Newcomer 2slgbtqia+ Program Staff

**Title**: Newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Staff

**Location**: YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs

**Program**: Newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ Program

**Position Status**: Part-Time (20 hours per week)

**Compensation**: $21.51 per hour

There is potential inside all of us - we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem - our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

**As part of your total compensation**:

- Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
- 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

**About the Role**:
The part time 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Staff plays an essential role in planning, implementing, and delivering activities and services that support the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers as they settle into their new community. Under the supervision of the Coordinator, this position ensures that programs and services are inclusive, accessible, and specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

**In this role, you will**:

- Provide direct settlement and integration support to 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers by implementing activities and services that address their unique needs and creating safer spaces to foster a sense of belonging and community for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
- Using a GBA+ analysis lens, ensure that services are culturally competent, inclusive, and responsive to the specific challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers
- Focus on delivering personalized support that promotes social integration, mental health, and a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers
- Develop and implement activities that address the multiple barriers to integration of this population experience and focus on improving client wellbeing through intercultural exchange, development of social networks, peer support and involvement in their local community. Activities will be designed in consultation with clients to ensure content is relevant and appropriate
- Develop, implement and support recruitment plans and efforts to ensure active participation in program activities and services
- Actively encourage and assist clients in participating in programs, activities, sessions and classes
- Under the guidance of the Coordinator, develop and adapt program materials, (i.e. handouts, presentations, etc.) to ensure relevancy and effectiveness
- Help plan and deliver special events, such as celebrations, or community outreach activities, to promote program services and engage newcomers
- Complete reports, data tracking, feedback from participants around service experiences to identify areas for improvement

**Education and Skills Qualifications**:

- Experience in providing one-on-one support and facilitating group workshops or educational sessions is an asset
- Understanding of best practices in creating safe and supportive spaces for marginalized populations, particularly 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
- Education or training focused on community or settlement services about 2SLGBTQIA+ communities ideally with a service organizations or settlement services context. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
- Experience and cultural competency in working with immigrant and refugee populations, preferably in a settlement context - lived newcomer experience is a strong asset
- Experience in planning and implementing activities to engage participants and collaborate with other community organizations
- Ability to identify barriers to participation and find creative solutions to adapt programs based on the diverse needs and preferences of clients
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with individuals navigating their settlement journey, and to convey information clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms to clients, colleagues, and community partners
- Strong knowledg