Project Officer: Children and Youth

Children & Youth Full Time Ottawa, ON $25.65 - $28.14 CAD per hour

Join Our Team at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

We are currently seeking to hire for the following position:

• JOB TITLE
• Project Officer: Children and Youth
• EMPLOYMENT STATUS
• 35 hours per week – full time / permanent position.
• STARTING DATE
• Immediately
• LOCATION
• Rideau Community Hub (815 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa)
• SUPERVISOR
• Program Manager - Community Initiatives
• Salary Range
• $ 25.65 – $ 28.14 based on qualifications and experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package and RRSP contribution program.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1982, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC) is a dynamic community-based organization dedicated to building a healthy, inclusive, and resilient community. Located in Ottawa's Ward 13, we provide a diverse range of programs and services that empower residents, strengthen community resilience, and promote social inclusion.

Our work includes food security initiatives, poverty reduction supports, crisis intervention, community development, children and youth programming, social enterprises, and the operation of a community social innovation hub. Supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community leaders, RRCRC develops and delivers innovative programs that respond to emerging community needs and create meaningful opportunities for residents to thrive.

Recognized for its collaborative and forward-thinking approach, RRCRC is committed to creating lasting community impact. Guided by our strategic priorities of enhancing community capacity, strengthening sense of belonging, and increasing access to resources, we meet community members where they are, working alongside them to build on existing strengths, address barriers, and create pathways to opportunity, inclusion, and well‑being.

Children and youth are at the heart of building strong and connected communities. Through a range of community‑ and school‑based programs, RRCRC creates safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where children and youth can build confidence, develop new skills, strengthen relationships, and explore their potential. Our programs support healthy development, social‑emotional well‑being, leadership, community engagement, and educational success while helping young people develop a strong sense of belonging and connection to their community.

By working closely with families, schools, volunteers, and community partners, RRCRC helps create opportunities for children and youth to learn, grow, contribute, and thrive.

THE ROLE

The Project Officer – Children and Youth plays a key role in advancing RRCRC's mission to build strong, inclusive, and connected communities by supporting children and youth to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and community‑minded professional who is passionate about working with young people and enjoys collaborating with families, volunteers, schools, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for learning, leadership, participation, and personal growth.

At RRCRC, we believe every child and youth deserves opportunities to build confidence, develop skills, form positive relationships, and strengthen their connection to the community. Through safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces, we help reduce barriers to participation and support young people in becoming active, engaged, and empowered members of their communities.

The Project Officer – Children and Youth is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating community‑based programs and supports for children and youth aged 6 to 18. Programming includes school‑ and community‑based drop‑ins, after‑school activities, workshops, mentorship opportunities, leadership initiatives, special events, and community projects. These programs are designed to support healthy development, social‑emotional well‑being, life skills, educational success, community engagement, and positive youth leadership.

As part of RRCRC's Community Development and Community Initiatives team, the Project Officer works collaboratively with children, youth, families, volunteers, schools, and community partners to deliver engaging programs and create meaningful opportunities for participation and growth. The successful candidate will build positive relationships, facilitate activities and events, support youth and families, and contribute to vibrant community spaces where young people feel welcomed, valued, supported, and empowered.

The role combines hands‑on program delivery, community engagement, relationship‑building, and creative problem‑solving. The successful candidate will bring initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement while helping strengthen and expand RRCRC's Children and Youth programs.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Under the leadership of the Program Manager – Community Initiatives, the Project Officer – Children and Youth is responsible for the planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs and services for children and youth. The position supports participant engagement, community partnerships, volunteer involvement, program administration, and the creation of safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments.

