Program Facilitator Jobs

Company Description

Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning has been an alternative educational option for young people since 2020. We believe all young people are capable and able to direct their learning to create a meaningful education. We are a consensus-based, democratic community of Learners with Mentors and Facilitators who work alongside them, offering resources, guidance and support.

Location

Passages is located in the Eastminster United Church at 310 Danforth Avenue

Our Learner population is:

Between the ages of 11–18

• A community that values an environment of psychological and emotional safety
• A diverse mix of backgrounds, neurotypes, gender identities, and sexualities
• Made up of both homeschoolers and mainstream schoolers

Role Specifics:

• Part-time
• $25/hr
• In-person
• Week of Aug 28, 2023 to June 27, 2024
• 15 hrs/week
• 10-month contract position

Responsibilities

• Help to maintain the working order and physical space of the Centre
• Meet prospective families during Centre tours
• Conflict resolution
• Attend weekly staff check-ins
• Facilitate or lead two classes a week based on Learner interests
• Support volunteers and interns
• Lead outings and city trips to promote extended learning opportunities
• Assist with administrative tasks such as calendaring, social media, and weekly updates
• Monitor rooms and support Learners in their peer-to-peer relationships.
• Assist in booking workshops and volunteers as requested by Learners
• Attend Centre events
• Develop connections with all the Learners through discussion and activities

Responsible to Mentor 2-3 Learners

Mentoring Role:

• Support Learners to create a “to-do” list or timeline
• 30-45 min weekly mentor meetings (or 3x/month)
• Help Learners define interests and goals
• Remind Learners during the week about their goals
• Discussion about challenges Learners may be experiencing
• Maintain written documentation to represent the meetings with the Learners
• Support Learners to identify and break down learning goals into attainable steps

Knowledge and Attitude Expectations

• Self-driven to direct learning experiences and bring new ideas to Passages
• A belief that meaningful learning is more important than curriculum expectations
• Willing and able to work with Passages staff in a consensus-based environment
• Respects youth as inexperienced yet responsible persons
• Enjoys teenagers
• Understands developmental changes in teen's behaviour, attitude and intellect
• Challenges thinking around schooling required curriculum and presupposition of knowledge
• Uses a youth-centred approach
• Understands how to introduce and utilize learning materials in an atmosphere of non-coercion
• Demonstrates warmth, caring, fairness, diplomacy and respect to all Passages members
• Willing to create meaningful relationships with Learners
• Support Learners in developing skills, connection and confidence

Qualifications

We seek someone familiar with philosophies around homeschooling and unschooling/self-directed education who wants to work within a community built on trust and openness. Understanding neurodiversity and supporting youth to unmask and embrace their needs is important, as well as a trauma-informed approach and a sense of the mental health needs of current teens and LGBTQ+ youth. We are most interested in your attitude, personal self-directed learning experiences and your desire for young people to lead empowered lives.

Additional Requirements

A current “Clear” Criminal Background Check & Vulnerable Sector Screening (application will be provided and Passages will cover the fee).

Applications

Please send your resume by email by July 14th.

Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement

Passages is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity, including but not limited to Indigenous persons, LGBTQ2S+-identified individuals, visible minorities and persons with a disability. Accommodations are available on request.

(Credit to the University of Victoria for some of this language).