Neighbourhood Program Leader

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

Neighbourhood community programs bring diverse communities together in Kitchener Waterloo to improve community life and reduce poverty, isolation and food insecurity. The Neighbourhood Program Leader will work with Community Development Workers to implement food programs and plan and lead evidence-informed programs for children, youth and adults at community centres in Waterloo Region.

*** This is a permanent, casual (relief) position. Shifts scheduled as needed and as available; variable hours, mainly day shifts and occasional evening shifts. Commitment to being available to work at least four shifts within two terms each cycle. The terms follow the school cycle of Fall, Winter and Spring on an annual basis.**

**G class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle highly preferred.**

**Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) required pre-employment.**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Work with the Community Development Worker (CDW) and co-facilitator 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.
- Work with co-facilitator to set up and maintain program space and manage program supplies.
- Lead activities and supervise the children and youth who participate in the programs.
- Assist Community Development Worker (CDW) in leading and coordinating neighbourhood food programs
- Support the CDW with managing lineups, participant concerns and requests, and communicating behavioural expectations at food programs. Refer escalated conflict situations to the CDW.
- Support the CDW to work collaboratively with partners to identify, invite, and support participant access to programs.
- Complete administrative tasks related to the programs, including registration, record keeping and tracking expenses.
- Participate in program evaluation, including administering surveys and assist the Supervisor in reporting to funders (i.e. provide data, stories, pictures to supervisor).
- Must adhere to food standards and health and safety practices.
- Neighbourhood Program Leaders with Peer Health Training will provide outreach, social support, and resources to isolated parents; plan, promote and facilitate small group programs and activities for parents through peer
- based and collaborative learning; and link participants with community partners and services

**Job Specific Knowledge/Skills**:

- 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.
- Commitment to issues of poverty and social justice. Lived experience of living in poverty or low income preferred.
- Interest in and understanding of community development principles preferred.
- The 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.

**Education/Experience**:

- Highschool diploma required. Some post-secondary training in social work, social sciences, recreation (or similar field) is an asset, with equal weight given to equivalent work experience.
- 1-year previous experience working with children, youth and adults in a community development or social service role.
- 1-year experience in program planning, implementation, facilitation, and evaluation.

**Critical Skills**:

- Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected;
- 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-oppress