Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
This position provides client-centered, trauma-informed services to immigrants and refugees during their settlement and integration into the local community. The role encompasses outreach, engagement, and providing essential information and support to newcomers. Through an integrated services approach, the Settlement Outreach Worker provides one-on-one detailed needs assessment and referrals, one-on-one information and orientation, group information and orientation, community connections, client outreach, service bridging, resource development, and delivery assistance to eligible clients. The SOW carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards, and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:
Assessment and Support:
- Conduct initial assessments to determine the needs, strengths, and challenges of individuals or families who are newly arrived.
- Develop comprehensive case plans based on assessments, taking into consideration clients' goals, cultural background, and available resources.
- Provide clients with information about their rights and available services.
- Work with clients to create customized settlement plans addressing their unique needs, including housing, healthcare, education, employment, and language acquisition.
- Assist clients in identifying barriers to integration and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Provide immediate support to clients in crisis situations, such as housing instability, health emergencies, or legal issues.
- Offer guidance in navigating difficult or urgent situations, providing resources and referrals to ensure clients’ immediate needs are met.
- Assist clients in resolving conflicts with landlords, employers, or service providers where appropriate.
- Develop and implement a building curriculum based on relevant topics
- Conduct move-in and move-out inspections, as well as House visits to assess the condition of accommodations.
- Empower clients by encouraging self-advocacy and supporting them in taking an active role in their settlement and integration process.
- Build clients' confidence in their ability to navigate the systems and resources available to them.
Referral and Resources Navigation:
- Connect clients with essential services and resources, such as housing assistance, healthcare providers, legal services, employment agencies, language programs, and social welfare support.
- Provide clients with information and referrals for local community services, such as food banks, childcare programs, and counseling services.
- Coordinate with community organizations, government agencies, and other service providers to ensure clients receive the full spectrum of support they need.
Orientation and Information Sessions:
- Provide clients with orientation sessions about their new environment, including practical information on housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and local laws.
- Assist clients in understanding the cultural, social, and legal norms of their new country, helping to reduce stress and confusion related to resettlement.
- Provide information about community resources, including support groups, language classes, employment opportunities, and legal assistance.
- Follow up with clients to ensure that services and resources are being accessed effectively.
Cultural Sensitivity and support:
- Assist clients in understanding and adapting to the cultural, social, and legal norms of their new community, ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
- Provide emotional and social support to newcomers, offering a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their challenges and seeking assistance.
- Assist with school enrollment for children and provide information on language acquisition programs, education services, and other relevant resources.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and records, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and organizational policies.
- Monitor client progress, adjust support plans as necessary, and provide regular updates to supervisors or case managers.
- Set short-term and long-term goals with clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency and independence.
- Prepare regular reports on activities, client engagement, and service delivery for program managers.
- Use feedback and data to improve strategies and enhance service delivery.
Other:
- Comply with funder mandates for participation and promotion requirements.
- Support participants within YMCA guidelines and adhere to the contracted performance outcomes.
- Perform case management as per Standards of Practice guidelines and funder mandates.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications:
- Post secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
- Intermediate (Standard) First Aid, CPR-C.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
- Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector.
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with immigrant, refugee, or marginalized populations in a settlement or social service setting.
- Strong working knowledge of issues/practices related to immigration and refugee issues, social determents of health, harm reduction, individual assessment, and case management.
- Strong working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
- Fluency in multiple languages is highly desirable, especially languages spoken by local immigrant or refugee populations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team and collaborating with external service providers.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for community events or meetings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases and other technology.
- Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law.
- Valid driver’s license and has a reliable vehicle.
Work environment and physical demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional evening or weekend work for meetings, activities or events.
- Travel within the community to meet with clients and partners.
- Office and in home work.
- Sitting, walking, driving and lifting items.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
