Placement Student

HR Assistant Summer Student – People and Culture (Summer Student)

The Role and Opportunity 
The HR Assistant Summer Student will support the People & Culture team by contributing to recruitment, onboarding, employee records management, and administrative processes. This role is designed specifically to support youth facing systemic barriers, including Indigenous youth, equity-deserving and Black youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, and youth with limited work experience. The position provides a safe, supportive environment for skill-building and workplace exposure within a community-based mental health organization.

The HR Assistant will gain hands-on experience using HR information systems such as ADP Workforce Now, and digital platforms such as SharePoint. This placement offers opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and learning how HR functions in a publicly funded non-profit setting.

Salary: $17.7 per hour

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Term: 8 weeks

Location: Hybrid / On-site as needed

About CMHA Toronto

CMHA Toronto is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a client-first, recovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community.

Responsibilities

Recruitment & Onboarding Support

• Assist with preparing job postings and updating applicant tracking spreadsheets. 
• Schedule interviews and communicate with candidates in a professional, welcoming manner. 
• Prepare interview packages and support virtual/onsite interview logistics. 
• Help set up new employee profiles in ADP Workforce Now and maintain onboarding checklists.

HRIS & Documentation Support

• Support ongoing digitization of personnel files and maintain confidential records.
• Support SharePoint organization and document uploads.
• Update employee lists, training records, and contract end-date trackers
• Update policy manual as directed

Employee Wellness, Culture & Events

• Assist with planning staff recognition and wellness activities.
• Support administrative tasks for Joint Health & Safety Committee.
• Help coordinate engagement activities for staff, and EDI-related initiatives.

IT & Systems Exposure

• Submit IT onboarding tickets for new staff and track progress.
• Assist new hires with basic login setup, passwords, and system navigation (non-technical guidance).

Experience & Education Required  

• Currently enrolled in HR degree or diploma program
• Open to youth facing employment barriers (Indigenous, racialized, Black, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomer, or underrepresented youth).
• Interest in Human Resources, administration, community services, or non-profit work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle information responsibly.

Why Choose CMHA Toronto? 

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement.

Skills Youth Will Develop:

• Experience with HRIS and SharePoint 
• Recruitment, onboarding, and HR administration skills 
• Professional communication and workplace etiquette 
• Exposure to HR processes in a publicly funded non-profit 
• Improved organizational and time-management skills 
• Confidence working in office and hybrid settings

CMHA Toronto is an award-winning workplace committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and accountability. Our staff value the flexibility in work schedules, the emphasis on work-life balance, and the organization's commitment to continuous learning through training and development opportunities. Many employees highlight the strong sense of community and support that make CMHA Toronto feel like more than just a workplace—it feels like a family.

As an equity-informed employer, CMHA Toronto reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from equity-deserving candidates, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health challenges, whether firsthand or through a loved one, is considered an asset. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please inform us before the interview if you require an accommodation.

To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.