RAP Worker

Job Title: RAP Worker [Maternity Leave , Full Time]

Program: Refugee Assistance Program

Position Class: Scale 5

Reports to: RAP Team Lead

Hours: 37.5 hrs / week, varied schedule

Type: Term contract, Dec 1, 2026 – Dec 24, 2027, Full Time

Wage Rate: $28.50-$29.75/hr + fully funded benefits after 3-month probation

About CVIMS:

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non‑profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language and community programs. We are client‑driven and committed to being accessible and responsive to, as well as reflective of, our diverse community.

Job Summary:

Provides direct settlement support to Government‑Assisted Refugees (GARs) under the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). Supports clients in addressing immediate settlement needs, accessing community services, applying for federal and provincial programs, and building the knowledge and connections for longer‑term settlement. Works closely with the RAP Team Lead and RAP team to provide coordinated, client‑centred support from arrival through transition to broader settlement and case management services.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Arrival & Intake

• Meet Government‑Assisted Refugee (GARs) clients upon arrival and support their transition from arrival to temporary accommodation, as well as their initial resettlement needs.
• After arrival, conduct needs assessments and facilitate referrals that respond to the immediate needs of GAR clients.
• Provide appropriate and timely supports to clients while they stay in temporary accommodation; effectively deliver RAP services with minimal burden on clients.
• Provide basic practical information, resources and programming that address resettlement newcomers’ immediate needs, preparing them for longer term integration challenges.
• Inform clients of available services and supports including content tailored to the needs of specific client groups (e.g. youth, seniors).
• Contribute to overall RAP program triaging, planning and implementation.Use critical thinking skills to support resource allocation during arrivals and program delivery.

Orientations & Referrals

• Facilitate life skills sessions to connect clients, where appropriate, with community services and supports (e.g. housing, recreation, transportation, health and wellness options, volunteer services).
• Accompany clients to appointments as necessary including bank account set up and urgent medical care.
• Arrange for interpretation and translation service supports to facilitate communication and understanding throughout orientations and document access.
• Conduct financial orientations that increase client financial literacy and budgeting. Inform clients about key entitlements, income support obligations and their financial responsibilities to ensure that they understand the basics of Canadian banking and financial systems.
• Assist clients in applying to and accessing federal and provincial programs as needed.
• Assist in connecting clients directly with health care system.
• Support clients in transitioning from temporary housing to permanent accommodation, including provisions to assist harder to house clients.
• Support the RAP team and Housing Coordinator with potential viewing of rental suites, purchase and delivery of furniture, household items, coordinate moving activities and other related housing duties as directed by the Team Lead.
• Engage in partnerships to ensure client‑focused service delivery and community support services.
• Support a seamless and rapid transition from RAP to broader settlement and case management services, minimizing disruption to the clients’ longer‑term settlement, independence and community participation.

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain detailed client records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies and privacy legislation.
• Track client interactions, referrals, and program outcomes using agency databases and reporting systems.
• Support agency reporting by sharing success stories, program challenges, and accurate client data.
• Submit purchase requests, receipts and financial claims to the designated approvers.
• Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, code of ethics and all other professional codes of conduct.
• Work collaboratively as part of the CVIMS team to ensure agency and client success.
• Follow CVIMS protocols for reporting and communication.
• Participate in all staff meetings, training sessions and professional development opportunities.