Settlement Worker

ABOUT US

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, established over 110 years ago, is a not for profit, social service agency governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Whatever we do, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees, families and our customers in the communities we live and work. If you’re a passionate person who shares our values and is committed to delivering exceptional results, we want to meet you!

We offer competitive compensation, a supportive team environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Settlement Worker is responsible for assisting newcomers to Canada to understand their rights and responsibilities and to successfully settle into the St. Thomas-Elgin community. The position supports individuals and families with making informed decisions about their lives and working towards short, medium and long-term goals. In addition to delivering direct services, the Settlement Worker facilitates Community Connections’ activities for adults and youth and supports the administration of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.

JOB DUTIES

Delivery of frontline settlement services to individuals and families.

· Carry out intakes and deliver needs and asset assessments in support of helping clients develop personalized settlement plans.

· Provide information and orientation services on a broad range of settlement topics and referrals to government and community programs and resources.

· Based on need, attend community supports with individuals and families to help them navigate resources.

· Organize professional interpretation and translation services; collaborate with interpreters to facilitate clients’ access to accurate and timely information.

· Communicate and coordinate with refugee sponsors to assist privately sponsored refugees make informed decisions and settle in the community.

· Ensure services are offered in an inclusive manner, sensitive to diversity and consistent with funder requirements.

Administration of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.

· Provide information about the LINC program to eligible adult learners and complete intake/registration processes on a continuous basis.

· Based on need, coordinate itinerant language assessments with the assessment centre or provide support to clients booking their placement tests.

· Maintain and update HARTS and iCARE databases with registrations, attendance, withdrawals and waitlisted learners.

· Collaborate with instructors, the PBLA Lead and/or Manager to address matters such as learner start dates, withdrawals, orientations, attendance, student needs, and emergent issues.

Planning, implementing, and supporting Community Connections’ activities.

· Develop, organize, and facilitate group activities to meet the needs of newcomer youth and provide them with opportunities to be engaged in the community.

· Coordinate volunteers and organize the delivery of English language conversation circles.

· Prepare communication and outreach materials for Community Connections’ activities.

· Establish and maintain relationships with local agencies in support of the Newcomer Youth Club and other Community Connections’ programming.

· Provide support to colleagues with the facilitation of group activities for newcomer adults and families (i.e. outreach, event logistics).

Outreach and Community Engagement

· Network and liaise with community agencies, service providers, refugee sponsors and the general public to raise awareness and knowledge of newcomers’ needs and their contributions to the community.

· Represent the YWCA and promote its programs and services at community events and networks.

Administrative duties

· Maintain case notes, files and program statistics while ensuring the confidentiality of information.

· Participate in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities.

· Attend and actively participate in team and staff meetings and professional development sessions.

· Complete other administration duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education(degree/diploma/certifications):

Post-secondary education in a related field from a recognized college or university. For education obtained abroad, proof of Canadian equivalence may be required.

· Valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.

· Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Experience:

· Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the field of newcomer settlement or frontline community services.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability:

· Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

· Cultural awareness and sensitivity

· Must possess some knowledge of citizenship and/or immigration policies and settlement issues.

· Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

· Understanding of and experience working with youth

· Able to work in a team environment as well as the capacity to self-motivate and work independently with minimal supervision.

· Able to comply with policies regarding the confidentiality and privacy of information.

· Strong computer skills (MS Office, Internet, database software) and familiarity with social media.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education(degree/diploma/certifications) :

· Completion of post-secondary education in Social Services, Settlement Studies or a Settlement Worker program from a recognized college or university

· Valid CPR/First Aid training certification

· Safe Food Handler training

Experience:

2+ years of experience working as a Settlement Worker with a non-profit or community-based agency. Knowledge/Skill/Ability

· Knowledge of St. Thomas-Elgin, local resources, and settlement issues and trends.

· Able to identify barriers to services to foster equity and inclusion for a diverse client population.

· Flexible and adaptable to meeting changing demands of clients, funders, and other stakeholders.

· Strong administrative skills including recordkeeping, data entry and reporting.

· Creativity and innovation to generate new ideas and address problems.

· Able to communicate in language(s) other than English.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Monday-Friday (business hours).

· In-person work environment

· Evenings/weekends may be required on occasion for group activities, YWCA or community events.

· On occasion, time off in lieu of overtime (as approved by Manager of Settlement Services)

COMPENSATION:

The YWCA offers a competitive compensation package including salary and health benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants are invited to submit their cover letter and resume no later than Friday, January 14, 2024 to this job posting or to settlement@ywcaste.ca. No telephone inquiries please.

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We are grateful to all candidates for their interest in this position; however, only those selected to move into the interview process will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $23.50-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Extended health care
• Wellness program

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• Settlement Worker: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• CPR/First Aid training certification (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• St. Thomas, ON N5P 2S3 (required)

Work Location: In person