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Among Friends (2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer) Program Assistant
About Access Alliance:
Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services is a multi-service community agency that works to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable immigrants, refugees, and their communities. We do this by facilitating access to services and addressing systemic inequities. The Centre envisions a future in which Toronto’s diverse communities achieve health with dignity.
Position Title: Among Friends (2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer) Program Assistant
Placement Type (In-person / Virtual / Hybrid): In person
Number of Positions Available: 1
Worksite Location and Conditions:
Toronto, Ontario
- Main location:
- Access Point on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 1A8)
- May be required to work at any of Access Alliance service sites
Work Schedule :
- Mondays 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
- Thursdays 12:00 – 8:00 pm
- Fridays 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
- The student will work in an office setting with assigned workspace and computer
- Student needs to be fully vaccinated, pass a criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check.
Brief Description of the placement:
Since 2006, Access Alliance Among Friends Program has dedicated its services to two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) newcomers. We provide timely, targeted and culturally appropriate programs and services to 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers in a positive and knowledgeable environment and ensure all voices are heard and represented. Among Friends (2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer) Program Assistant will participate in program planning processes, designing and administering need assessment and evaluation surveys. The intern will assist with event planning and be hands-on with organizing and engaging volunteers and participants. They will support with the registration and intake processes as well as assist with the logistic management of workshops, group activities and events with usually a large number of participants. Among Friends (2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer) Program Assistant will work in an environment of access, equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression framework.
Learning Outcomes/Goals:
- Knowledge of community development
- Gain knowledge of working in a community with high needs, low income, multi-lingual, and multi-racial
- Evidence-informed program planning, facilitation, Implementation skills
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis skills
- Developing effective outreach materials and outreach skills
- Effective outreach techniques Professional communication skills and effective teamwork Anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion (framework)
Below clarify in details the expected learning areas:
- Volunteer Management
- Develop skills in recruiting and orienting volunteers, as well as organizing and supervising shifts to ensure program efficiency.
- Learn effective communication and teamwork by coordinating volunteer activities during program sessions.
- Program Support and Administration:
- Gain experience in organizing participant schedules, managing program invitations and reminders, and overseeing program logistics.
- Build practical knowledge in managing participant check-ins, distribution of TTC tickets, and coordinating with facilitators for smooth program delivery.
- Program Meals:
- Learn how to plan and create menus, source ingredients, and supervise meal preparation and clean-up.
- Program Reporting:
- Strengthen administrative skills by managing and submitting volunteer and participant attendance sheets, and tracking TTC tokens.
- Client Follow-Up:
- Develop effective follow-up strategies to address client needs in areas such as housing, employment, and mental health, using PS Suite to track encounters and referrals.
- Client Support Letters:
- Learn to assess client eligibility for support letters based on interactions and communicate the process to clients.
- Client Communication:
- Gain experience in responding to client inquiries, responding to emails, and directing clients to appropriate internal resources.
- PS Suite Management:
- Enhance data management skills by updating client profiles and creating internal referrals for volunteers or clients.
- Bi-Weekly Webinars:
- Build skills in planning, organizing, and co-hosting webinars, including selecting relevant topics and working with facilitators.
Qualifications/Competencies Required:
- Third, Fourth year Graduate student from Community Development, Social Service, or relevant field
- Lived experience as 2SLGBTQI+ refugee strongly preferred
- Experience with or desire to obtain experience working with 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer populations in Toronto
- Strong commitment to learning
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of team
- Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational and time management skills
- Ability to multitask, work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
- Excellent computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office Suites
- Ability to travel among the different Access Alliance offices in Toronto and to work in the evening working hours as relevant.
- Familiarity with online tools, such as Canva, is an asset
Benefits to the Student:
- Gain practical skills in working with high need population and diverse community
- Gain knowledge of working in a community health setting and effective program interventions to support low-income, multi-cultural community
- Gain experience working in a community health setting
- Work within an equity and inclusion framework
- Gain experience working with newcomer, immigrant, and refugee youth
- Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of professions
- Build community and connection with like-minded peers
- The opportunity to be active and outside while supporting the Youth Team
Placement Period:
January to April 2026
Supervisor Name and title:
Maher Musmar, Settlement Programs manager
Pallavi Suresan, Community Health Worker – 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Initiatives
Application Deadline: Until filled
To Apply:
Complete an application form by clicking here
For any questions, please contact practicum@accessalliance.ca