The secular, grassroots Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH) aims to provide meaningful opportunities for our neighbours to engage with and contribute to their community in an equitable atmosphere of sharing and learning. The mandate of the DTESNH is to provide programming and educational, leadership, social and recreational opportunities to residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Job Description: Family Programs Coordinator – Closing Application Date April 7, 2023

The Family Programs Coordinator works collaboratively with parents/families/participants, the Executive Director (ED) and the staff and volunteers of the DTES NH to create and facilitate programs for families with children.  

The work of the Family Programs Coordinator is guided by, and must align with, the DTES NH mission, vision and food philosophy; including menus and planning that align with the food philosophy. We are looking to expand our current program offerings to meet the growing needs in our community and to use best practices for program design. The Family Programs Coordinator must adhere to the DTES NH Code of Conduct Policy and Privacy Policies.

Direct FDI & EYDI Program Facilitation:

• Plan, coordinate, facilitate and support the delivery of Family Drop-In (FDI) & Early Years Drop-In (EYDI) programs
• Responsible for preparing, organizing, and ordering appropriate foods and supplies for participants within budget
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities and workshops for program participants with the support of volunteers and community partners
• Managing program set up and take down, including ensuring that program space is functional, sanitary, organized, child-friendly, and safe for young children

Program Administration/Management:

• Planning and creating a structured and supportive program space, that engages caregivers and children with activities, workshops, etc.
• Provide resource referrals to families and to ensure concerns over abuse of children is reported to the ministry; train staff and volunteers where necessary
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationship with community partners who work with families, caregivers, and children (including schools, community centres, other NH’s)
• Schedule regular visits by resource people to provide program ideas and delivery to the program – keep it interesting for the families- free if possible, within the NH (i.e. librarians, nurses, infant development consultants, art, music and play therapists, etc.)
• Publicize programs community wide via posters, handbills and site visits to present to other organizations and other means
• Mentor and coordinate the FDI and EYDI teams – including practicum students and volunteers
• Communicate with Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations about recruitment and placement of volunteers and practicum students
• Support grant writing and reporting for funding as needed
• Maintain a program data base that includes statistics on activities and number of participants in the program
• Report to the ED and/or the Director of Operations

Other Responsibilities: 

• Submit cheque requisitions for reimbursement when petty cash limit is reached
• Submit a timesheet with the required level of detail at the end of each pay period
• Complete accident and incident reports as required
• Attend monthly Core Staff & General Staff meetings, and bi-monthly check-ins with the ED

Here are the requirements/skills/experience/aptitudes that the ideal candidate will possess. However, we will consider other relevant training, experience, and factors on a case-by-case basis.

• Long term candidate, 2–3 year commitment preferred
• Minimum 1 year experience working with diverse or vulnerable populations
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children, parents, grandparents, caregivers of all ancestries in a daycare, family place, or neighbourhood house setting
• Related education in early childhood education, child development, or social work, or have ECE (Early Childhood Educator) Certification preferable
• Passion for working with children
• Awareness and knowledge of the Family court system, including BC child protection legislation an asset
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft office, printers, ppt. etc.)
• Experience managing and training staff/volunteers
• Mature judgment, a sense of humour, ability to handle stress, and a “can-do attitude”
• Understanding of approaches to community-based assets and development
• Must be physically fit to keep pace with children and manage the program space
• Ability to speak more than one language an asset
• Must have valid FoodSafe, First Aid, Non-Violent Conflict Resolution, Naloxone Training – within one month of hire
• Pass a vulnerable sector criminal records check and background check – mandatory