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Hiring: Pass it On Programs Facilitator

May 21, 2024

The Circle Education is looking for an experienced adult facilitator to deliver our after-school Pass It On Boys program to high school-aged youth. Pass It On Boys is an after-school social-emotional learning program designed for young men from grades 8-12.  The goal is to support boys in developing self-confidence, building empathy and fostering positive relationships and community connections. The PIOB program offers a physically active, strength-based mentorship model for discussing important topics, practicing valuable skills and engaging in service leadership. 

Candidates must be committed to our culture, mission statement and objectives. The program runs on Fridays from 2.00-4.30 pm, with additional hours before and after for prep and reflection. This part-time employment contract will start in September 2024 and will end in June 2024.

Please submit application (a cover letter and a resumé) to Janine Fernandes-Hayden via [email protected]

Job Description Pass It On Boys Facilitator

Organization Description:

The Circle envisions inclusive and gender-equitable communities living violence-free. Our mission is to foster healthy relationships to promote communities free of violence, bullying, discrimination, assault and abuse.  We do this by delivering innovative, evidence-based, social-emotional educational programs for children, youth and adults, and by inspiring and training others to deliver our programs.  

Program Description:

Pass It On is an after-school cross-peer group mentorship program that supports self-awareness and healthy relationships by creating a safe and trusted space for sharing, learning, and practicing of important skills. Meeting weekly, sharing, and supporting others has a significant impact on all program participants.

The Circle offers two separate programs, one for boys (Grade 8 and up) and one for girls (Grade 10 and up). All our programs are safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming. Participants are encouraged to self-select based on their gender identity and gender expression.  

Position Overview:

We are looking for a facilitator for our Pass It On Boys (PIOB) program.  The successful indivudal must be committed to our culture, mission statement and objective. The program runs weekly on Fridays 2:00-4:30 pm with additional hours before and after for prep and reflection; this adaptive and engaging program will run outdoors, rain or shine. 

This part-time employment contract will start in September, 2024 and will end in June 2025. Time expectations are for prep, delivery, and ongoing evaluation.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Encourage, lead, facilitate, and supervise the meaningful participation of youth and ensure that the program environment is interactive, respectful, fair, and welcoming.
  • Foster and support the culture of the program.
  • Participate in preparation for each session, based on a thorough understanding of the curriculum and the trajectory of the program. 
  • Plan, promote, publicize the program.
  • In conjunction with the Executive Director (ED), evaluate the impact of the program on the participants (did the program result in the intended knowledge, attitudes or skills)
  • Report to ED and attend meetings as requested.
  • Support parent and school engagement and education around the programs. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector query will be required
  • Valid First Aid/CPR certification.
  • A strong understanding of the developmental needs of youth Grade 8-12.
  • Resourceful, creative, fun, and engaging approach to program development.
  • Ability to engage in activities that require sport or physical activity.
  • Passion and commitment towards growing social emotional intelligence.
  • Willingness to develop skills around safe sharing and respectful listening.
  • Communicates clearly and effectively.
  • Possesses strong organisational skills.
  • Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Experience building professional relationships.
  • Demonstrates strong leadership skills.
  • Capability to think creatively and analytically.
  • Manages time efficiently.
  • Works well with a variety of different individuals.
  • Possesses solid problem-solving skills.
  • Strong and clear boundaries in working with youth.
  • Exhibits knowledge of organisation mission and goals.

Education:

  • Degree in education or 4 years of related experience working with youth.

How to Apply

The following pieces must be presented as an application:

  • Resume and cover letter
  • List of 3 references

PLEASE NOTE:  Before acceptance, candidates must complete the Methods and Tools for Deeper Connections with Youth Training prior to the start of the program. 

Application Deadline:Please submit application by Friday May 31st, 2024 to Janine Fernandes-Hayden via [email protected]

New to Salt Spring, Devon is excited to engage with the local community. As a certified teacher and registered counsellor, she works with students both on Salt Spring and across BC, offering social and emotional instruction, support, and skill development. Her extensive experience in both educational and recreational settings has given her a strong appreciation for the critical role that meaningful connection with others plays in the development of children and youth. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Devon views it as the foundation for all other areas of growth and is particularly inspired by the programs offered by The Circle Education.

