Settlement Worker

Settlement Worker - Contract Position with possibility of extension after 6 months

**Summary**:
Under the direction of the Settlement Manager, the Settlement Worker will be responsible for assisting newcomers integrate into the St. Thomas-Elgin community. They will support settlement staff and volunteers to assist individuals and families as they move forward on their settlement plans by providing one-on-one supports onsite and in the community. The Settlement Worker will also be responsible for coordinating Canada Connects. They will refer newcomers to community partners and resources as they resettle and make a new life in Canada. They will maintain settlement plans and data entry.

**Core Competencies**:

- Communication
- Team Work
- Quality Orientation
- Time Management
- Adaptability/ Flexibility
- Attention to Detail
- Planning and Organizing
- Problem Solving
- Accountability and Dependability
- Development and Continual Learning

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Completion of post-secondary education in Social Services, Settlement Services or a Settlement Worker program from a recognized college or university - other related fields of study will be accepted.
- Fluency in English and a second language considered an asset.
- Must possess and demonstrate cultural awareness and some knowledge of current immigration issues.
- Strong office administration, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience working with newcomers to Canada for two or more years.
- Possess knowledge of services and supports available in the St. Thomas and Elgin County community.
- Computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite and Internet research proficiency.
- Strong database management including:_
- _OCASI _Client Management System (_OCMS_) Training
- iCARE User Training
- Harts
- Able to work independently.
- A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

**Description of Job Duties**:

- Delivery of frontline settlement services to individuals and families.
- In collaboration with client, create a short-term and long-term settlement plan that will be managed and reassessed as needed.
- Maintain client files and case notes
- Upload data within required deadline to all necessary databases.
- Carry out intakes and deliver needs and asset assessments in support of helping clients, develop personalized settlement plans.
- Provide information and orientation services on a broad range of settlement topics and referrals to government and community programs and resources.
- Coordinate and facilitate citizenship classes.
- Based on need, attend community supports with individuals and families
- to help them navigate resources.
- Organize professional interpretation and translation services; collaborate with interpreters to facilitate clients’ access to accurate and timely information.
- Communicate and coordinate with refugee sponsors to assist privately sponsored refugees make informed decisions and settle in the community.
- Ensure services are offered in an inclusive manner, sensitive to diversity and consistent with funder requirements.
- Planning, implementing, and supporting Community Connections’ activities.
- Develop, organize, and facilitate group sessions to meet the needs of newcomer adults (Newcomer Networking Circles and employment-related sessions).
- Establish and maintain relationships with local agencies in support of
- group sessions.
- Provide support to colleagues with the facilitation of group activities for newcomer youth (i.e., outreach, event logistics).
- Prepare communication and outreach materials for Community Connections’ programming.
- As part of the Canada Connects’ initiative, plan and conduct outreach activities to recruit and screen volunteers and newcomers from various cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds and local neighbourhoods.
- Organize and deliver training sessions for volunteers.
- Facilitate matches between volunteers and newcomers based on shared goals, interests, hobbies, or backgrounds (one-on-one, family-to-family
- or volunteer with a family).
- Through informal contact and formal meetings/reviews, monitor the activities and performance of matches and provide feedback and support as needed.
- Maintain accurate records about matches and perform data entry by specific deadlines.
- Organize volunteer recognition initiatives as appropriate.
- Network and liaison with community agencies, service providers, refugee sponsors and the general public to raise awareness and knowledge of newcomers’ needs and their contributions to the community.
- Represent the YWCA and promote programs and services at community events and networks.
- Maintain case notes, files and program statistics while ensuring the confidentiality of information.
- Participate in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Attend and actively participate in team and staff meetings and professional development sessions.
- Complete other duties as required.

**Work