Time Commitment: 5 hours/week, which includes 1-hour dance facilitation, pre-session planning, participation in post-session debriefs and closing circles, and coordination with staff and peer mentors.
Duration
: Up to 40 weeks total. May be split between multiple instructors based on availability and program needs.
Location
: In-person at VWAT Family Services, 1756 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto
Weekly Schedule:
Sessions take place Thursday evenings
Start Date
: August 7, 2025
Additional Requirement: Successful candidate(s) must provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) before the start date. Note: Sessions will not run during holidays or school breaks
Program Description:
Rhythm & Connection is a dance-based social-emotional learning program for racialized newcomer youth (ages 8-14) who may be experiencing social isolation, difficulty expressing emotions, or a lack of belonging. Rooted in the belief that movement can unlock both communication and healing, the program equips youth with tools to manage emotions, build relationships, and develop a stronger sense of identity and self-regulation.
Led by a skilled dance instructor and supported by three trained peer mentors, the program blends physical activity with intentional emotional development. Dance becomes a means of practicing impulse control, teamwork, body awareness, and etiquette. Weekly check-in circles--held after each dance session--offer youth a space to reflect, share, and build emotional language with guidance from caring adults and relatable near-peer mentors.
This is not simply a dance class--it is a space where newcomer youth can safely explore who they are, where they belong, and how to move through the world with confidence and community. Approximately 20 youth participants will attend each session.
We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for all youth, including 2SLGBTQ+ youth and those with intersectional identities.
Position Summary:
The Dance Instructor will lead weekly sessions that integrate movement and choreography with life skills education, emotional literacy, and social development. The ideal candidate is not only an experienced dance professional but also someone who understands youth development, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive facilitation.
Key Responsibilities:
? Design and deliver engaging weekly dance sessions that incorporate key life skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, confidence, self-regulation).
? Observe and participate in the post-session dinner and closing circles to stay informed on youth progress and group dynamics
? Facilitate reflective activities that encourage youth to explore their emotions and express themselves through movement.
? Collaborate with peer mentors and program staff to integrate themes such as resilience, self-expression, and social connection into class content
? Prepare youth participants for a community showcase at the end of the program to celebrate their growth and creativity
? Create a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed learning space that respects diverse backgrounds and emotional sensitivities
? Model empathy, active listening, and respectful communication
? Adapt instruction to accommodate a range of skill levels, abilities, and emotional states
? Participate in training sessions and team meetings related to youth mental health, trauma-informed practices, and wellness promotion
? Monitor group dynamics and flag any issues to program staff for follow-up or support
Required Competencies:
? Experience teaching youth in community or school settings (minimum 2 years preferred)
? Demonstrated ability to use dance as a medium for education, healing, or expression
? Familiarity with trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practices
? Strong facilitation, youth engagement and group management skills
? Ability to adapt dance instruction to accommodate varying skill levels, abilities, and emotional states
? Understanding of social-emotional learning principles (can be through training or lived experience)
Preferred Qualifications:
? Certification or coursework in child/youth work, social work, expressive arts therapy, or related fields
? Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, or similar training
? Multilingual capacity, particularly in Vietnamese or Southeast Asian languages, is an asset
Training Resources Provided:
? Orientation on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles and how to incorporate them into dance.
? Trauma-Informed Practice 101 (webinars).
? Ongoing mentorship and check-ins with program staff.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role to youth@vwat.org.
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Job Type: Part-time
Benefits:
Flexible schedule
On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-07-21
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