Job title: Settlement Worker – Community Connections (Contract)
Department: Newcomer Community Services
Reports to: Co-Manager, Newcomer Community Services and Team Lead, Newcomer Community Services
Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (some evenings/weekends required)
Location: CDCD Head office in Ajax and/or Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Oshawa/Clarington

INTERPERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Desire/ability to understand others’ attitudes/interests/needs/feelings/nonverbal behavior, incorporating empathy, listening skills, and diagnostic understanding, understanding strengths/limitations of others. Communicates and interacts effectively with individuals and groups in the provision of professional services. Gives full attention to what other people are saying by being active listeners that value the opinions of their workers. Capable of using their communication skills to successfully gather information that they need. They are also people whom are trusted and can build relationships with others.

PRESENTATION SKILLS

Effective in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings; commands attention and manages group process during the presentation; is cognizant of audience response and able to adapt content and style accordingly.

COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE

Ability to express vast knowledge of the Durham Community, as well as knowledge in social, government, and community services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in Social Services or related area of study
• Proven settlement experience working with newcomers, professionals, victims of trauma/torture, war, and refugees
• Demonstrated ability to advocate, liaise, mediate
• Knowledge of international issues that impact refugees/immigrants
• Thorough knowledge of Durham Region and services available in the area
• Ability to make presentations, conduct workshops and make cold calls to potential clients
• Ability to speak and write in additional languages is an asset but not a requirement
• Proficient in the use of computer programs for: Word Processing; Databases; Spread sheets; E-mail; Internet; Power Point and Canva

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and has a demonstrated ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Professional demeanor, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and ability to instill trust.
• Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
• Maintains flexibility and performs under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Team player who is positive, professional and experienced in working with at-risk clients.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines.
• Responds to stressful situations in a calm, collected and professional manner.
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making ability and keen attention to detail.
• Must be proactive, resourceful, and possess the ability to resolve complex client needs.

Additional Requirements

• The Settlement Worker - Community Connections will work out of an office environment and will be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting is required.
• The Settlement Worker - Community Connections will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.

• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening to commencing employment.The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting.

• APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.
  Please submit applications to Settlement Worker – Community Connections (Contract) at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co
  CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.
  CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.
  CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
  As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

JOB PURPOSE

The Community Connections program funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the settlement process, and integration of newcomers. The Settlement Worker - Community Connections will be responsible for the development, implementation and delivery of newcomer programing that assists in the integration of newcomers to the community.
This role is contracted until March 31, 2026.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using a client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus), trauma-informed and strength-based approach assist with the implementation of program objectives and action plans to meet the mandate and goals of the Newcomer Community Services and CDCD’s strategic plan.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, staff and clients.
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Follow general directions and instructions from Team Lead, Newcomer Community Services.
• Build relationships and establish rapport with clients and community partners.
• Assess needs, interests, geographic proximity, etc. of newcomers and volunteers that will support the delivery of program activities.
• Provide ongoing, program-specific training for volunteers to ensure activities are successful.
• Lead Newcomer Seniors programming for Community Connections program.
• Lead English and French Conversation Circles (in person and virtual) as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with the Community Connections team on group deliverables including field trips, sports activities, and annual picnic.
• Participate and co-lead other Community Connections programming which may include: Newcomer Kitchen Programming, Newcomer Garden Programming, other program initiatives.
• Develop flyers, posters and presentations to promote Community Connections Programs
• Meet program deliverables, targets and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate client and volunteer records using the program database and iCARE (The Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment) system reporting platform.
• Prepare narrative and statistical reports on a monthly basis and as required.
• Work in a team setting with other CDCD programs that offer a full range of services to new immigrants.
• Support and assist the Community Connections team and other agency staff as a team player and in a friendly manner.
• Utilize the program budget as stipulated in the funding agreement.
• Ensure that workplace conduct, and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.