Community Navigator (Settlement Services) – Position 1

CCSYR: At CCSYR, we reach out to support, counsel and guide individuals and families from diverse cultural groups. We recognize the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of faith, background or ethnicity and provide a variety of programs and services that enable all citizens, newcomers, and refugees to participate fully in the social, economic, political, and cultural life within their communities.

Our team is passionate to make a meaningful impact through helping those who are in need and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

Position Overview:

Position Type: Full-time, Contract until March 2025, subject to renewal depending on funding availability

Reports To: Settlement Program Manager

Work Arrangement: in-office at various locations throughout York Region

The Community Navigator role is a critical front line client facing position at CCSYR. As part of the settlement team, you will be responsible for providing direct settlement services for newcomers and helping them and their families integrate into Canadian Society

Reporting to a Community Engagement Manager, you will work to provide front line services to our clients, solidify and strengthen our existing programs and work towards expanding our impact, so we are able to serve all newcomers in the York Region, aligned to our values. You will have a passion for impact, a strongly analytical approach, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, be comfortable with ambiguity and have strong knowledge of York Region as well as the health and community services sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Settlement Services:

• Provide Needs and Assets Assessment and Referral Services (NAARS) through a case management approach to provide newcomers with timely, useful, and accurate information they need to make informed decisions.
• Determine newcomers’ eligibility, assess their settlement needs and goals and refer them to appropriate services and programs.
• Support community integration bridging and establishing social support networks and partnerships in the community.
• Provide guidance and counselling related to settlement and integration issues and assist newcomers in developing personalized settlement plans to help enhance their social, economic, and civic integration to become productive members of society.
• Provide practical guidance to assist newcomers in coping with problems of everyday living such as housing, transportation and access to social and health services and information about their rights and obligations in Canada.
• Plan service delivery in collaboration with the community partners (schools, libraries, welcome centres etc.) and Community Engagement Manager.
• Facilitate adaption of newly arrived newcomers’ families within the community.

Outreach and Advocacy:

• Conduct outreach to the community and collaborate with ethnic organizations/ groups, social service agencies, churches/temples, government offices, local and ethnic media, etc. to address newcomers’ settlement, community connection and integration needs.
• Advocate for clients and facilitate access to various services.

Data management:

• Input and manage accurate client data in both the Welcome center and the agency’s database (OCMS), ensuring confidentiality and meeting CCSYR data management standards.
• Prepare and submit statistics and reports, when required.

What you need to succeed:

Education/Credentials:

• A Bachelor’s/master’s degree OR a diploma in Social Work, Settlement counseling or a related discipline OR a combination of post-secondary education and settlement related experience. Registration with a professional college (e.g., College of Social Workers) is considered an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year’s work experience in a social service setting, settlement and/or community work sectors.
• Fresh graduates with the required educational credentials are also encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing training and professional development opportunities to passionate and dedicated individuals.

Skills:

• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities.
• Understanding of Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism Frameworks is considered an Asset.
• Effective cross-cultural communication skills and aptitude for working effectively and sensitively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Comfort with technology and communication platforms.
• Understanding and strict adherence to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Fluency in a second language, particularly Mandarin, is highly preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain strong, ongoing partnerships within communities.
• Ability to work well individually and collaboratively as part of teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Comfort with facilitation, giving presentations and excellent public speaking skills.
• Extensive knowledge of community services, immigration, settlement sector and the public education system is considered an Asset.

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and relevant insurance are required due to the nature of the role, which involves travel between multiple locations.
• Successful candidates will be asked to provide a successful Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records check.

Accessibility, Accommodation and EEO statement: CCSYR is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members, candidates and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and thrive to provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please let us know.

CCSYR is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and welcoming workplace for all employees. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals from all backgrounds bring to our organization, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is essential for our continued success and are committed to ensuring that every employee feels respected, supported, and valued.

We welcome applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender assignment, gender identity or gender expression (including non-binary), sexual orientations, ages, religions, disabilities, and any other basis protected by all applicable laws.

To apply: Please send your resume, along with an optional cover letter, to HR@ccsyr.org with “Your Name – Community Navigator” as the subject line. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. on September 27, 2024.