Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) - Chaplain at Shepherd Village Inc – Toronto, Ontario

This position is created specifically for the 2026 Canada Summer Jobs program. All applicants must meet eligibility guidelines as specified by Service Canada in order to be considered for the above position.

This position will begin on June 29, 2026, and conclude on August 24, 2026 (8 weeks).

Organization Background

Shepherd Village is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit senior community and has been dedicated to the well-being of seniors since 1961. We’re committed to meeting the changing physical, spiritual and social needs of seniors through quality care and compassionate service. Everything we offer is designed to enhance the quality of life and peace-of-mind of our residents, and their family and friends.

What You Will Work On

The Chaplain is responsible for assisting the Spiritual Life staff in facilitating the mission of the Spiritual Life Department and will work under the direction of the Spiritual Life Team.

The Chaplain must practice the ministry of presence with residents and their families while fostering a compassionate and supportive environment. This ministry philosophy underscores the value of human connection and empathy in providing effective spiritual and emotional care, especially in situations where individuals may be facing challenges, grief, or existential questions.

How You’ll Create Impact

Spiritual Care and Pastoral Support:

• Provide one-on-one spiritual care and support to residents.
• Facilitate group worship services, prayers, devotionals, scripture readings, and hymn sings within the Long-Term Care setting.
• Assist in coordinating virtual pastoral/spiritual visits.
• Participate in hospital visits as needed.
• Practice respect for residents’ faith beliefs/traditions/practices in keeping with the diversity of the residents at Shepherd Village.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to address the spiritual needs of residents.
• Participate in team meetings/staff meetings as needed.
• Collaborates with residents, families and team members to maintain a positive, supportive and safe environment.

Palliative Care and Last Rites:

• Assist in providing spiritual palliative care to residents facing end-of-life.
• Assist in administering last rites and conducting religious ceremonies as needed.
• Offer compassionate support to families during the grieving process.

Grief Support and Bereavement:

• Develop and implement grief support programs for residents and their families.
• Offer bereavement support to residents and their families.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to create a holistic approach to grief support.

Church In The Village:

• Actively participate in CITV worship services and activities.
• Connect and build rapport with CITV adherents throughout the week.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of pastoral care interactions.
• Provide regular reports on the spiritual well-being of residents to the Spiritual Life team.
• Conduct surveys related to spiritual life programs within the Shepherd Village community.

Community Engagement:

• Actively participate in community events and activities within Shepherd Village.
• Foster a sense of community and inclusivity among residents.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and advocates for the residents'/families' individual needs and preferences.
• Extend empathy and compassion in all interactions and communicate positively with other Staff, Residents and Families.

What Are Your Skills and Experience

• A commitment to Christian values
• Experience, or interest in gaining experience, working with older adults, particularly those with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt and modify activities to meet the diverse needs of residents.
• Communicate positively with other staff, residents, and their families.
• Positive attitude and a willingness to assist older adults with excellent customer service.

What youth participants are eligible?

To be eligible, youth must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period*;
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment**; and,
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

*The youth must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The youth may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.

**International students are not eligible participants. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible. As the objective of the CSJ program is to support youth entering the Canadian labour market, the temporary nature of an international student’s time in Canada does not allow for a long-term connection to the labour market.

Wage

$17.60/hour (generally 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, totaling 35 hours per week)

Why take part in CSJ

CSJ gives you more than just a summer job, it's a chance to build your future!

Here's why it matters:

• gain quality work experience: gain meaningful, full-time work experience with wages often above the minimum. You'll be supervised and supported on the job, helping you learn and grow. Many employers also choose to retain youth after the summer, giving you the opportunity to continue working beyond CSJ
• develop and improve your skills: learn on the job through mentorship, and build transferable skills you can use in school, future jobs, or your career path
• access the labour market more easily: CSJ helps connect youth who face unique barriers to employment with employers committed to hiring and supporting diverse participants

How To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply at: https://shepherdvillage.org/work-here/

Deadline: April 24, 2026

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to accessibility in the candidate application and selection process. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, providing the applicant has met the bona-fide requirements of the vacant position. Applicants are asked to please make their accommodation requirements known when contacted.

Successful candidates must provide a complete and current (i.e. within six months prior to hire date) Vulnerable Sector Check (including a Criminal Background Check) or be willing to obtain one.