Join the YMCA Newcomer Services Team!

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.
Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.
Why The Y?
At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.
We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.
We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:

• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.
All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.

Position: Settlement Advisor/ Settlement workers in School(Part Time Position)
Location: Various schools in the Sarnia and Lambton area and YMCA Learning and Career Centre (660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia)
Start Date: November 4th, 2024
End Date: March 31st, 2025 (conditional on funding)
Hours: 20 hours a week, Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (hours could vary) (some evenings and weekends may be required)
Salary: $27.31 per hour

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services

In this role, you will:

• Follow YMCA of Southwestern Ontario policy and procedures
• Acts as a YMCA ambassador, demonstrating YMCA core values in your daily work
• Provides settlement services to newcomer students and parents, which includes but is not limited to conducting intakes, needs and assessments, providing information and referrals, and providing practical settlement advice as part of the client management process while maintaining a high level of confidentiality
• Organizes and facilitates regular engaging group workshops for youth and families
• Works closely with school staff in order to raise awareness of settlement-related issues
• Plans and facilitates workshops for students and parents
• Maintains accurate statistical information to track client needs, complete required reports and data
• Participates in the school welcome and orientation process for Newcomer students and their families
• Facilitates access to school activities, committees, councils, and associations
• Encourages families to advocate on their own behalf, including for the educational needs of their children/youth
• Provides family with support during school's meetings
• Works in collaboration with the schools to provide support to the families
• Participates in school meetings and events
• Facilitates constructive and culturally sensitive communication between the school staff and Newcomer families/students
• Operates in accordance with the policies, guidelines, and protocols of the YMCA and partner organizations
• Attends professional development workshops, organizational and community meetings, training, and any development opportunity
• Other duties as required

Education and Skills Qualifications:

• Post Secondary Degree or Diploma in a related Human Services, Counselling, or Education discipline
• Fluency in an English and an additional language is an asset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiar with using a database
• Proficiency in using online digital platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet; required to provide virtual / remote service
• Demonstrated understanding and sensitivity towards the challenges facing newcomers
• Knowledge of Immigration Law, and government-funded/community programs
• Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity towards the challenges facing immigrant newcomers, knowledge within the Ontario School System (an asset)
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Comfortable and effective communicating in group situations
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience and comfort in group presentations, facilitation, and outreach within the school
• Familiar with children and youth services in the local area
• This position requires a self-motivated, independent, highly organized problem-solver
• Work must be guided by a commitment to equity and anti-oppressive practices
• Valid G license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Settlement Counseling and solution-based counselling background is an asset
• Proven ability to understand and interpret complex documentation, applications, etc.
• Comfortable and effective communicating in group situations and delivering effective and engaging presentations
• Previous experience working within the Settlement Sector (an asset)
• Current and acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is a condition of employment for all staff and volunteers
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.