Need Bio

Christina Adair is a dedicated professional serving as a District Child and Youth Worker for SD64. With an extensive background spanning over 15 years, Christina has acquired substantial experience working with children and youth in diverse capacities. Her unwavering commitment lies in fostering youth leadership and advocating for their rights. Christina has demonstrated her dedication through 13 years of volunteering with Scouts Canada, where she successfully led youth groups and facilitated adult meetings. Christina takes immense pride in her role as a caregiver and mentor to countless young individuals, with her two grown children serving as a testament to her nurturing capabilities.

Dan has been working in the credit union system for over 22 years, the last 8 with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.  His latest role is as a Branch Manager for the Salt Spring branch.

He has a long-time passion for giving back to his community, particularly where children are concerned.  He has been a scout leader for the last 19 years and has taken part in 2 Pacific Jamborees.  Once as a participant and the latest one as the treasurer.

He also volunteered for 12 years with the PACE program in Victoria.  PACE is a musical theater program through the school system for children ages 5 – 17 that puts on two shows every year.

While new to Salt Spring, having moved here in the spring of 2021, he is excited to get involved with the community and proud to be involved with The Circle Education.

Lisa grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and has recently come to live on Salt Spring Island, after having lived abroad for 25 years.  She studied fine arts at the Wackers Academie in Amsterdam, had a son in Denmark and a daughter in the UK. She served as Chair of the PTA of Holy Trinity Primary School in Wimbledon for 5 years, which was a registered charity entity separate from the school. She learned about the Pass it On Boys program when her son showed an interest in joining it. Being new to the community she asked fellow parents about the program to find out how it was viewed. After hearing only good things about it, she registered her son and the next logical step was of course to join the board, as she always strives to be an active member of the community by providing support based on her broad life experience.

Lyyli Kennedy was a Pass it On mentor at Gulf Islands Secondary School and has been drawn to the idea of working with The Circle Education for a long time. She had been waiting for a facilitator role that aligned with her schedule as head baker at Francis Bread, and this role with the Pass it On Program is the perfect match. With her background leading diverse kitchen teams and working as a classroom education assistant, Lyyli (pronounced Loo-Lee) is committed to fostering respectful relationships and inclusive spaces.

Patrick Howlett moved from Australia to Canada in 2019. Nine years earlier, he switched careers from communications to outdoor education. He worked with young people at The Great Aussie Bush Camp and Camp Tanuga in Michigan, USA, and helped students run their Senior Leadership Challenge at Camp Summit in Squamish. His work with youth taught him the value of patience, the ability to see the best in people, the importance of clear communication and empathy.

Marcia is our Communications and Event Coordinator since July 2021. She moved with her husband and two daughters – who are both attending high school in SD64 now – from the Netherlands to Salt Spring Island in 2012

As a swim team coach for the Salt Spring Stingrays, Marcia knows and understands youth realities of living on a small island.

Marcia has 25+ years of experience in writing and communication for Dutch and Canadian media outlets – most recently the Driftwood – and non-for-profits.

Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization's ability to address youth needs effectively.

Kate's unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.

Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick MacKinnon has a background in cancer research and biomedical engineering and in working with medical device startup companies as a founder and director. As a former educator, Nick has a strong commitment to STEM advocacy. He has served as a director and advisor on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the biomedical engineering programs at BCIT and UBC and professional associations in both BC and internationally. Nick has also been involved with non-profit cooperatives in British Columbia, particularly in the housing and car-sharing sectors. Notably, as a director, he helped lead the development and construction of the 54-unit Arbutus Housing Co-op in Vancouver. Now retired, Nick continues his longstanding dedication to education and social justice. As a director with The Circle Education, his interest is in governance, financial management, and fundraising.

Need Bio/Last Name

Janine started her career with the Ministry of Education in Victoria, B.C. in 2000 as an education officer in the area of accountability and system performance. Since moving to SSI, Janine has taught as a teacher-on-call with School District #64, delivered parent support sessions as a trained Virtues Project Facilitator and worked for Volunteer and Community Resources Society (VCR) in support of the island’s not-for-profit sector.

Janine is a dedicated member of the Salt Spring Island community. She sat on the Board of The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for six years, served as chair of the SSI Foundation Grants Advisory Committee for six years, coordinated the local Terry Fox Run for eight years, served as a board member and then president of the Salt Spring Island Aquatic Society for a total of eight years, and in 2018, she founded the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care.