About the Canadian Centre for Men and Families

The Canadian Centre for Men and Families is Canada's hub for boys, men, fathers and families. We work for a healthy future for men, boys, and their families, by filling critical gaps in men's services that reduce male suicide, empower fathers undergoing separation and divorce, and help men heal from trauma. We support, empower and advocate for men before, during and after a crisis, in a courageous, open, inclusive and supportive environment. We believe that when men are supported to live their best lives, everybody benefits. The agency operates Centres in Toronto, Ottawa, London, Calgary and Vancouver. CCMF also runs two emergency residential facilities for fathers and children in crisis, in Toronto and in Calgary.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Program Developer to join our team on a part-time contract basis. This role is essential for developing a series of new programs aimed at supporting vulnerable male youth and young adults who are in crisis or at risk of dropping out of school, engaging in harmful behaviours or entering into unhealthy relationships. These new programs build on pilot programs currently underway in collaboration with community partners in the GTA. Envisioned programs include one on one counselling, life skills oriented coaching, support groups and workshops, though additional innovative ideas are welcome. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit program development and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of young men. The Program Developer will report to the agency's National Executive Director.

Background

This program area addresses so-called “Failure to Launch”, a phenomenon that particularly affects young men and can be the result of several real and perceived barriers, including poverty/low-income, lack of a father figure, societal pressures surrounding racialization, gender identity and sexual orientation and ethno-cultural stereotyping, etc. as well as systemic and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Research indicates that low educational attainment, unemployment, and loneliness are significant risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, low subjective well-being, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
This project is aimed to address a serious inequality with severe consequences for the social integration and mental health of young, oftentimes racialized men. In Canada, the unemployment rate for 25-29-year-old men is twice that of 25-29-year-old women. This may contribute to a gender gap in housing arrangements, with 47% of Canadian men in their 20s still living with their parents, compared to 38% of women.
It is well known that male youth account for a disproportionate amount of violent acts, both as perpetrators and also as victims. One of this program's primary goals is to reduce instances of community violence, including gang-related behavior, resulting in healthier and safer communities.
Our goal will be to intervene when boys and male youth are facing a “failure to launch” style crisis. We aim to empower males to make healthy and positive decisions at critical points in their lives. This is a timely program. Governments across Canada are developing mandates to fight community violence with male youth focused interventions, while police and other community agencies are in frequent search of effective interventions for males at risk.

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

Term: April 1, 2025

Status: Contractor, Part-time (20 hours/week)

Remuneration: $28,000 (annual)

Location: Canadian Centre for Men and Families (Toronto)

How to Apply: Email a cover letter and resume as a PDF attachment outlining how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position, to CCMF National Executive Director Justin Trottier at [email protected]. Please use the subject line “Program Developer, Male Youth Programs”

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct needs assessments to identify the unique challenges faced by male youth and young adults
• Design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that encourage school retention, deter gang involvement, and promote healthy relationships with families and peers.
• Develop and foster partnerships with police agencies and community organizations, especially those that support youth and young adults, to enhance program effectiveness and reach.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including educators, mental health professionals, and families, to gather input and support for program initiatives.
• Develop program materials, including manuals, training guides, and promotional content.
• Recruit, train and support volunteers and interns to facilitate programs.
• Develop evaluation measures to track program outputs, outcomes and effectiveness
• Monitor and report on program outcomes and effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary.
• Prepare grant proposals and funding applications to secure ongoing financial support for programs.

Requirements

The following are ideal qualifications of the successful candidate. Candidates who do not have every item in this list are still welcome to apply.

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, social services, nonprofit management, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Proven experience in program development, particularly for at-risk youth or young adults.
• Professional registration in one of the following Colleges is an asset:
• College of Nurses of Ontario
• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• College of Psychologists of Ontario
• College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
• Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Strong understanding of the challenges related to school dropout, gang involvement, and substance use.
• Trauma informed training.
• Experience in building partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations is highly desirable.
• Required to provide a valid and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police check. The VSS must have been completed within the past 6 months.
• Valid certificates in Standard First Aid and CPR and Children's CPR.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, negotiate and achieve consensus amongst stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and emergency situations, alternate dispute resolution techniques and problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Company events

Networking opportunities