Level 1 Caseworker

COMPASS Refugee Centre is a Christian charitable organization rooted in the Mennonite ethos of peace and welcome as the heart of the organization. We focus on bringing support to people seeking asylum in Canada through the refugee claim process. We are funded through the generosity of foundations and donors (individual, corporate, and faith-based organizations), as well as through grants and fundraising events. We are currently seeking an individual who can live out our mission and vision as an entry level caseworker at COMPASS.

Our Mission: to assist, accompany, and advocate for refugee claimants in our community.

Our Vision: that every person coming to Canada seeking refuge has unhindered access to justice and opportunity to thrive in welcoming communities.

**OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION**:

- Provide direct assistance to individuals navigating the refugee claim process.
- Ensure that process, settlement, and referral needs are appropriately addressed.
- Ensure that every individual who comes to our office experiences a welcoming environment and meaningful interactions.
- Work with the COMPASS community of stakeholders to develop and implement programming that addresses the direct needs of refugee claimants in the community.
- Assist in developing and furthering the goals and objectives of COMPASS Refugee Centre.

**OUTCOMES**:

- Refugee Claimants feel confident that they have someone who will help them. Their questions are answered, they are connected to the resources they need, documents are submitted correctly and on time, and they feel supported and respected.
- Claimants feel safe, confident, and encouraged through their interactions with COMPASS.
- Claimants are given opportunities to engage in programs meaningful to them.
- COMPASS Refugee Centre gains the value of your individual strengths and perspectives.

**ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Create and maintain a relationship with an ongoing average of 100 individuals and families throughout their claim process.
- Provide warm and appropriate referrals to refugee claimants to access a range of community-based settlement services.
- Administration which includes prioritizing claims, maintaining files, following the status of claimants, and ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
- Record and maintain necessary daily log, statistics or data as required.
- Provide written reports on program activities, needs, challenges and outcomes.
- Provide input into program developments and evaluation as needed.
- Assist with advocacy, public engagement, education, meetings, and community presentations.
- Develop a trauma informed approach to your work with clients of COMPASS.

**REQUIRED SKILLS AND EDUCATION**
- Diploma in Social Service Work (SSW), Community Service Worker (CSW) or equivalent education/experience in social services or non-profit fields.
- Some knowledge of the refugee claim process in Canada.
- Moderate level of knowledge of social/settlement services in Waterloo Region, Guelph, and surrounding communities as well as some knowledge of relevant services on a provincial and national level.
- High level of communication skills, written and verbal, in both in-person and virtual contexts.
- Excellent assessment and listening skills.
- Excellent time management skills and high attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a larger team.
- Ability to be present with empathy. COMPASS works with individuals representing a diversity of worldviews, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and religious affiliations.
- A high level of self-awareness with sensitivity to cultural and life experiences including trauma and harm.
- Able to attend to own self-care and be a member of a team working to ensure collective wellbeing.
- Must always maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

**LANGUAGE**:

- Primary fluency or bilingual professional proficiency in English is a requirement.
- Preference will be given to those with a proficiency in one or more of the following second languages: Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, Turkish, Spanish.

**ADDITIONAL VALUE-ADDED COMPETENCIES**
- Experience working with interpreters is an asset; training will be provided.

**POSITION HOURS AND LOCATION**
- This is a 0.80 FTE position for 30 hours/week, Monday-Friday
- Must be available to work until 4:30 Monday-Thursday; full work schedule to be determined.
- Primarily in-person at COMPASS office; limited hybrid opportunities once well established in role.
- Start date: April 7, 2025

**INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONSIDERATIONS**:In-Office work will be done respecting safety protocols for infectious illnesses in keeping with the COMPASS Safety Plan.

**REMUNERATION**:
**APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 5, 2025, at 12:00pm.**

**How to Apply**:

- NOTE: All job postings will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting
- Only those applicants that meet the requirements of the job post will be interviewed.

**ADDITIONAL SUPPORT**: