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Job Number: 25-20
Opening/Closing Date: June 2, 2025 to June 16, 2025

Description

The Indigenous Ministries and Justice Unit of The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Youth Leadership Programs Support on a permanent part-time basis 3 days (21 hours) per week. We anticipate this will transition into a permanent full-time role, with additional duties, in the near future.

Indigenous Ministries and Justice works with the National Indigenous Council and Indigenous communities of faith across The United Church of Canada. In line with the norm, principles, and standards set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, Indigenous Ministries and Justice supports the whole United Church of Canada as it strives to animate the Calls to Action and Calls to the Church. This work is done by building on the capacity, already present, in areas of spiritual healing, leadership and youth development, stewardship, and justice and reconciliation.

Position Purpose

The Youth Leadership Programs Support is responsible for supporting spiritually enriching programs that empower Indigenous youth and young adults within the United Church of Canada. They focus on leadership support, resource coordination and the creation of meaningful educational and worship opportunities, while advocating for youth voices and fostering connections across local, regional and national communities. 

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Youth Leadership Programs (60%): Recruit and train volunteers for youth and young adult ministry, coordinate educational opportunities in partnership with Regional Councils and Indigenous Theological Schools and organize workshops and events to develop leadership within communities. Support the design and delivery of culturally relevant programs for Indigenous youth, advocate for youth needs within the Indigenous Church and broader United Church and assist in planning youth conferences and gatherings.
  2. Research, Resource Identification and Development (40%): Attend meetings, collaborate with team members to identify and deploy resources that support youth leadership and community learning. Stay current on educational opportunities and resources and consult with the Indigenous community to ensure alignment with their needs and the Indigenous Ministries Council’s activities and basket items. Recommend resources for leaders of youth and young adults and explore ways to integrate traditional teachings into programming.

Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in a field related to Indigenous issues, ministry or community development
  • 3-5 years of experience in a field related to Indigenous studies, ministry/community development and proposal/grant writing or equivalent work and life experience;
  • Experience working with Indigenous families and children/youth with mental health issues and/or social challenges their families face.
  • An awareness of the impact that the Indian Residential Schools and colonization has on Canada’s Indigenous peoples and communities, together with familiarity with the United Church’s position and work with the Residential School Issues and survivors;
  • A spiritually grounded understanding of Indigenous values, faith and traditions with a strong commitment and engagement to the work of Indigenous Ministries with the ability to reflect theologically on issues affecting of Indigenous peoples;
  • Grounded within the First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities, history and current context;
  • Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities in Canada and their concerns;
  • A solid understanding of current policy and legislation that directly impacts Indigenous young people and Child Welfare Legislation;
  • Experience in adult education, the ability to plan and lead workshops and effective facilitation skills would be an asset;
  • Strong administrative, planning, time management and organizational skills together with situational analysis and problem-solving skills to proactively plan work, establish, monitor and adjust priorities to accomplish goals with limited supervision;
  • Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, with the knowledge of and ability to use various forms of digital communications and social media platforms;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write, edit, produce, update communication materials using various methods of communications, including online communities;
  • Proven ability to work and collaborate with diverse groups and individuals, navigating a wide range of cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and perspectives with sensitivity and respect;
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead, motivate and empower young people to reach their leadership potential;
  • Strong networking, and interpersonal skills with knowledge of and competence in small group dynamics and must possess the ability to bring an intercultural lens;
  • Current First Aid/CPR and Mental Health First Aid certification and vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check);
  • Willingness and ability to travel;
  • Knowledge of The United Church of Canada’s history, policies, and processes, is an asset; and
  • Fluent in an Indigenous language and/or French would be an asset.
  • Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.

Working Conditions

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the General Council Office, currently located at 3250 Bloor Street West in Toronto, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using assistive devices or technologies, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on a call for long periods of time will be required. Occasional additional hours may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this part-time position is $37,264.69 to $41,374.55. This is based on category 6, pro-rated to 60% (3 days per week) on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting the job number 25-20 Youth Leadership Programs Support to Human Resources, e-mail: Careers@united-church.ca.

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