Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Lead (Union Position)

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.

• 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.

 Individual Supports

• Create a welcoming and respectful experience for people accessing London Community Services.
• Through empathetic care, listening and with a non-judgmental approach, establish a trusting relationship with individuals and families who access our programs.
• Conduct initial assessment to determine what supports (both short-term and long-term) the individual/family wants/needs and help them come up with a plan to reach their goals.
• Help the individuals and families navigate complex systems, answering questions and providing support, referrals and information on a wide variety of topics, including:
  • physical and mental health care
  • education and employment and/or volunteer opportunities
  • financial literacy including income tax, banking and credit
  • connection to community services and supports like Legal Aid, Social Assistance
  • referrals to refugee claimant lawyers
  • help with translation and interpretation
  • provide referrals to help finding permanent housing, help with understanding Tenants and Landlords Rights and Responsibilities
  • Provide support in accessing furnishings and other household items
• Provide supports and education on the application process of a variety of programs services (such as assistance with refugee claim process, CBSA, IRCC).
• Advocate on individuals/family’s behalf to help them receive the services they want and for which they are eligible and help them develop self-advocacy skills.
• Build bridges for newcomers by facilitating the establishment of professional and social networks, fostering a sense of belonging within their communities.
• Create and update client records in Link2Feed. This includes ensuring overview of their situation and any needed follow-up is recorded in the Notes section.
• Ensure clients are being referred to the Corps Officer (or designate) for pastoral and spiritual guidance/support and that information is being shared with clients regarding church programs.
• When appropriate, provide emergency basic needs support.
• Assist with and offer free access to phone, internet, scanning and photocopying

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.

Finance/Administration

• Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate participant files and statistical records.
• Maximize utilization of all computerized management programs (i.e. Link2Feed).
• Periodically review program guidelines, goals and outcomes with supervisor.
• Conduct debriefs and submit program evaluation on all events and programs, including lessons learned.
• Work closely with the Community Relations Coordinator to develop promotional and marketing material for respective programs, including social media posts, presentations and other forms of promotional materials; and sharing inspiring stories that attract community giving.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities and build positive relationships with community agencies and other stakeholders to ensure program success.
• Research and maintain information list of services provided by external agencies.
• Gather information and posters on community resources and events and maintain information displays.
• Responsible to ensure they work within the budget for their specific programs, providing input to their supervisor for the preparation of the annual budget, adhering to all relevant financial policies.
• As appropriate, respond to incidents and complaints pertaining to programs/events they coordinate, ensuring they notify their supervisor immediately and appropriate reporting and follow-up is made.
• In collaboration with other Community Ministries team members, assist with the receiving and sorting of donations, ensuring goods are distributed appropriately and donation records are completed accurately.
• General administrative duties as required, such as answering and responding to phone calls and emails, directing inquiries, providing referrals to other resources or scheduling appointments as required.
• Conduct all administrative duties as outlined with due diligence.

Health and Safety

• Understand and work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed (OHSA) are carried out in the workplace and that every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of the worker and workplace.
• Identify and implement effective practices for risk management to ensure workplace safety, minimize liability, and uphold the reputation of The Salvation Army and Ministry Units.
• Ensure that equipment, materials, and protective devises as prescribed (OHSA) are provided and maintained in good condition.
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the event of a workplace injury or illness and that incident investigations are conducted as applicable.

Perform other duties as required.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Community Ministries Manager
• This role works independently within a team
• Direct reports for this role include up to 10 volunteers at a time who assist with special events and programs

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 20 lbs., reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.
• Exposure to scents and fumes.
• This position will require frequent travel and work at various locations throughout the City of London.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and background
• Will be required to wear Salvation Army branded clothing provided by the employer.

• 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.
• Must provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.  The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Will require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• 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.
• 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.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.