Program Coordinator, Circle of Friends

Canada, British Columbia, Abbotsford
Applications due: 06 Jan, 2025
Job Synopsis JOB SUMMARY
This contract position works to provide space for friendships to emerge and grow between volunteers and individuals who are transitioning from homelessness to stable housing.

The Circle of Friends Program Coordinator is responsible for continuing to build the program, recruiting volunteers, building partnerships with Abbotsford shelter/supported housing providers and facilitating Circles of friendship with individuals in transition from an experience of homelessness. This position requires living out your faith and positively advancing the mission of MCC as one engages with clients, community partners, churches, and volunteers.

Drawing on the gifts and abilities of the Circle of Friends volunteers, the Coordinator will be responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of social inclusion programs and events. The Program Coordinator will ensure that the necessary support, information, documentation and resources are available for the successful delivery of participant Circles. They will also organize events, workshops and programs to increase capacity for social inclusion among partner organizations and volunteers. Key to this role will be the ability to develop volunteer and community partnerships that will continue to facilitate participants’ sense of inclusion in the wider community.

Mennonite Central Committee, a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. We are a faith-based charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations to walk with people who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and alternatives to violence.

MISSIONAL COMMITMENT, HOURS, LOCATION, & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Missional commitment: This role requires a demonstrated commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. This role commits the employee to working collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations). This role participates in devotional and prayer times at MCC BC and/or at local church and faith gatherings, being prepared to answer inquiries about MCC BC’s mission and values. This role contributes to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values, while modelling nonviolent peacemaking in the workplace, in the community and the church through respectful interactions with others. This role requires adherence to MCC BC’s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety.
• How much you work: this position can be part-time or full-time, depending on successful candidate’s availability. Current funding extends to April 2027, with the possibility of extending further.
• When you work: this position operates primarily within general office hours of 8:30 – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility needed to accommodate program needs.
• Where you work: this position is based in the Abbotsford office with travel to events at shelters and supportive housing, as well as to meetings with participants and volunteers in Abbotsford.
• Pace of work: this position works in a busy office environment.
• Physical conditions & requirements: this position may require up to 20% computer-monitor time. This position may require minimal physical activity. This position may require lifting up to 10 lbs./4.5 kg.
• Interactions with vulnerable populations: this position works with people in crisis situations and unhealthy conditions brought about by diverse problems. The employee may hear information about participants’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Full Time at 1 FTE

Qualifications All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to assess the needs of the individuals and develop suitable plans of action
• Demonstrated ability to develop new programming and build partnerships
• Skilled at communication and able to quickly establish rapport and engage with a variety of people (supervisors, colleagues, participants, volunteers, community partners)
• Works effectively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds
• Demonstrates ethical behaviour consistently and across a variety of situations including maintaining confidentiality and privacy
• Ability and willingness to work as an effective team member within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to act on new information and effectively contribute in a changing environment
• Ability to work independently and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment while also engaging collaboratively with a team
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate Circle meetings, events and activities
• Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and able to quickly learn other virtual platforms
• Ability to model principles of healthy social inclusion for volunteers and community
• Ability to reflect the shared values and principles embodied in partnership between Mennonite Central Committee BC and faith communities

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & ACCREDITATIONS

• Degree/diploma in social work or equivalent human services education
• 2 plus years of experience in a related field, preferably working with people who have lived homeless
• Understanding of systemic social issues associated with poverty and homelessness including trauma, addictions and mental health
• Familiarity with Abbotsford services and systems connected with poverty and homelessness
• Demonstrated experience in supportive coaching, mediation, and group dynamics
• Demonstrated experience in event planning and facilitation for community development and inclusion
• Experience in volunteering and knowledge of volunteer management best practices

JOB REQUIREMENTS & LICENSING

• Legally able to work in Canada
• Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire)
• Valid BC Driver’s License along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract

Key Responsibilities CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

• Create and facilitate participant Circles including assessing participant’s readiness, supporting participants to identify goals, coaching volunteers, supporting the Circle to connect and managing the transition from formal (staff led) to informal (volunteer led) facilitation while setting the stage for successful closing of the Circle at one year.
• Use a strength-based model that promotes individual growth, independence and choices for community connection, providing positive opportunities for inclusion and capacity building.
• Develop programming and provide event oversight.
• Shape regular monthly gatherings that provide opportunities for meaningful participation, positive social contacts and encourage new social roles.
• Connect with and support local community service organizations such as Archway Community Services, Abbotsford shelter providers, SARA for Women, etc., as they empower the voice of lived experience to the broader community.
• Communicate and connect with participants and volunteers to encourage participation in Circles and other opportunities.
• Identify and assist participants in accessing resources to deal with barriers to participation.

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Prepare for, recruit, onboard and train potential volunteers to participate in Circles and support program events.
• Develop partnerships with community agencies, organizations, businesses and constituency churches in order to create opportunities and partnerships for social inclusion.

PROGRAM MONITORING & REPORTING

• Monitor the healthy functioning of the Circles, based on principles of transformative relationship, building trust, mutual respect, voluntary participation and confidentiality.
• Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of all participant and volunteer information is maintained.
• Complete all required administrative documentation including case notes, contact tracking, evaluations, outcomes, and updates for reporting purposes to MCC BC and funders.
• Maintain and submit reports for funders i.e., qualitative and quantitative reports.
• Work with the MCC BC Advancement department and the MCC BC Program Director to secure ongoing funding for the program.

TEAM PARTICIPATION

• Demonstrate MCC BC’s commitment to Christian mission, values, behaviours and approaches as defined in the qualifications, in all formal and informal interactions with any stakeholder.
• Support colleague employees, providing assistance as needed.
• Participate in Program team meetings, MCC BC staff meetings, trainings, and events, as required.
• Other duties as assigned

Challenges

Work requires healthy boundaries;Complex-needs population;Externally funded program;Diverse group of stakeholders;Occasional evening and weekend work

Start Date

20 Jan, 2025 - may be adjusted, or until suitable candidate is identified.

Term Length

Current funding extends to April 2027, with possibility of extension.

Salary Details

. $28.57-$32.08 per hour. Placement within the salary range will be based on qualifications.

Benefits

Comprehensive Group Benefits package is provided on Day 1 of employment: Extended Medical/Dental/Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, AD&D, travel insurance/global medical assistance, and a 5% RRSP matching. Generous vacation and sick day allowance, and Employee Assistance Program supports staff wellness.

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