About the Position:

Under the supervision of the Community Programs Manager (CPM) the Community Resource Specialist (CRS) is an innovative and self-motivated individual committed to IRCOM’s vision and mandate of empowering newcomer families to integrate into the wider community through affordable transitional housing, programs, and services.

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 CRS will exhibit and uphold core values of respect, non-violence, equality, fairness and team work.

Background:

The Community Resource Program began seven years ago, with the creation of an in-house support network for the newly arrived refugee families who lived at IRCOM. This innovative idea to couple affordable housing with on-site supports meant that newcomers were provided with accessible, free, community based assistance to help them overcome the barriers of integration and access relevant community resources.

The CRP is now a responsive program that provides regular needs assessments, goal setting sessions, home visits and referrals to our 67 families, as well as responsive programming such as a tenant leaders group and early childhood/parenting support programs. With a strong team strongly connected to our newcomer families, the Community Resource Program serves as the heart of IRCOM.

Responsibilities:

Program Operation:

• Attend and assist in organizing and running Group Orientations with new tenants
• Conduct Home Visits, Needs Assessments, Goal Setting sessions with tenants
• Be available for drop-in visits in the CRP office & act as the primary contact for newcomer families in the Community Resource Program (CRP) office
• Assist in case management and support for high needs families
• Be knowledgeable about resources and partner agencies in order to make appropriate referrals

Specialties:

• Assist tenants in navigating large systems (EIA, Child Tax benefits, CRA, Winnipeg Harvest, etc.)
• Support tenants in finding suitable next stage housing together with the Admin Assistant Housing
• Oversee the tenant move out process, including arranging for a Tenant Exit Interview 
• Recruit IRCOM families for special events
• Coordinate Community Meetings and Workshops throughout the year
• Assist tenants in coordinating the IRCOM Neighbourhood Watch in the spring and summer
• Attend NOWAN meetings with the CPM monthly

Supervision:

• Oversee and coordinate interpreters
• Work with IRCOM Volunteer Coordinator to organize volunteers

Financial Management:

• Assist CPM in managing relevant program funds within the approved budget
• Provide input into annual program plan and budget in relevant areas of specialty

Communication:

• Update CRP and other IRCOM bulletin boards with pertinent information for the tenants
• Assist CPM in composing program summary of activities for the IRCOM Annual Report and/or for public information
• Submit monthly narrative reports to CPM, as well as any other relevant reporting related to the position
• Attend IRCOM staff meetings
• Work with other programs on joint projects and / or the development of new programs as needed
• Other tasks as assigned by CPM

Qualifications:

Essentials

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e.: community or international development, social work, conflict resolution, cultural studies) plus a minimum of 2 years experience in government, community or the not-for-profit sector and/or an equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide case management, prioritize community needs and manage crisis situations in a complex cross-cultural setting
• Demonstrated conflict prevention, management and resolution skills
• Deep awareness of the refugee experience and/or the immigration process
• High level interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Strong English written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
• Experience in program delivery, ideally in a settlement setting
• Proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office suite
• Must be open-minded, resourceful, highly motivated, creative and independent
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check, upon hiring

Assets

• Knowledge of and/or connections with relevant newcomer settlement service providers
• Demonstrated assessment, service delivery and advocacy skills
• Knowledge and experience in developing community resources
• Commitment to supporting and empowering the newcomer community
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality and boundaries in community settings
• International education / experience is recognized
• Newcomer experience is an asset
• Knowledge of a second language is an asset
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License is an asset

Submitting an Application:

Please send your cover letter and resume to the attention of:

Talatu Shokpeka, Community Programs Manager
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM)
95 Ellen Street
Winnipeg, MB    R3A 1S8

E: info@ircom.ca
F: 943-4810

Please note only candidates considered to possess the required competencies will be invited for an interview.

Thank you for your interest.