Neighbourhood Program Leader + Team Lead

At House of Friendship we believe in what we are doing. We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve. We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun

Sounds pretty great doesn’t it? It is

Community programs use food as the tool to bring diverse communities together to improve community life and reduce poverty, isolation and food insecurity. This position involves interacting with the public in a friendly manner, while assisting Community Development Worker(s) in leading and implementing food programs and other administrative and organization duties. The Neighbourhood Program Leader will plan and lead evidence-informed programs for children, youth and adults at Community Centres in Waterloo Region.

*** This is a permanent, full-time (30 hours per week), salaried position with paid sick time,**

**personal days and vacation; group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan.**

**Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) is required pre-employment, with the potential need for checks from partner agencies such as Family and Children’s Services.**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- To plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed programs for children, youth, adults and families at one or more of the community centres (programs may be run in person or virtually)
- To set up and maintain program space and manage program supplies
- To lead activities and supervise the children and youth who participate in the programs
- To work collaboratively with partners to identify, invite, and support participants
- To complete administrative tasks related to the programs, including registration, record keeping and managing expenses
- To participate in program evaluation, including administering surveys and assist the Supervisor in reporting to funders

**Team Lead Additional Responsibilities**:

- Assist with hiring of summer staff and other staff as requested by the supervisor
- Provide leadership and mentorship to summer staff, neighbourhood program helpers and others as assigned
- Training and orientation related to programs and the community
- Provide on‐site support for programs and first point of contact for issues arising with participants, parents etc. (escalating as needed and as appropriate)
- Support the development of program curriculum and staff training

**Skills Experience**:

- Previous experience working with children, youth and adults in a community development or social service role.
- Experience in program planning, implementation, facilitation and evaluation.
- Some university or college training in social work, social sciences, recreation (or similar field) is an asset, with equal weight given to equivalent work experience.
- Strong leadership, communication, and group facilitation skills
- Good organizational skills, including the ability to manage a schedule, create program plans, track registration and expenses
- Ability to work effectively with people of various abilities and cultural and income backgrounds with an understanding of the challenges faced by children, youth, and families living on a low income.
- Ability to work effectively and supportively with individuals and groups.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team of staff and volunteers.
- Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision.
- Lived experience of and/or commitment to issues of poverty, and social justice preferred.
- Interest in and understanding of community development principles preferred.
- Ability to speak in a language relevant to our communities is an asset.
- Experience working within a non-profit and/or social services environment preferred.
- Previous experience working with volunteers preferred.
- Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship
- Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
- Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
- Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
- Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery
- Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
- Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges
- Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, p