Full Time Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Lead (union position)

at  The Salvation Army

The Newcomer/Systems Navigation program is facilitated by an employee who is a newcomer to Canada with lived experience, speaks multiple languages, and has a background in community services. While they focus on providing individual supports to new Canadians, they will also support other individuals or families who require assistance navigating the complex social services system.
Facilitation of group programs and events that help develop English as a second language and provide opportunities for people to connect with others in their community will also be part of this position.
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

• Create, implement and facilitate various social events, conversation classes and Canadian topic-based lessons, based on the “Love New Canadians” curriculum.
• Recruit/partner with volunteers from a Corps or local church to join in the events and conversations allowing newcomers an opportunity to continue practicing and learning English and expand their connections in the community.
• For those who exhibit an increased curiosity with spirituality the Program Lead will encourage them to connect with a Corps leader/volunteer or local church.
• 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.
• Responsible to procure and pick-up (either by seeking donations or making purchases) all food and/or items necessary to run events/program.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a University Degree or Community College Diploma in the field of Human and or Social Services.
• 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 and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Safe Food Handling Certificate is required or willingness to obtain.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Must have lived experience as a newcomer to Canada.
• Must have good command of the English language and fluent in Arabic or Spanish.
• Minimum 2 years of prior related experience in Community Services or similar program, working with individuals and families (including children and seniors) is required.
• Experience planning events and developing/facilitating programs.
• Experience working within culturally diverse environments.
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources, particularly related to newcomers to Canada and immigration issues is required.
• Experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Experience with Link2Feed is an asset.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• 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.
• Dynamic facilitation skills with presentation experience.
• 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 one-on-one system navigation support to help anyone, particularly newcomers to Canada, navigate daily life in a new city/country. Partnering with the Corps throughout the city, plan groups/activities that focus on ESL, with a gentle introduction to the Gospel.
• Using Pathway of Hope principles, empower people to take the next steps 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 the other Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Lead, Community Ministries Program Leads and Manager to ensure cohesive planning and facilitation of programs; supporting 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.
• Consistently demonstrates empathy and concern for individuals/families.
• 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.
• Attend Community Ministries programs on a frequent basis to meet and connect with individuals who could benefit from the Newcomer/System Navigation program.
• Assist with and attend seasonal activities and special events such as Christmas Assistance Program, Summer Adventure Camp, Bike Rodeos, Volunteer Appreciation, etc.