Program Development Community Outreach

Zachary Fraser

647-***-**** *******.******@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Experienced community service leader with 19+ years in program development, staff supervision, and youth outreach within the public sector. Adept at creating, implementing, and managing recreational services and community-based programs for diverse populations. Strong track record of engaging stakeholders, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and fostering partnerships with internal and external partners. Skilled in case coordination, resource management, conflict resolution, and ensuring equitable access to recreational and social services. Demonstrated ability to address barriers to participation and advocate for community needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Program Development & Delivery

Staff Leadership & Supervision

Case Coordination & Client Advocacy

Volunteer Recruitment & Training

Community Outreach & Engagement

Stakeholder Relations & Partnership Building

Budget Planning & Resource Allocation

Conflict Resolution & Crisis Intervention

Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation

Proficient in CLASS, Microsoft Office Suite, SAP

Knowledge of AODA, Occupational Health & Safety Standards

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Recreation Liaison, Investing in Families (IIF) Project

Community Recreation, City of Toronto

October 2024 – Present

Conduct comprehensive recreational assessments for families, identifying barriers and creating Recreation Action Plans (RAP) tailored to individual needs (transportation, equipment, child minding).

Provide guidance on the benefits of recreational activities, helping families access appropriate programs and services within the City's recreation offerings and external community providers.

Maintain individual participant files in TESS database, tracking participation, attendance, and eligibility for Investing in Families (IIF) support funds.

Monitor and update RAPs as needed, collaborating with partners to ensure that family members remain engaged and receive ongoing support.

Facilitate access to Welcome Policy, ensuring low-income families benefit from subsidized recreation programs and services.

Develop and facilitate support groups, workshops, and recreational events, coordinating logistics such as space, guest speakers, and child-minding services.

Advocate on behalf of clients, liaising with service providers such as Children's Aid, food banks, and educational institutions to ensure comprehensive service delivery.

Participate in case conference meetings to assess progress, address challenges, and determine next steps for at-risk families.

Lead community outreach efforts, promoting recreational opportunities and collaborating with stakeholders to improve program access and community participation.

Youth Outreach Worker

Community Recreation, City of Toronto

2012 – October 2024

Supervise a team of youth program staff and ensure effective service delivery using a client-centered approach.

Develop, implement, and evaluate youth programs that support the physical, social, and emotional development of at-risk youth.

Work collaboratively with community partners, including public health, education institutions, and local youth organizations, to create comprehensive support systems for youth.

Oversee the recruitment, training, and management of youth volunteers, fostering their engagement in community services and leadership development.

Advocate for youth needs in community forums, advising on policy development, and leading initiatives to address violence prevention, street gangs, and substance abuse.

Chair the Community Youth and Adult Advisory Councils, providing leadership and guidance in shaping community youth programs and services.

Lead workshops on youth-related topics, including anti-oppression, diverse sexuality, and harassment prevention, reaching hundreds of youth participants annually.

Members Engagement Duty Officer WSIB, LTD, Return-To-Work & Medical Accommodation Acting Full-Time Unit Officer

Local 79 Union 2021 – 2023

Acting Full-Time Unit Officer with extensive experience supporting union members through grievance resolution, ensuring fair treatment, and advocating for workers' rights. Skilled in handling complex cases involving WSIB, LTD, Return-to-Work, and Medical Accommodation issues. Played a key role in maintaining communication between members and leadership, resolving disputes, and assisting with workplace accommodations and transitions following injury or illness.

Grievance Resolution & Advocacy: Resolved numerous grievances, ensuring adherence to collective agreements and fair treatment of union members. Supported workers in mediation, arbitration, and grievance procedures.

Member Support: Acted as a key resource for hundreds of members, providing guidance and advocacy on workplace issues, rights, and benefits. Facilitated members return-to-work processes and assisted with medical accommodations after illness or injury.

Workplace Representation: Served as the union's liaison to management, ensuring compliance with negotiated terms, policies and contract obligations. Addressed and resolved issues proactively, often preventing escalation.

Liaison & Communication: Facilitated effective communication between union members and leadership. Relayed members' concerns to union officers and ensured members were informed about meetings, political actions, and workplace changes.

Collaboration & Problem Solving: Participated in labor management meetings for Parks, Forestry & Recreation, providing input and solutions to workplace challenges. Worked closely with national representatives and union leaders to support the workforce.

Training & Development: Completed comprehensive training in Dispute Resolution and attended regular union leadership development courses.

Full-Time Bargaining Committee Member

CUPE Local 79

2015 – 2020

Collect, prioritize, and present bargaining proposals from the Local 79 Full Time Bargaining Unit members, contributing to contract negotiations and advocating for fair labor practices.

Attend negotiating and caucus meetings, providing strategic insights on proposals and counter-proposals.

Participate in strike vote procedures and other labor relations processes, ensuring the voice of union members is heard and fairly represented.

Coordinate with union leadership and members to identify key issues, mediate disputes, and ensure labor standards are upheld.

Recreation Worker

Community Recreation, City of Toronto

2004 – 2012

Designed and delivered recreational programs for children, youth, and families, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities.

Facilitated the promotion of community resources, such as employment, housing, and social services, to at-risk families and individuals.

Supported youth employment initiatives, providing leadership and job skills training opportunities.

Conducted community outreach through surveys and engagement efforts to better understand local needs and program impact.

Managed administrative tasks, including program proposals, flyers, grant applications, and monthly program statistics, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

Coordinated and supported student and volunteer placements, offering guidance and mentorship to those seeking professional development in community recreation.

Facility In-Charge

Community Recreation, City of Toronto

2007 – 2008

Supervised community center staff, ensuring safety and security and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

Developed and maintained facility booking systems using CLASS modules to increase efficiency and streamline operations.

Acted as the center’s primary point of contact, handling public inquiries, managing complaints, and coordinating service delivery.

Administered facility rentals, program registrations, and memberships, ensuring a high standard of customer service and client satisfaction.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certification

G-Class Driver's License (Valid with insured vehicle)

High-Five: Principles of Healthy Child Development

AODA Customer Service Training

Outlook 2013

Smart Serve and Trainer Certification

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

Bargaining & Grievance Training (Local 79)

Grievance Committee & Strike Vote Training (Local 79)

Worker Health & Safety Awareness Training

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & COMMITTEES

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Training Committee

Black Staff Network

Equity and Inclusion Committee

Cultural Heritage Month Committee

Young Workers Committee (Local 79)

Local 79 Bargaining Committee

Toronto Youth Games Committee

Canada Day Committee

Scarborough Youth Coordinating Committee

Youth Task Team Committee

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Public speaking and workshop facilitation expertise

Proven ability to engage diverse communities and foster inclusivity in programs

Contact this candidate