resolve problems, assess participant needs, formulate recommendations, develop appropriate service steps and determine actions to address the needs of youth
 Experience and ability to build and maintain community relations
 Ability to initiate projects and work independently and creatively
 Enjoy working as part of a creative team and collaborating with youth and professionals
 Competent at multi-tasking and working in a fast-paced environment
 Understanding of cultural diversity
 Crisis intervention skills
 Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
 Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with community and industry professionals and UrbanArts staff
 Current Police Clearance Check
 Transportation is required to travel to community programs
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

Deadline for Application: Wednesday, July 31st, 2012
Start Date: Tuesday September 4th, 2012
Please submit resume and cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications.

Mail to:
Hiring Committee
UrbanArts Community Arts Council
19 John St.
Toronto (Weston), ON
M9N 1J2
OR via email to info@urbanartoronto.org

UrbanArts is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect Toronto’s diversity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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