The Community Ministries Program Lead works closely with other local ministry unit personnel to form an interdisciplinary team to work from a holistic perspective with individuals and families who are seeking assistance from The Salvation Army.
This position requires a dynamic individual who is responsible for the planning, organization and facilitation of a wide range of community-based programs/workshops for people of all ages and demographics.
Connected by a common mission, they will work collaboratively with other Ministry Unit staff/leads, including leadership of London Corps, to form an interdisciplinary team to work from a holistic perspective with individuals and families who are seeking assistance from The Salvation Army. They will promote opportunities for corps members and volunteers to connect with and support individuals and families participating in the programs to bring the best opportunities and outcomes forward for those who come to us for help.

GROUP PROGRAMS/EVENTS

• Work collaboratively with the Community Ministries Manager and other Program Leads to develop and facilitate programs and events that fall under these three pillars:
• At The Table (Food Access Programs) – provides multiple programs for all ages/demographics that provide access to food, including community meals, school breakfast or lunch programs, pop-up markets, cooking classes, gardening, access to Harvest Bucks and London Good Food Boxes.
• Community Ministries/Active for Life (Adult and Senior programs) – provides opportunities for adults/seniors in our community to get involved in a variety of programs/activities with a focus on health and wellbeing, developing relationships, learning new skills, and having fun!
• Children/Youth and Parenting Programs – provides a safe and supportive environment for children and youth to attend a variety of activities and educational opportunities that promote their physical, social, emotional, and academic development; increase their resiliency and help them make healthy and safe choices. In addition, programs are offered to parents to help improve their parenting skills and learn strategies to better equip them to handle the stress of everyday child rearing.
• Recruit/partner with volunteers from a Corps or local church to join in the events; providing an opportunity for participants to build relationships and potentially develop a connection to the church.
• Provide ongoing educational and interactive workshops, skill development and increased community and social engagement in collaboration with community partners.
• Work with participants to determine interests and needs and develop a program model for leisure, recreational and educational opportunities to meet these interests and encourage participation.
• Actively participate alongside program participants in recreational and leisure activities.
• Provide support, information and appropriate referrals to program participants.
• Ensure all program and storage areas are neat and tidy.
• Ensure the appropriate storage and usage of goods, ensuring perishable food is used prior to the expiry date.
• Responsible to procure and pick-up (either by seeking donations or making purchases) all food and/or items necessary to run programs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a minimum 3-year post-secondary diploma/degree in Recreation and Leisure, Foods and Nutrition or Health Sciences required.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Safe Food Handling Certified required, or willingness to obtain.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 2 years of prior related experience, specifically in the development of community programming and facilitating programs/events.
• Experience in Community Services or similar program, working with individuals and families (including children and seniors) is required.
• Experience developing programs and community partnerships and working collaboratively with other service providers.
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources is required.
• Experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Experience with Link2Feed is an asset.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Ability to speak multiple languages (ideally Arabic and/or Spanish) is an asset.
• Dynamic facilitation skills with presentation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with participants, colleagues (including volunteers and students) and community partners.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• High standards of integrity; demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and to problem solve complex cases, ensuring confidentiality and an ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, government, business leaders and professionals.
• Respects and relies on a team approach in supporting the client.
• Client centered – Willingness to listen and learn from each client with compassion and dignity
• Organizational commitment – Understanding and ability to uphold the ethical and social norms of the organization.
• Communication – strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills and empathetic listening skills.
• Will require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

• Form an integral part of The Salvation Army London Community Services/Ministries team—including employees, volunteers and students; as well as local Corps Officers/leaders; members of the Corps and other local ministry units/community partners —to work with participants from a holistic perspective.
• Offer multi-faceted programs aimed at reducing social isolation and improving overall mental and physical health for people in our community. Partnering with three Corps throughout the city, strive to create many entry points for community members which include meeting basic needs, reducing food insecurity, developing skills, building relationships, and empowering people to take the next steps along a pathway of hope toward a better and more satisfying/transformative life.
• Network with other service providers and maintain relationships with community agencies and local schools to provide comprehensive services for participants in conjunction with the Community Ministries team.
• Meet regularly with other Community Ministries Program Leads, Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Leads and Manager to ensure cohesive planning and facilitation of programs; supporting other Community Ministries Program Leads when needed.
• Ensure program policies and procedures are followed to maintain integrity, accountability, and program outcome measurements.
• Participate in the development of policies, procedures and best practices guidelines/manuals related to relevant programs.
• Design, deliver and evaluate programs in consultation with the Community Ministries Manager.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with the Canada Food Guide, Public Health, and Safe Food Handling practices.
• Consistently demonstrates empathy and concern for individuals/families.
• Meet with and assist individuals/families looking for basic needs support.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer/Special Events Coordinator, participates in the recruitment, training and orientation of volunteers and students working within their programs and is responsible to coordinate their schedules and responsibilities and provide direction and supervision; ensuring they are working to achieve the purposes of The Salvation Army.
• Assist with and attend seasonal activities and special events such as Christmas Assistance Program, Summer Adventure Camp, Bike Rodeos, Volunteer Appreciation, etc.