Children and Youth Programming

• Develop, implement, facilitate, and evaluate programs, workshops, groups, community‑based initiatives, and special events for children and youth aged 6 to 18.
• Design and deliver age‑appropriate programming that promotes social‑emotional learning, life skills, educational success, leadership development, health, and well‑being.
• Develop targeted supports and interventions for children and youth experiencing social, emotional, economic, cultural, or other barriers.
• Co‑facilitate youth drop‑in programs and collaborate with colleagues and community partners to deliver engaging activities.
• Foster safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments where participants feel supported, respected, empowered, and connected to their community.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children, youth, and families, maintaining regular communication regarding programming and participant progress.
• Act as a positive role model and resource person, encouraging participants to develop skills, confidence, resilience, leadership, and support networks.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect with children, youth, and families within the RRCRC catchment area.
• Monitor program participation and outcomes, including attendance, engagement, participant feedback, and achievement of program objectives.
• Provide information, referrals, advocacy, and practical support to children, youth, and families as needed.
• Ensure participant safety and maintain accurate attendance, sign‑in/sign‑out records, and adherence to program expectations.
• Plan and coordinate healthy snacks and meals for program participants.
• Represent RRCRC at community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities to promote children and youth programming.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and communicate participant progress, concerns, and emerging needs to the Program Manager.
• Promote youth leadership, community participation, and opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities.

Community Engagement, Administration, and Logistics

• Identify emerging trends and needs expressed by children, youth, and families.
• Promote and communicate the goals, objectives, and opportunities of RRCRC's Children and Youth Programming.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain collaborations and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders providing services to children, youth, and families.
• Participate in internal and external committees, working groups, and community meetings.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, case notes, evaluation forms, and incident reports.
• Create content for social media platforms and support the management of Children and Youth’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.
• Support the collection of program statistics, participant feedback, success stories, and outcomes for reporting and continuous improvement purposes.
• Plan, organize and maintain physical program spaces and inventory of resources used in programming.
• Purchase necessary materials, supplies and/or food for programming.
• Supervise students, volunteers and youth workers as assigned.
• Promote RRCRC programs, services, events, and opportunities to participants, families, and community partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background. Post‑secondary education in social services or a related discipline is considered an asset. Equivalent combinations of relevant experience, training, and demonstrated abilities will be considered.
• Relevant Work Experience. Minimum two (2) years of experience working directly with children and youth in community, recreation, educational, or social service settings.
• Training and experience in program planning, group facilitation, trauma‑informed care.
• Experience working with children, youth, and families facing social, economic, cultural, or other barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and activities for children and youth.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, workshops, or activities for children and youth.
• Bilingual Communication. Ability to communicate effectively in both English and French, both verbally and in writing, is required. Additional languages are considered an asset.
• Knowledge of community resources, services, and supports available to children, youth, and families.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Ability to respond effectively, professionally, and calmly to challenging situations, conflicts, and crises.
• Ability to provide guidance, support, advocacy, referrals, and appropriate interventions for children, youth, and families with diverse needs.
• Strong group facilitation, leadership, and engagement skills.
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and maintaining a non‑judgmental, strengths‑based approach when working with community members.
• Strong initiative, creativity, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Community Engagement. Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of issues related to poverty, inclusion, and marginalization.
• Ability and willingness to:
• Collegiality – Be helpful, respectful, approachable and team‑oriented.
• Initiative – Take ownership of work, do what is needed, follow through.
• Efficiency – Plan ahead, manage time well, be on time, be cost conscious, think of better ways to do things.
• Continuous Learning – Be receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and committed to continuous improvement.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires regular in‑person presence at the Rideau Community Hub and is well suited for someone who enjoys being part of a collaborative and community‑centered work environment.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification.
• A valid driver's license is required. Access to a reliable vehicle is considered an asset.
• Ability to work in community‑based settings, including schools, community spaces, and partner locations, as a significant portion of programming is delivered off‑site.
• Flexibility to work a variable schedule, including regular evenings and occasional weekends.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Canva, social media platforms (including Instagram and Facebook), and other digital tools commonly used in community programming, engagement, and communications.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Become part of a growing, dynamic team engaged in truly meaningful and rewarding work.
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and expanded responsibilities within a growing and evolving community organization.
• 15 days of annual vacation (20 days after 1 year of employment) & holiday closure & personal / sick days.
• Group health benefits including family coverage.
• Healthcare Spending account.
• RRSP contribution program.
• Free parking, and refreshments.

HOW TO APPLY

If this opportunity speaks to you and you believe you would be a great fit for our team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application through this platform. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We understand the effort involved in a job application and, unfortunately, can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. We thank all candidates for their interest.

The Rideau‑Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with intersectional identities. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Please contact us in advance to discuss how we can meet your individual needs.

Please note that RRCRC does not use automated screening or artificial intelligence tools in the recruitment process.