PROGRAM ASSISTANT POSITION

6-MONTH CONTRACT POSITION (35 HOURS/WEEK)

Social Planning Toronto is a non-profit community organization committed to independent social planning at the local and city-wide levels. We work to improve the quality of life for all people in Toronto through community capacity building, community education and advocacy, policy research and analysis, and social reporting.

Social Planning Toronto is looking for a full-time Program Assistant.

Over the six month period  intern will spend at SPT, s/he will contribute to the ongoing research and policy work of the Council in the areas of housing, labour markets and income, and education/human development. S/he will develop and hone skills in conducting research, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting government policy and legislation. S/he will also be developing social reports in order to inform policy positions and strategies on major social issues affecting Toronto and its local communities. In addition, the intern will be developing skills by assisting with ongoing Council projects.

Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Assistance with SPT related projects as needed, meetings, supervision
• Organize monthly research and policy forum
• Policy analysis, literature review, environmental scans
• Research and evaluation, employing analytical skills
• Produce clear language documents
• Assist with designing training materials
• Assist with training sessions

The participant will:

• Improve writing and effective communication skills, including the ability to produce clear language documents, conduct literature reviews and environmental scans
• Develop research, evaluation, and analytical skills
• Develop skills in creating training materials and offering training sessions
• Acquire networks of contacts in the field of social services
• Improve interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with diverse communities

Eligibility:

This is a Service Canada funded internship under the Career Focus program. To participate in Career Focus projects, you must be:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of intake/selection;
• Post-secondary graduate;
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee status has been conferred;
• Out of school;
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations and
• Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

SPT is committed to employment equity, and welcomes applicants from the full diversity of the community.

Salary: $19.00/hour

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and covering letter outlining how they meet the above criteria to:

Maria Serrano
Director of Operations
Social Planning Toronto
1001 – 2 Carlton St.
Toronto, Ontario   M5B 1J3
Fax: 416-351-0107
e-mail: info@soialplanningtoronto.org

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 17^th at 12:00 p.m.

Our offices will be closed from December 23, reopening January 2nd.

Through the new TogetherToronto.ca website, Social Planning Toronto is now able to help Toronto residents express their concerns about a variety of city issues. If you are concerned about proposed cuts to childrens programming, transit, arts funding, and other vital community services such as the “Hardship Fund”, TogetherToronto.ca is the place to go to express your concerns directly to your local city councillor.  We are very excited about having this new capacity to promote civic engagement and awareness.

Many of the items experiencing adjustments will directly affect children and youth, and the future of our city. These programs and initiatives provide opportunities for our young people to thrive. By continuing to offer these valuable resources, children are able to develop social skills, achieve academic success, enhance creative talents, improve self-esteem and build lasting relationships.

The proposed budget will disproportionately impact our most vulnerable and marginalized children. Cuts are more densely found in neighbourhoods with above average numbers of low-income households. These children and families require additional support to achieve a more prosperous future.

Children and youth are rarely heard. Nor are they always informed of the political agenda impacting them. Join others, including the Toronto District School Board, in voicing your opinion on the matter and standing up for our children’s needs.

How to get involved:

• Contact your Councillor (click here to find out your ward and elected Councillor)
• Contact your local Trustee (click here to find out who represents your area in the TDSB)
• Write to the media (click here for a list of local media sources)
• visit www.kidscount.ca for more information on the cuts to childrens’ services, and to send a message of concern directly to your city councillor.