Job Position: Community Facilitator
Department: Newcomers Services
Status: Full-Time – 35 hours per week
Location: Mississauga & Brampton
Compensation: $28.33 per hour plus benefits

Indus Community Services is an accredited, not-for-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for over three decades. We are a registered charity, supported by our donors and by all three levels of government. Through our professional staff, we are a leader in the provision of culturally responsive services to newcomers, families, women & seniors.

Vision: To be leaders in building strong and inclusive communities.
Mission: We are a community benefit organization focused on building resilient and healthy communities by offering person-centered, anti-oppressive programs and services.

Position Summary:

The Community Connections program aims to build resilient and integrated communities by matching established Canadian volunteers with newcomer families, individuals, youth and seniors in supportive relationships that will enhance their ability to integrate and successfully settle in their communities. The incumbent is responsible for planning and facilitating community development initiatives, community-based mentoring programs, activities and volunteer-led mentoring projects and organizing activities to provide newcomers with opportunities to engage with the broader community and obtain greater familiarity with Canadian society, their community and local resources.

Responsibilities and Duties: (but not limited to)

* Plan, coordinate and facilitate an effective Community Connections program to foster integration, social inclusion and inter­cultural awareness.

* Plan and facilitate a variety of community development initiatives e.g. connecting clients to local community hubs and groups.

* Provide monthly content updates on past and upcoming events in agency and partnership newsletters.

* Assist with setting up and conducting focus groups and interviews with stakeholders and residents.

* Develop and coordinate individual and group mentorship programs, and facilitate in-person/virtual workshops to support the integration of newcomers, including youth and seniors, into their new community and becoming fully engaged in Canadian life.

* Develop and implement strategies, outreach activities and establish appropriate community partnerships to recruit newcomer clients and encourage them to take volunteer leadership roles to better connect in their communities.

* Respond to program inquiries and referrals; Assess and identify service requirements.

* In conjunction with Volunteer Services, recruit, screen, train, match, coach and supervise Community Connections (CC) volunteers.

* Promote the program to gain community support for the program and the organization.

* Liaise with volunteers and clients; Act as the first point of contact for all CC volunteers and clients.

* Assess client needs, make appropriate volunteer matches, monitor and document ongoing match activities.

* Research and provide information on a variety of activities, community events and celebrations for clients and volunteers to jointly attend/participate.

* Ensure that monthly and annual service targets are managed and met.

* Maintain program database using Sumac, Caseworks, iCare, and volunteer and client files.

* Maintain accurate records, statistical data and program reports; including accurate records of volunteer hours.

* In conjunction with the Manager and Human Resources:

* Deliver volunteer information sessions for new and potential volunteers following a pre-determined schedule.

* Provide orientation and on-going training to volunteers to increase their understanding of Indus, our clients, services and their roles and responsibilities.

* Develop a viable outreach plan and implement effective strategies to ensure on-going recruitment of clients and volunteers with the right skills to meet the monthly and annual program targets.

* Plan and implement volunteer recognition activities.

* Develop role descriptions, policies, procedures, orientation and training materials, conduct interviews and deliver orientation and training sessions.

* Maintain forms and records to accurately document volunteer activities.

* Follow intake, interview, and screening protocols for potential volunteers to ensure the best match between the skills, qualification, and interests of the volunteer and client needs.

* Ensure continuous program improvements including:

* Fostering community partnerships and collaborations to enhance recruitment of clients and volunteers.

* Implementing best practices in volunteer management and coordination.

* Ensuring service delivery meets client and volunteer expectations and program standards.

* Monitoring and updating program content on Indus’ website and other external sites.

* Assisting with quality assurance audits/surveys of the program; collecting and analyzing feedback from clients and volunteers.

* Participate in staff and team meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.

* Perform other related duties from time to time as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

* Post-secondary education in settlement, community development or social services along with a minimum of two years of experience in settlement services, community development, outreach, and project coordination are required.

* Good knowledge of volunteer administration practices and procedures including experience with recruitment, selection, orientation, training, supervision, coaching and evaluation of volunteers.

* Demonstrated sensitivity and sincere interest in meeting the needs of newcomers, along with a thorough understanding of newcomer issues around settlement and integration.

* Extensive knowledge of community-based orientation and support resources, activities and events within the Peel & Halton area.

* Excellent outreach, networking and community partnership development skills.

* Ability to design, organize and facilitate workshops, events and group sessions.

* Strong customer service skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain strong and productive working relationships with all stakeholders.

* Excellent presentation, strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present materials, including standards and documentation, to all levels of management, staff and other stakeholders.

* Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to take initiative.

* Detail oriented, highly organized and able to set priorities with minimal supervision.

* Excellent time management skills with the capacity to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and emerging priorities and deliver within deadlines.

* Ability to problem-solve requests with tact and good judgment.

* Capable of working effectively in a team environment.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and an additional language an asset.

* Strong computer skills including Microsoft Suite, email, database management software (iCare, Caseworks and Sumac preferred), social media and other online platforms which enhance communications.

* Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and a strong understanding of inclusive and equitable service delivery.

* Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings, weekends and to work from any Indus work-site.

* Valid Driver’s License with reliable transportation is required.

* Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Police Check prior to commencing employment.

* Indus’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all employees be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine has been temporarily suspended. Currently new employees will not have to show evidence of vaccination. Indus reserves the right to reactivate this policy at its own discretion based on Public Health recommendations. Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will continue to be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy and in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code

This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Indus Community Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment process. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Posting Date: May 9th, 2024