Resettlement Assistance Program Team Lead

About CVIMS:

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language and community programs. We are client-driven and committed to being accessible and responsive to, as well as reflective of, our diverse community.

Job Summary:

Provide leadership to staff in the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) to ensure the effective delivery of services to Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs). Oversee the management of immediate and essential RAP support services, including direct, hands-on client support, and facilitate a smooth transition from RAP to settlement and case management services. Serve as a key member of CVIMS's management team, actively contributing to agency-wide planning and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage core components of our Federally funded RAP contract including staff hiring and development, client arrivals, community relations, budgets, and program development and reporting.  
• Provide supervision and advisement to a team of 5-8 employees and volunteers with the goal of both supporting the RAP team and optimizing service delivery while meeting contract requirements.
• Coach RAP staff on culturally sensitive problem-solving techniques and procure external interpretation, translation and counselling supports as needed.
• Serve as liaison with other members of the management team and keep them apprised of developments within RAP programs and services.
• Provide support and suggestions for optimization of processes, client service delivery flow, etc. Maintain and develop stakeholder relationships within IRCC, private businesses, health authorities as well as other supporting organizations to improve RAP program.
• Actively participates in our team-based contract procurement and management approach including budget development and monitoring, reporting, planning, and other tasks as required by the funder contract.
• Assumes leadership in the preparation of funding applications for core components of RAP services; provides input into the budgeting process and financial tracking. Monitor and report on program performance, ensuring that all goals and targets are met or exceeded. Responsible for all statistics, narrative and annual reports, including activity planning, budgeting, and financial monitoring.
• Reviews and updates pre-arrival information, interacts and meets with GAR clients, obtains RAP staff feedback, and ensures sound knowledge of client vulnerabilities; ensures team is well supported (provides additional background support to case management).
• Participates in ongoing training on CVIMS client management database platforms, provides data input in these systems with accuracy, and ensures that the RAP team accurately uses the system.
• Participates in training opportunities to stay current on issues impacting CVIMS operations.
• Organizes, chairs, and/or participates in regular team and organization-wide staff meetings.
• Adheres to and advises the RAP team on all CVIMS policies and administrative procedures; makes decisions that both support the organization, clients, staff and community.
• Ensure the flow of high-quality services as per contractual requirements and that all programs meet the needs of our clients and align with our organizational goals.
• Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, code of ethics and all other professional codes of conduct
• Work collaboratively as part of the CVIMS team to ensure agency and client success
• Follow CVIMS protocols for reporting and communication
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Directors of CVIMS

Required Education, Certifications, and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in related discipline including resettlement/settlement/refugee related themes, immigration and refugee studies, intercultural studies, social work and/or family studies or combination of education, training, and experience.
• 3 years' experience in a management role with responsibility for a major program area.
• 3 years' work experience within social services, non-profit and/or multicultural environments, preferably targeting refugees.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Must have the ability to respond productively to challenging situations and manage conflict.
• Class 5 driver's license and own transportation required
• Vulnerable sector criminal record check on file with CVIMS required
• Training or demonstrated proficiency using client databases, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Teams, and other digital tools
• First Aid Level 1 required

Preferred Skills, Abilities, and Assets:

• Additional qualifications and / or training in trauma-informed practice are considered an asset.
• GPA+ certification is valued.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including historically marginalized groups.
• Keen understanding of diversity issues and community resources within Nanaimo.
• Demonstrated experience in writing successful funding proposals, developing program logic models and outcomes-based programming.
• Indigenous cultural competencies and/or lived experience with Indigenous communities are welcomed.
• Fluency in a second language would be an asset.
• Priority will be given to applicants who are eligible to work in Canada for minimum 3 years.
• Superior inter-personal and communication skills. Excellent spoken and written English required.
• Accountable individual who adheres to agency polices and procedures.
• Attitudes and values in keeping with the CVIMS vision and goals.

Additional Information:

• Travel within Nanaimo Regional District and surrounding region will be required. Occasional travel to locations in other parts of British Columbia and/or Canada for purposes like professional development, networking, program delivery or conferences may also be required
• Some work outside of regular office hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required. Flex time schedules will be made to accommodate non-regular work hours. All overtime must be approved in advance.