Overview

Greening Community Development Assistant – eight week contract, 35 hours per week, paying $19 per hour.

PROGRAM AND POSITION SUMMARY:

The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) has embarked on a system-wide project to reduce waste across our locations, and in 2021 developed a Green Charter to guide this ambitious project.  The Summer Student will assist the Community Development and Social Action (CDSA) staff to identify innovative ways the Charter can be implemented. This position will provide support to develop ways to increase knowledge, use and access to greening initiatives including a cycling campaign, green bins, greening events, planning activities, delivering workshops and more.  Responsibilities include contribution to research, production and writing of the TNG Greening e-Newsletter. Working closely with CDSA staff, the position will include targeted outreach to programs and agency partners, as well as the development of social media content to promote our greening work. The student will research, identify and share opportunities for TNG staff and community “Green Champions”; take part in environmental advocacy and will collaborate with the Election Engagement Worker to emphasize and promote the topic of environmental climate action. The incumbent may be asked to provide support in other Community Development and Social Action team initiatives as needed.

A.     ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Delivery

1.      Assist to develop Green Charter implementation plan with waste reduction recommendations

2.      Design and develop webinars/workshops and other tools for staff and participants on waste reduction and greening education, with a focus on climate justice

3.      Conduct program outreach for greening consultations and activities

4.      Participate in a waste/greening audit with support from CDSA staff

5.      Help plan and lead virtual focus groups and workshops on greening and transcribe results

6.      Research, contribute knowledge and plan outreach for opportunities for environmental advocacy

7.      Contribute to election engagement and civic engagement work by the Election Engagement Worker by bringing in an environmental lens to their outreach

8.      Social media posts and greening newsletter with CDSA staff

9.      Attend occasional evening and weekend meetings

Outreach and Engagement

10.  Phone, social media, email outreach to programs and participants to encourage uptake in greening meetings and online workshops

11.  Create social media posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to showcase our work and engage participants with a focus on youth

12.  Work with CDSA staff to prioritize other programs for webinars/workshops

B.      QUALIFICATIONS:
·       Passion for environmental action and/or relevant field work, studies and/or educational and work experience that demonstrates equivalency

·       Strong virtual webinar and event planning skills and/or interest

·       Strong social media skills with a focus on promotion

·       Proven interest in community development, environmental education and training

·       Passion for and commitment to environmental justice and equity issues

·       Ability to achieve program goals/targets including planning ahead for contingencies and identifying solutions to problems to ensure best results

·       Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, search engines, online communication methods, webinar and PowerPoint)

·       Experienced with verbal and written communication, and presentation skills

·       Some experience in developing and facilitating workshops and training materials

·       Ability to work effectively as a member of the team and independently

·       Multicultural sensitivity and an ability to work in a multicultural/multiracial organization

·       Second language an asset

In order to apply for this position, you must be 15 to 30 years of age. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

About The Neighbourhood Group Community Services

The Neighbourhood Group Community Services (TNG) is a multi-service charity serving thousands of low-income people across multiple locations in Toronto.  We now have approximately 600 employees and we are a led by a Board of Directors of 20 leadership volunteers. We have 2000 volunteers and 150 paid peer leaders/educators. Our budget is approximately $50M and we are a United Way of Greater Toronto anchor organization.

This social service agency is a citywide organization whose mission is to “work with people at every stage of their lives, providing access to innovative and effective programs, and collaboratively building and advocating for an equitable, just, and vibrant community.”   Our organization provides the following services:

•            Youth Services at 6 sites;

•            Childcare Centres at 10 sites;

•            Conflict Resolution & Training;

•            Employment Services;

•            Urban Health & Homelessness Services;

•            Senior Services, Homecare and Independent Living

•            Newcomer Services