Position SummaryReporting to the Director, Community Programs and working within an inter-professional team, the Community Programs Coordinator assesses client suitability for various service programs that support client wellness and caregiver respite in the Niagara community.
The Community Program Coordinator is responsible for the intake and assessment for all community programs, training, program budget and overseeing volunteers to assist with the delivery of a variety of programs, evaluating program effectiveness, coordinating key events and maintaining a client information database.
The Community Program Coordinator performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.
Key Responsibilities
Visiting Volunteer Program (VVP)
- Perform assessment, intake and referral services to clients and caregivers within the designated community(ies)
- Providing referrals to community resources
- Assign volunteers to support clients/caregivers receiving VVP services
- Supervising volunteers and completing annual performance evaluations for volunteers
- Performing administrative duties specific to files and case documentation for clients and groups
- Participate in client conferences with team members and external agencies (e.g rounds)
- Liaise with clients and caregivers on a regular basis to ensure their needs are being adequately met; Updates care plans as per standards and procedures
- Actively participates in the planning and execution of volunteer engagement activities (e.g. Retreat, Town Halls, etc.)
- Act as a patient advocate where needed and desired by the client and family
- Complete case notes and maintain an accurate client/caregiver database
Program Coordination
- Ensuring clients are appropriately assessed and have completed the intake process prior to participation
- Coordinating support programs, with an emphasis on identifying and addressing resource needs through the utilization of skilled volunteers
- Producing program evaluations, statistical reports, budgets and grant proposals
- Developing program outcome reports; overseeing annual surveys and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
- Oversee program accreditation
- Mentoring and overseeing staff who are responsible for facilitating community programs
- Problem solving program issues
- Maintaining an accurate client database
- Coordinate and maintain weekly programs in various locations
- Regularly check inventory and maintaining appropriate supplies and program space
- Coordinate and oversee adjunct program activities and therapies (e.g. art, music, massage, reiki, etc.)
- Participate in and/or leads volunteer training during relevant sessions
- Overseeing the content of community program materials and coordinating events in collaboration with other teams
- Participating on internal committees and projects
Sharing Project
- Training and coordinating volunteers to facilitate program among clients
- Providing program support and resolving issues, as needed
General Responsibilities
- Provide input to achieve accreditation standards and ensure program standards are continuously maintained
- Problem-solving and addressing program issues related to volunteer support
- Mentor and train new staff, volunteers, students
- Support and monitor the recording of volunteer hours
- Provide backfill to other program staff during vacation, illness, etc.
- Perform other job-related duties, as assigned
Skills & Attributes
- Experience delivering and evaluating programs and services based on client needs
- Strong active listening, critical thinking, time management, prioritization, and event planning skills
- Highly developed compassion, empathy, confidentiality and integrity
- Demonstrated inter-personal, problem solving and conflict management skills
- Experience effectively communicating information in one-on-one and small group settings
- High degree of self-direction and self-motivation
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset)
- Strong administrative and organizational skills
- Ability to accurately document information and develop reports
- Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
- Proficiency in computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word and databases
- Occasional flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client, training and program needs
- Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
- Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
- Effectively set appropriate boundaries and understand the limitations of volunteers in client care
- Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
- Demonstrate a healthy adjustment to loss and exercise ongoing self-care
Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience
- Graduate of an RPN or related program; registrant in good standing with respective college
- Palliative care work experience, or an intrinsic motivation to work in a palliative care setting
- Recreation Therapy background considered
- Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed during the first year of hire)
- Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education (CAPCE) (considered an asset)
- Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favourable, within past 12 months)
- First Aid/CPR (preferred, must be completed within two years of hire)
- Mask Fit (preferred, must be completed with two years of hire)
- Safe Food Handling (preferred, must be completed within first year of hire)
- Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with volunteers and address issues in a diplomatic and timely manner
- Strong ability to mentor, train and support adult learners (volunteers) to maximize and leverage individual skills, while retaining them within targeted roles
- Valid driver’s licence, insurance meeting minimum $1M liability coverage, and access to a reliable vehicle
