Teen Connections Lead
Open Air Learning • Nanaimo, BC
As we expand our programming, we’re looking for a Teen Connections Lead to join our team in a part-time role.
Teen Connections is a space where teens can build friendships, gain confidence, explore new interests, and develop real-life skills in a supportive and welcoming environment. Learning happens through conversation, experiences, problem-solving, leadership opportunities, games, creative projects, community involvement, and trying new things.
We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with teens and understands how to create an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.
Who This Role Is For
This role is a strong fit for someone who:
- Brings a background in education, youth work, child and youth care, counselling, recreation, social work, or a related field
- Naturally connects with teens and understands how to build trust and rapport
- Can support teens in developing confidence, independence, communication, and social skills
- Understands how to balance structure with flexibility and guidance with independence
- Is able to adapt in real time based on the needs, energy, and interests of the group
- Enjoys creating spaces that are fun, welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful
- Is confident navigating group dynamics and supporting respectful communication and problem-solving
What You’ll Be Doing
- Co-planning and facilitating weekly Teen Connections sessions alongside a co-facilitator
- Creating engaging experiences based on the interests and ideas of the group
- Supporting teens in building friendships, leadership skills, confidence, and independence
- Facilitating games, discussions, life skill activities, community projects, outings, and hands-on experiences
- Creating an environment where teens feel safe, seen, capable, and valued
- Supporting healthy group dynamics, inclusion, and conflict resolution
- Supervising and managing groups with a strong awareness of safety and group needs
- Showing up prepared, adaptable, and ready to engage with teens in a variety of settings
Requirements
- Experience working with teens or youth in group settings
- Background in education, youth work, child and youth care, recreation, counselling, social work, or similar
- Strong group management and relationship-building skills
- Ability to support a wide range of personalities, interests, and support needs
- Reliable transportation
- Current First Aid certification
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
Experience with neurodivergent youth, mental health support, leadership programs, outdoor recreation, or experiential learning is an asset, but not required.
Details
Part-Time • Approximately 4 – 8 instructional hours per week
Wages dependant on experience.
How to Apply
If this feels like your kind of work, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your resume and a short introduction to: