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SalaryApplications due: 22 Jan, 2024
This salaried full-time position seeks to provide space for friendships to emerge and grow between volunteers, and women and men who are transitioning from persistent homelessness to stable housing. The Walking withPeople in Poverty Program Associate is responsible for engaging volunteers and facilitating Circles of friendships with women, men and families in the transition from an experience of persistent homelessness.
Also, included in this position will be responsibility for the implementation and development of programs and events that provide for the social inclusion and integration of participants connected with the Circle of Friends program of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario (MCCO). Working with the Circle of Friends Manager and drawing on the gifts and abilities of the Circle of Friends team this associate will be responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of social inclusion programs and events.
This Program Associate will ensure that the necessary support, information, documentation and resources are available for the successful delivery of Participant Circles as well as events, workshops and programs to facilitate increased capacity for social inclusion. Key to this role will be the ability to develop volunteer and community partnerships that will facilitate participant’s sense of inclusion toward integration into the wider community and platforms for engagement.
MCC is a charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations worldwide to walk with People who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living and alternatives to violence. As an internationally recognized NGO, MCC currently serves in more than 45 countries with over 475 partners, 1,000 staff and 40,000 volunteers.
Salaried Employee -Full Time at 1 FTE
Required
- Understanding of systemic social issues associated with poverty and homelessness including trauma, addictions and mental health.
- Degree/diploma in social work or equivalent human services education
- Demonstrated ability to assess the needs of the individuals and develop suitable plans of action
- Demonstrated experience in counselling techniques, mediation, and group dynamics
- Demonstrated experience in event planning and facilitation for community development and inclusion.
- Skilled at communication and able to quickly establish rapport and engage with a variety of people (supervisors, colleagues, participants, volunteers, community partners)
- Works effectively and respectfully with People from different backgrounds
- Demonstrates ethical behaviour consistently and across a variety of situations including maintaining confidentiality and privacy
- Experience in volunteering and knowledge of volunteer management best practices
- Ability and willingness to work as an effective team member within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to act on new information and effectively contribute in a changing environment
- Ability to work independently and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment while also engaging collaboratively with a team
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate Circle meetings, events and activities
- Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and able to quickly learn other virtual platforms
- Be a model for volunteers and community to promote principles of healthy social inclusion
- Ability to support the shared values and principles embodied in the partnership between Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario), faith communities, and STEP Home (Support to End Persistent Homelessness)
- Police vulnerable sector check (required upon hire)
- Legally able to work in Canada
- Access to a vehicle and Valid ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license
Preferred
- Experience recruiting, training and supervising volunteers of various backgrounds, lifestyles, beliefs and life experiences
- Experience in non-profit, social service and health agencies
Key Responsibilties
- Facilitate Participant Circles including supporting participants to identify goals, coaching volunteers, supporting the Circle to connect and managing the transition from formal (staff led) to informal (volunteer led) facilitation while setting the stage for successful closing of the Circle at one year
- Use a strength-based model that promotes individual growth, independence and choices for community connection, providing positive opportunities for inclusion and capacity building
- Shape regular monthly gatherings that provide opportunities for meaningful participation, positive social contacts and encourage new social roles
- Support the Peoples Action Group and their facilitator as they contribute the voice of lived experience to the broader community
- Communicate and connect with participants and volunteers to encourage participation in Circles and other opportunities
- Identify and assist participants in accessing resources to dismantle barriers to participation Volunteer & Community Engagement • Prepare for, recruit, onboard and train potential volunteers to support programs and events
- Explore new points of connection that can utilized to develop COVID safe connections and community
- Develop partnerships with community agencies, organizations, businesses and constituency churches in order to create opportunities and partnerships for social inclusion Program Monitoring and Reporting
- Monitor the healthy functioning of the Circles, based on principles of transformative relationships, building trust, mutual respect, voluntary participation and confidentiality
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality of all participant and volunteer information is maintained
- Maintain and submit reports especially with regard to risk management of COVID i.e., attendance logs, qualitative and quantitative reports
- Complete all required administrative documentation including case notes, contact tracking, evaluations, outcomes, and updates for reporting purposes to MCC Ontario and Funders.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
- Participate in MCCO orientation, Peace Conference and Staff Development Day
- Participate in a local faith community, being willing to use personal gifts within this community and model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful interaction with others
- Maintain a high level of integrity, reflecting Christian respect and Christ's unconditional love to those with whom you work, including colleagues, partner agencies, the homeless and marginalized
- Answer inquiries about MCC from constituency and general public; communicate MCC's values, articulating the importance of MCC's criteria for workers, all of whom serve as representatives of the Mennonite and Be in Christ churches which support MCC
- Model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful daily interactions with staff and the public
12 Feb, 2024
Base salary: $61,321
This role is based out of MCC Ontario Office in Kitchener, at 50 Kent Ave.
