Just Be You - Peer Support Program Facilitators

Volunteer Youth Group/Program Facilitators

Just Be You - Peer Support Program

The Just Be You program is a mental health focused peer support program for youth ages 16 -26, which allows youth to participate either in person or virtually all within the same group.

Just Be You is a youth-driven program where young people have a space to be themselves in a safe and judgement-free setting while interacting with peers, developing coping skills, building resilience, establishing connections with one another, and having an opportunity to enjoy themselves.

Volunteer Facilitators Must be available on:

Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm ET in Oakville, Ontario &/or virtually via Zoom.

Role of Volunteer Facilitators

Unsinkable Youth facilitators play a crucial role in designing and delivering weekly mental health peer support programs for people aged 16-26.

Facilitators will be responsible for:

• Planning and facilitating group peer chat and activities.
• Completing weekly group check-ins with participants attending group.
• Collaborating with other facilitators on future session topics and content.
• Engage in the Facilitator WhatsApp group to keep up to date with planning and group updates Working within the organization’s values and Crisis and Distress Policies of Just Be You and Unsinkable.
• Meeting with the Program Manager and/or Program Coordinator one to one. Complete any documents, surveys that are relevant to the program.
• Engaging with Unsinkable’s social media and promoting the program to the extent that the facilitator is comfortable with.

Time Commitment

Time commitment is a crucial aspect of volunteering for this position. Facilitators must commit to at least three hours per week, amounting to 70% of their time over a 5-month period (or attend at least 14 out of 20 sessions per quarter).

This includes active involvement in program planning, development, group engagement as well as providing support as needed.

Your dedication and commitment are vital to the success of the Youth Program and the impact we make in the community.

Direction & Support

Facilitators will report to both the Program Manager and Program Coordinator and receive one to one guidance and support throughout their volunteer time. Program Managers will assist facilitators with onboarding, personal and professional development check-ins, in-house trainings, and additional experiential learning opportunities.

Benefits of being part of the team?

• Earn volunteer hours/credits for participation.
• By attending and participating in at minimum 70% of the sessions (at least 14 out of 20 weeks) facilitators may be eligible for the $250.00 honorarium and other appreciation incentives Gain hands-on experience in facilitation, program design, and delivery.
• Your efforts will directly support and benefit the participants, making an impact.
• Participate in various in-house professional development sessions.
• Contribute to the evolution and adaptation of the Unsinkable Youth Program alongside a vibrant community of young individuals.
• Opportunities for professional development (i.e. skills training).

Training Requirements

• Be There Certificate (through jack.org)
• Orientation session and other in-house trainings facilitated by the Unsinkable Program Managers throughout the duration of the program.

Other Requirements

Facilitators will be required to submit a current (within the past 6 months) Vulnerable Sector Check *Unsinkable will reimburse the cost of the VSS* and a signed Facilitator Consent Form (provided by Unsinkable).

Criteria

• Professional and inclusive facilitation approach
• Passion for youth mental health and youth issues
• Some experience in leading groups or organizing group activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to work from a Trauma Informed and Strength Based Approach
• Compliance with the values and policies of Just Be You and Unsinkable
• Commitment and consistency to the youth program

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement of Principle

At Unsinkable, we invite applications from all interested individuals. We view diversity as the key to meaningful social impact and welcome the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We are deeply committed to ensuring every person in the Unsinkable community has an equal opportunity to humanize the way people access and experience mental health support, through the power of diverse storytelling and sharing those stories.

We strive to continually learn and improve our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, to better serve our online, Youth, Storyteller, and Champion communities.