Lead Facilitator - Neurodiverse Youth Programs

Quick Facts

• Compensation: $24.91 per hour,
  • Paid vacation, wellness, and family responsibility days
  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • Membership to Y facilities for self and family
  • Annual Y pension of 5% (after 2 years)
• Location: YMCA Penticton
• Reporting to: Manager, Community Programs
• Schedule: Full-Time, 35 hours per week

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working alongside neurodiverse youth and brings a strengths-based, flexible, and relationship-focused approach to program leadership.

Why This Role Matters

YMCA Neurodiverse Youth Programs provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen social connections, develop skills, and experience a meaningful sense of belonging.

As the Lead Facilitator, you will play an important role in creating programming that recognizes and responds to the individual strengths, interests, and needs of participants. Through relationship-based support, engaging activities, and collaboration with families and community partners, you will help create positive experiences where neurodiverse youth can learn, connect, and thrive.

What You Will Do

You will take a lead role in the delivery of Neurodiverse Youth Programs by:

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where neurodiverse youth feel safe, respected, and valued.
• Leading engaging programming and activities that support confidence, social connection, life skills, and individual growth.
• Building trusting relationships with participants and taking a strengths-based, person-centred approach to supporting their individual needs and goals.
• Providing leadership and guidance during program delivery to ensure programming is organized, responsive, and participant-focused.
• Adapting activities and approaches to support different communication styles, learning preferences, abilities, and support needs.
• Supporting participants in navigating social interactions, challenges, transitions, and new experiences.
• Building positive relationships with families and maintaining open communication to support successful participation in programming.
• Collaborating with YMCA colleagues, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen supports and opportunities for participants.
• Supporting program planning, preparation, documentation, and evaluation to ensure consistent and high-quality program delivery.
• Promoting a culture of inclusion, belonging, respect, and continuous learning throughout the program.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Social Sciences, Psychology, Education, Community Support, Recreation, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience working with youth, ideally including experience supporting neurodiverse children or youth.
• Experience facilitating programs, groups, workshops, or activities for youth.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• An understanding of strengths-based, person-centred, and inclusive approaches to supporting youth.
• Ability to adapt your communication and facilitation approach based on individual participant needs.
• Ability to remain patient, calm, and solution-focused in complex or changing situations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort managing program documentation and communication.

Who You Are

• Inclusive: You recognize that every young person brings unique strengths, experiences, and ways of engaging with the world.
• Patient and empathetic: You take the time to understand individual needs and build relationships based on trust and respect.
• Adaptable: You can adjust activities, communication, and supports to help participants engage in ways that work for them.
• A relationship builder: You create meaningful connections with youth, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Why Join Us

At the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodiverse youth and their families while working for a purpose-driven organization committed to belonging and stronger communities.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values inclusion, learning, meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.

Additional Requirements

• Three professional references
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Search
  The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Application Deadline: October 16th, 2026