The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issues facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.
The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 19 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 450 employees and 500 volunteers. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career and your community.
Newcomer Connections is a key pillar within the YMCA family. Established in 1993, Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement center focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world, and from all walks of life.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Y Newcomer Connections works in partnership with local schools to support the settlement of newcomer students and their families in our community. The Settlement Worker in Schools helps with the orientation and registration of newcomer children in K-12 in Anglophone school districts. This position actively researches and makes referrals to appropriate support services. The Settlement Worker in Schools also works in designated schools 2-3 days/week to provide practical assistance to newcomer children and their families, to support Guidance Counsellors and EAL mentors, and to help promote a welcoming and inclusive school environment. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
This individual will assist newcomer youth and family settlement and integration in the following key areas throughout the calendar year:
During the school year:
1. Provide orientation on the Canadian education system and schools in Saint John when new families arrive in Saint John;
2. Work with newcomer families to register children and youth K-12 in local schools;
3. Liaise with schools to organize orientation sessions for newcomer youth and their parent(s);
4. Provide in-school support to newcomer children and youth, guidance counsellors, EAL mentors, and other relevant school staff, such as to:
a. Assist with school activities relating to orientation week, parent-teacher appointments, field trips, and involvement in extra-curricular activities;
b. Work with schools to recruit student volunteers as “buddies” or “mentors”;
c. Ensure parents understand the schools’ expectations and their own rights and responsibilities;
d. Facilitate and encourage the involvement of parents in the academic and social life of their children;
e. Advocate for newcomer students in difficult situations with school personnel students, and parents, helping all to understand the problems faced by the others;
f. Support school administration to coordinate the provision of cultural competency training for staff;
g. Support school administration in charting options and pathways to post-secondary education;
h. Collaborate with Integrated Services Delivery staff as required to support youth and their families who may experience physical disabilities, behavioral issues, mental health challenges or other barriers;
During the summer/holiday season:
5. Coordinate back-to-school sessions to assist newcomer families with purchase of school supplies;
6. With the support of the Newcomer Youth Advisor:
a. Coordinate information sessions for summer employment opportunities where appropriate;
b. Make referrals to appropriate support services;
c. Coordinate the application process for children who require daycare/afterschool programs/summer camp services during the summer months;
d. Assist in planning YMCA summer day camps to serve youth, as applicable;
On-going duties:
7. Build and maintain relationships with Anglophone School District representatives and staff across the city;
8. Manage ongoing client caseload to ensure regular check-ins towards client settlement goals;
9. Initiate activities and programs to further assist the integration of newcomer students into the school system, for both newcomers and local students (i.e. workshops on cyber-bullying, cultural diversity, etc.);
10. With the support of the Newcomer Youth Advisor:
a. Apply for P.R.O. Kids /Strong Communities funding for clients who require financial assistance to participate in community programs;
b. Bring forward unique or especially difficult student challenges and needs to relative program staff;
c. Assist caseload youth and parents towards settlement outcomes of integration and full participation in the broader community;
11. Input and maintain client records in the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database on a regular basis;
12. Report all client-related activity on the iCARE database on a daily basis;
13. Compile and submit regular reports to the Community Connections Supervisor and Manager, of Resettlement and Settlement Services as requested;
14. Submit monthly expenses within the mandated deadlines;
15. Attend staff meetings;
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the GM, Newcomer and Community Connections.
EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES
- Acts as a champion for immigration, cultural competency and volunteerism;
- Models appropriate behaviours in line with the YMCA of Southwestern NB’s mission, vision and values; establishes rapport and maintains effective relationship-building behaviour with staff, volunteers and members.
- Represents the YMCA of Southwestern NB and Newcomer Connections professionally;
- Understands and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism and imparts this knowledge and beliefs upon staff, volunteers and members;
- Self-manages personal professional development;
- Attends staff meetings as requested.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor's Degree, Community College diploma or similar from an accredited institution
- Approachable and possessing a strong client-centric attitude
- Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our immigrant community
- A minimum of 3 years work experience in a cross-cultural environment
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
- Computer literate (MS Word & Excel)
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Must be fluent in the English language, knowledge of other languages is a great asset – preference will be given to Arabic Speakers.
- Knowledge of NB schools & the school system and policies
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement
- Creativity and Innovation: Develop new ways or adapt existing ideas to help us achieve desired results
- Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interaction both internally and externally to achieve work-related goals
- Self-Management: Works independently with minimal supervision
- Sensitivity: Ability to develop an appreciation for the challenges of our clientele and display needed patience and resourcefulness.
- Sense of Community: Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of community and responds to identified needs
- Teamwork: Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness
WORKING CONDITIONS
- As a full-time YMCA of Southwestern NB staff person, your hours of work and location may be adjusted due to programming needs. There is no guarantee of the number of hours worked within a work week.
- The YMCA of Southwester NB has a Joint Health and Safety Committee which meets every month to discuss health and safety within the workplace. Questions or concerns about your workplace must be brought forward to committee members.
- In this role, you will be required to work in an environment that is often busy with high noise levels.
- As a YMCA of Southwestern NB staff person, you are responsible for your travel to and from work.
- You are responsible for the member/client’s safety daily. You will be required to perform first aid and CPR when and if necessary and you are certified to do so.
- You will be responsible for following and abiding by The Y Way, ensuring all staff persons require a clean and well-maintained centre.
