Access to Benefits (A to B) Navigator
November 2017

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Asset and Capacity Building Programs (ACBP) Manager, the A to B Navigator is an experienced and self-motivated individual committed to IRCOM’s mission and mandate. This staff is a ‘people person’ who is creative, efficient and resourceful, with strong interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills, able to meet the challenges of working with a culturally diverse group of clients.

The primary responsibility of the A to B Navigator is to provide intensive individualized support to improve household incomes by assisting newcomer community members to access entitlements such as tax refunds, child tax benefit, rent benefits, etc. Service offerings will include assisting community members with completing tax returns with priority placed on supporting families with complex or first Canadian tax returns, those with language barriers, or low levels of literacy. The A to B Navigator is also responsible for delivering financial empowerment initiatives such as financial literacy workshops and supporting the Asset and Capacity Building Programs team. Participants will receive individual support to overcome barriers and navigate complex bureaucratic systems to gain more equitable access to income support programs, appropriate financial services, and asset building opportunities. Program supports will also include assistance with access to required ID, and access to basic banking, RESPs, and associated savings incentives.

With guidance and support from the ACBP Manager, the A to B Navigator will refine and further develop IRCOM’s Access to Benefits Program, undertaking the following tasks:

Program Development & Delivery

• Work in partnership with SEED Winnipeg, the IRCOM ACBP team, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the development and delivery of the Access to Benefits Program
• Take a lead role in the provision of services such as filing of tax returns, access to basic banking, access to other government benefits including RESP’s, rent benefits, etc.
• Provide intensive, case by case support to families to overcome barriers and navigate bureaucratic systems
• Manage participant files, collection of information from participants as needed, tracking benefits leveraged, supports provided, outcomes, etc.
• Create related resources, forms, spreadsheets, information sheets, etc. to share with program participants and fellow staff
• Provide organizational training / support to ensure other IRCOM staff are aware of system loopholes, exceptions to rules, changes to systems barriers, and other dissemination of information

Reporting

• Compile a mid-term and final narrative report as well as financial reports on the project as per funding guidelines
• Compose program summary of activities for public information in consultation with the ACBP Manager

Other tasks

• Maintain open communication with the IRCOM staff, community members and program participants
• Attend IRCOM staff meetings, ACBP team meetings and other project related meetings as requested
• Complete program related training and other tasks as required

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field plus a minimum 2 years’ experience or an equivalent combination of skills and experience
• Comprehensive understanding of the immigration process, of the refugee experience, and of the strengths, barriers, and challenges of newcomer families and individuals
• Proven supervisory skills and team leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate systems
• Experience in program development, implementation, administration and evaluation
• Superior organizational skills and strong written and oral English communication skills
• Understanding of cross cultural issues in the context of community integration and newcomer settlement experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook and other softwares
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment
• Demonstrated experience assisting participant access to income boosting benefits
• Knowledge of IRCOM’s Asset and Capacity Building Programs is a major asset
• For more information about employment at IRCOM and key qualifications and qualities we seek in all candidates, please see: http://www.ircom.ca/about-us/employmentopportunities/

Hours of work

• This is a full-time permanent position to a maximum of 37.5 hours per week. The A to B Navigator’s hours will predominantly take place between 9-5. However, significant evening and weekend work is required.

Other

• The salary scale for this position starts at $34,300 per annum.
• The selected candidate must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Submitting an Application

To apply, please submit your cover letter and résumé by November 30, 2017 at 5 pm to:
Selection Committee: A to B Navigator
Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.
95 Ellen Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S8
Email: admin at ircom.ca
Fax: 204 - 943 – 4810

IRCOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested applicants can identify themselves as belonging in any of the following groups: women, Indigenous people, refugees, immigrants, visible minorities, persons with a disability or any other groups that are typically under-represented in the workplace.

We thank all who apply. Please be advised that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Your cover letter and resume must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.