THE CHILDREN’S COTTAGE SOCIETY: FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK ACCESS COORDINATOR
Competition #FRN-COORD2025
The Children’s Cottage Society, established in Calgary in 1986, provides crisis nursery, community respite, and family support programs to more than 3,500 children a year. The Society’s mission is to “Build strong children and safe, nurturing families through prevention programs and support services” and our vision is “Resilient children blossom in healthy families.”
The Access Coordinator, as part of the Cottage Link team, is responsible to facilitate connections for families seeking services and support of our agency, as well through the Family Resource Network with programs and services that promote well-being and family resiliency. The Access Coordinator will be the primary point of contact for families and caregivers with children 0-18.
LOCATION: Child and Family Centre 1804 Home Road NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1H1
HOURS OF WORK: This position will work a 4 on-4 off rotation. Hours of work are 9 AM – 7 PM with some flexibility
SALARY: $55,000/year
**This position is part of a Pilot Program and will run until March 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension**
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Minimum Diploma in Human Services Field.
• Minimum of 3 years of assessment, intake and referral experience
• Minimum of 3 years of direct service for families with children 0-18.
• Knowledgeable in healthy child development.
• Knowledgeable about community resources.
• Experience helping families navigate stressful situations
• Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle is an asset
• Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR level C
• Current Police Security and Child Intervention Record checks with satisfactory results
• Brain Story Certification Course (online training)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Experience using NewOrg or similar client data bases.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Client Support
o Monitor phone lines and emails in order to provide accurate and timely information to community members seeking services.
o Use a trauma informed approach with intake, utilizing referral tools and observation alongside coaching and reflection to identify parents’ strengths and challenges and refer to resources and supports.
o Assess the needs of families in order to connect to the appropriate supports.
o Navigate systems, provide advocacy and referrals to partner agencies, internal programs, and other community partners and resources.
o Support families through crises and develop safety plans with families and Children’s Services as required
o Provide a regular presence at the Home Road location
o Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of community resources and use these appropriately to connect a family to ongoing supports that can build self-advocacy and resiliency.
o Complete screenings and eligibility for programs
o Volunteer Day Care Program – Coordinate and place families who are in need of temporary day care spaces
o Coordinate Good Food Box Depot orders and pickups with clients
• Cottage Link Line serving the Child and Family Centre
o Be part of a team at the Children’s Cottage Society Child and Family Centre providing ongoing family programing, service coordination and promotion of services.
o Support the building of relationships with, and between, families, individuals, Children’s Services staff, communities, schools, and other service providers
o Be comfortable with developing programming and able to provide creative service delivery including virtual, phone, and in person support.
o Support with administrative responsibilities such as events registration, online calendar registrations, and coordination of on site room bookings.
o Meet with supervisor on a regular basis for reflective supervision
o Assist with set up of Hub programming space, support with restocking supplies and upkeep of the facility
o Attend team meetings and trainings as required.
• Documentation
o Complete all intake and referral paperwork with accuracy and in coordination with partners.
o Maintain accurate electronic client records
o Document all client calls and follow-up contacts.
o Assist with collection of outcomes data
o Ensure the collection and aggregation of data from Agency Partners.
o Assist with completion of a nominal role and other month end documentation at the end of each month.
o Adhere to program accreditation and provincial guidelines
o Other duties as required by the Program Supervisor, Director of Community Programs, or CEO
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Able to work from a strength based, trauma-informed approach.
• Have an understanding of positive parenting practices and child development
• Ability to work as part of team and independently.
• Skill in crisis intervention and basic problem solving
• Experience in community-based programming is preferred
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written,
• Managing all forms of communication systems; in-person, email and telephone system, answering general enquiries and re-routing calls, messages and emails to the appropriate team member
• Knowledge of Children’s Services (CS) processes
• Proficient computer skills required.
• Ability to work a non-standard work week.
• Knowledge of Calgary and area resources and how to access them.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
• A Police Information Check, WITH a vulnerable sector search, is required upon commencement of employment (Note: it is recommended to apply for your Police Check early as to avoid delays in Employment. Please refer to: Police Information Checks).
• A Child Intervention Record Check is required upon commencement of employment (Note: it is recommended to apply early to avoid delays in Employment. Please refer to Child Intervention Checks Alberta)
• Applicants must provide proof of qualifications prior to Job Offer. Education obtained from out of country must have documentation of equivalency.
• Must be able to work in Canada.
WHAT WE OFFER
In addition to having the opportunity to work for an energetic, progressive, and community focused organization and with a workforce of diverse, committed individuals, we offer the following benefits:
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision benefits
• RRSP Contribution Program
• An annual Health Spending Account
• Prioritizing wellness in the workplace and a psychologically safe work environment
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, we will only contact those applicants selected for an interview.
Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to: careers@childrenscottage.ab.ca Please quote Competition #FRN-COORD2025 when submitting your resume and cover letter.
For more information about the Children’s Cottage Society, please visit our website: www.childrenscotttage.ab.ca
