Hippy Home Visitor

Job DescriptionThe YWCA, in partnership with the Mothers Matter Centre, is piloting the HIPPY project within the 2nd stage transition houses in the Lower Mainland. The YWCA HIPPY Home Visitor reports to the HIPPY Co-ordinator and Manager, Transition Housing and is responsible for overseeing, implementing and co-ordinating the HIPPY program.

About the HIPPY Program: Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is an evidence-based program that works in the home to support vulnerable and isolated mothers in their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. HIPPY strengthens families and communities by empowering mothers to actively participate in Canadian society and prepare their children for success in school and life. As the foundational program of the Mothers Matter Centre, HIPPY Canada has transformed more than 55,000 lives.

The Home Visitor position provides an established home and group-based education program that teaches parents to prepare their 2-5 years old child for school through in-person and virtual home visits. The Home Visitor will be supported by the HIPPY Co-ordinator at the YWCA Metro Vancouver and Mother Matters Centre (MMC) to develop their own personal career plan and work towards achievement of that plan, which includes participating in professional development and career planning training to prepare for future employment opportunities after they leave the program. The position will be housed at and functionally managed by the YWCA Metro Vancouver.

**What you’ll be doing**:

- Makes in-person and/or virtual home visits on a weekly basis (at least 2 in-person home visits/month), utilizing peer support skills by modelling, mentoring and sharing program objectives and information to enhance parenting skills, building trusting relationships with families based on curriculum with a family centred approach.
- Provide referrals to early childhood education and community resources as needed by the client and their families.
- Assists in program promotion and recruits families who meet program criteria.
- Completes and updates information on computerized database.
- Attends weekly curriculum training sessions.
- Schedule pre-home visits to do intake with families.
- Order relevant supplies and materials for programming
- Meeting with stakeholders and other service providers to create networks and communities for families
- Organizing and distribute relevant information and pamphlets where needed
- Completing progress reports for families
- Data entry in ETO
- Participate in national HIPPY activities and programs (i.e. monthly conference calls, ongoing training webinars, etc.)
- Recommending changes to program materials and the methodology as required

**What you’ll need**:

- Completion of high school OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer. As this program is based on peer support model, preference is given to past HIPPY clients and former home visitors of the HIPPY program.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral English at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and courteously with clientele, staff, and the public from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources effectively.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to share experiences and work co-operatively with team members
- Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to set and maintain boundaries with clients and manage self-care.
- Possession of and the ability to maintain a clear provincial criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations)
- The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

**What we offer**: We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package:

- extended medical and dental benefits
- a defined benefit pension plan
- flexible working arrangements for applicable positions
- Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members
- free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres
- a workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.
How to Apply

**Marion Mastropasqua, Hippy Coordinator**
YWCA Metro Vancouver