Benches 2 Bridges

**Job Title**: Benches 2 Bridges (B2B) Lead Community Ambassador

Contract Part Time position (21 hours per week)

**Contract Start date**: October 14, 2024; **Contract End date**: December 31, 2024

**Reports to**: Coordinator, South Markham CAT and CEO, Senior Services Network

**DEADLINE TO APPLY: Until position filled**

**About ACSA Community Services**:
Do you believe in a world where everyone has equal opportunities, where community support helps dreams come true? ACSA Community Services is your gateway to making this vision a reality. As a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, ACSA has been dedicated to uplifting those in need.

We offer vital programs like youth empowerment initiatives, emergency food and housing services, and newcomer supports to help individuals and families thrive. We are diligent in supporting our neighbours in Scarborough, North York and York Region. By getting involved, you're not just giving aid; you're becoming a part of our mission to build a brighter, more equitable future.

**Who we are looking for**:
We are seeking a dynamic individual who can support the work and initiatives of the South-Central Markham Community Action Table (SMCAT) and the Benches 2 Bridges Project. Specifically, the B2B Lead Community Ambassador is responsible for the community outreach and engagement, and support for implementing components (i.e. community outreach, support registration for each of the sites, support communication with the participants and workshop logistics, tracking qualitative measures) of the B2B Project under the direct supervision of the SMCAT Project Coordinator.

Refer to ACSA Community Services for more information about ACSA’s work.

**About the role**:
The SMCAT is co-led by ACSA and Social Services Network (SSN). Community Action Tables (CATs) are community-driven, collaborative tables that inform the Community Safety and Well-Being plan for York Region and address Mental Health and Mental Well-Being and Housing Stability. The SMCAT’s Benches 2 Bridges (B2B) Project is a localized solutions-based approach to address the crucial needs for shared spaces that foster connections, especially for newcomers and seniors who may face social isolation. The project was developed from the findings of a study done by York University alongside the CATs to better understand the needs of South Markham residents and to support strategies aimed at addressing barriers to accessing mental health and mental well-being supports. This project aims to create intergenerational spaces where people of different ages can come together and aims to reduce loneliness and provide opportunities for diverse perspectives and continuity. Through this project, SMCAT will work with cultural organizations, host workshops, design and install benches that facilitate conversation and connect residents to community resources.
- Work collaboratively with the SMCAT Project Coordinator, Co-Leads, SMCAT team, and Community Action Table to implement project initiatives and meet objectives.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with residents, community stakeholders and partners to support and advance the B2B Project goals and objectives.
- Support the organization of workshops and events related to the B2B Project.
- Work with the SMCAT Project Coordinator to develop and implement outreach strategies to engage residents and other stakeholders in the B2B Project activities.
- Disseminate evaluation surveys to residents to better understand how project activities have supported impacted communities.
- Collect and analyze data evaluation survey data in South Markham to inform the SMCAT as well as support the update of SMCAT’s service navigation tool.
- Work with the community and Graphic Artist to ensure that community conversations are reflected in the designs of the various benches and support the Arts Facilitator during the workshops with logistics.
- Work with Website Designer to update service navigation tool to support the dissemination of learnings/resources gathered from the B2B Project.
- Support the documentation of meetings, events and conversations specific to the B2B Project (I.e. meeting minutes, photographs, videos, testimonials, etc.)
- Ensure resources are shared with project participants to support access to resources in mental health and mental well-being
- Support preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate the B2B Project progress and outcomes to stakeholders and partners.
- Assist with other duties and responsibilities related to the SMCAT and the B2B Project as needed.

**About you**:

- Experience (including professional and lived experiences) and/or education in Community Development, Social Services, Mental Health, Housing or related fields
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills with the ability to build positive relationships with community stakeholders and partners.
- Experience in community outreach and engagement