Information & Orientation (INO) Worker (Contract)

Job title: Information & Orientation (INO) Worker (Contract Up to March 31, )Department: Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services Reports to: Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Oshawa/ClaringtonHours of work: Rotating 8-hour shift between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.Application Deadline: 4:30 pm December 5, Job purposeUsing Trauma-informed and Gender-equity approaches, the Information & Orientation (INO) Worker is responsible for assessing client needs and providing support and guidance, as well as information and referral services to immigrants, newly-arrived individuals and families and newcomers. The successful incumbent will also be responsible for updating the client database and to promote the services of the program by conducting outreach activities and presentations to community groups. The incumbent will be required to perform educational orientations and information sessions to large groups of immigrants or newcomers to Canada.Company OverviewCommunity Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at for more information.Duties and responsibilities- Provide services, information, guidance and support:Assist clients with specific settlement needs to resources relating to economic, social, cultural, educational, recreational and other services that contribute to initial settlementSupport clients in coping with everyday living requirements such as housing, transportation and access to health and social servicesShare information with clients about their rights and obligationsAssist clients with all initial settlement needs- Conduct needs assessments and provide referrals: Determine the needs of clients and the support that is appropriate for each individual client through the use of approved assessment tools and methodsWith client's input, develop a settlement plan to guide them in addressing their identified needsProvide clients with information and referrals to appropriate agencies for settlement needsConduct follow-up appointments with clientsProvide non-therapeutic counselling, when necessaryAssist and provide referrals in translation services to aid with documentation pertaining to employment, education and legal matters- Develop an outreach strategy: Develop an outreach strategy targeting all newly-arriving immigrant groups within their first year of arrival Develop outreach strategy targeting other organizations and community services who would refer clients to the Orientation services Develop pamphlets, presentations, events, and interviews to publicize the programRespond to all program inquiries- Develop and maintain database and reporting:Maintain accurate client records and case notesUpdate information on local program databaseUpload and update information/data on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's iCARE systemMeet the minimum target numbers stipulated by the funderPrepare statistical and narrative reports as required- Conduct group orientation and presentations: Research and prepare for presentations to be conducted in a large group setting on various topics including settlement issues, etc. Funder may also suggest topics- Provide referrals, crisis intervention and counseling: Provide clients with adequate resources to aid in their transition, such as crisis intervention, referral services for counseling or referrals for translation services- Ensure activities comply with social and employment laws, such as the occupational health and safety act - Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities- Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager and/or Team Lead(Note: In-depth counseling of a social or psychological nature is not to be provided but rather referrals made to appropriate professionals)Core CompetenciesValuing Diversity and Social JusticeUsing an anti-oppression lens, supports and promotes an environment that holds opportunities for all, regardless of race, ancestry, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status, or disability; fosters a climate of inclusion, where diverse thoughts are freely shared and integrated. Under social justice, all groups and individuals receive fair treatment and an equitable share of the benefits of society. Culturally-Sensitive Recognizing, understanding, and applying attitudes and practices that are sensitive to and appropriate for people with diverse cultural socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and persons of all ages, genders, health statuses, sexual orientations and abilities.Advocacy Interventions such as speaking, writing, or acting in favour of a particular issue or cause, policy, or group of people. In the social services sector, advocacy is assumed to be in the public interest, whereas lobbying by a special interest group may or may not be in the public interest. Advocacy often aims to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged groups such as individuals recently immigrating to Canada, persons with disabilities, the LGBT community, etc.Community ParticipationProcedures whereby members of a community participate directly in decision-making about developments that affect the community. It covers a spectrum of activities ranging from passive involvement in community life to intensive action-oriented participation in community development (including political initiatives and strategies). Job-Specific CompetenciesClient Service OrientationFocus on understanding and meeting clients needs, makes extra effort to meet the needs of the client, and follows up on complaints/questions/requests.Relationship Building and PartneringDeveloping and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships. Builds relationships with clients by following through on commitments, respecting confidentiality, and demonstrating an interest in their specific challenges and needs.Empathetic and SensitiveHas a high degree of empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the clients, and ability to provide assistance to the clients with care and patience as necessary.Interpersonal Understanding and Communication SkillsDesire/ability to understand others attitudes/interests/needs/feelings/nonverbal behavior, incorporating empathy, listening skills, and diagnostic understanding, understanding strengths/limitations of others. Communicates and interacts effectively with individuals and groups in the provision of professional services. Gives full attention to what other people are saying by being active listeners who value the opinions of their workers. Capable of using their communication skills to successfully gather information that they need. They are also people whom are trusted and can build relationships with others. Presentation Skills Effective in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings; commands attention and manages group process during the presentation; is cognizant of audience response and able to adapt content and style accordingly.Ability to work in a team environment and independentlyHas a strong capability to work in a team environment and support the separate functions that make a team, as well as work on individual tasks that support that overall program. Community KnowledgeAbility to express vast knowledge of the Durham Community, as well as knowledge in social, government, and community services. QualificationsPost-secondary education in Social Services or related area of study3+ years working experience in settlement servicesFluency in a second languageSuperior communication skills, oral and written proficiency in EnglishCurrent and up-to-date knowledge of social services and social lawsExperience working with the Durham Welcome Centre Immigrant Services is a definite assetKnowledge of and sensitivity to the multicultural communitiesKnowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approachesStrong computer literacy (i.e. word processing, databases, and email) and experience working in on-line environments with web-based toolsAdditional RequirementsAbility to work flexible hours, including evenings, and occasionally on weekends (one Saturday per month)A valid Ontario driver's license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settingsThe successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening and certificate demonstrating proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment