Open Arms Program Assistant

at  The Salvation Army

Open Arms is a community partner that engages with children, youth, and their families in redemptive relationships; guided by a desire to bring hope to our community and rooted in the love and good news of Jesus Christ. The position is focused on assisting the Open Arms Ministries Coordinator with programming that fulfills the mission and vision of The Salvation Army, supports the families of the North End community, and builds positive community partnerships in the area.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of one academic year in Social Services/Human Services diploma or other relevant field.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired, Criminal Record Check, WHMIS.
• Undergraduate Degree or Social Services/Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree will be considered as an asset.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLED KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of two years of experience working with at-risk children and/or youth preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
• Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset.
• Driver’s License with clean abstract is an asset.

PREFERRED SKILLS/CAPABILITIES:

• Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
• Good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk persons.
• Knowledge of community resources available to support Open Arms Program and ability/skills to network.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
• Ability to provide a clear Child abuse/Vulnerable Sector Registry check required.
  Working Conditions: Full Time - 35 hours per week
  Interested applicants must respond in writing by May 12th, 2024 to:
  Hiring Committee:
  e-mail: Mitch.Brower@salvationarmy.ca
  The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements.
  We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fully support the Open Arms Coordinator in running the Open Arms Program.
• Support and assess summer/seasonal employee(s) as needed.
• Help vent requests for volunteers and work placement students.
• Help distribute monthly program calendars for families.
• Help maintain accurate participant registration lists with emergency contact.
• Attend monthly CFS meetings and other meetings/trainings as requested by Open Arms Coordinator and/or COH Administration.
• Help conduct seasonal parent/participant surveys to ensure program success – gather results design action plans based on feedback.
• Refer parents to CFS/Food bank for assistance with Community referrals (housing help, translation, appointment call, school requests, etc.)
• Connect and promote local Salvation Army programs and supports (Christmas, tax clinics, back to school, church).
• New Neighbour orientations.
• Help support, maintain, and grow network of community partners.
• Create parent communication notices/newsletters.
• Participate in annual Community Day (Beautification Day) committee, process, and planning as well as other multi-service provider community events.
• Help plan Seasonal Camps (March Break & Summer).
• Help set up programming for eight/nine weeks of summer camp and one week of March Break Camp as well as Christmas Break special programming and PD Day events.
• Developing monthly After-School program calendars.
• Program registration (design registration forms, communicate registration dates, etc.) (3/year – fall, winter, summer).
• Help develop holiday special event celebration plans (Halloween Party, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.).
• Be aware of culturally important dates and incorporate cultural celebrations into programming (ex-Eid)
• Ensure daily snacks are planned and prepared.
• Help with program design in keeping with the Mission and Vison of TSA (selecting activities, procuring supplies, inventory, leading activities with other staff).
• Serve as a parent contact to address parent concerns and communicate issues relating to behaviour/dismissals, etc.
• Clean and tidy up the place after programming.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports a learning environment that enhances Halifax Centre of Hope’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Commit to the COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees as needed.
• Assist in program and service delivery to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs are delivered.
• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.
• Perform other work-related duties a required.