GOAL: Working in a mentored environment as a Team Member of Winnipeg Harvest, the goal of this position is to gain knowledge about advocacy issues and actively assist families and individuals requiring a poverty representative. This position works within and supports the mission, goals, objectives, policies and procedures of Winnipeg Harvest.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: This position is mentored by the Poverty Representative and with the Poverty Representative support, reports to the Public Education Administrator. This position is part of the Public Education team at Winnipeg Harvest.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in cooperation and consultation with the Public Education Administrator, Poverty Representative and members of the Harvest Team, the Poverty Representative - Intern is learning to be responsible for:

• One-on-one interaction with clients at intake as required
• Help clients manage and/or resolve issues
• Maintain a clear tracking mechanism of clients, including client records and statistics, and ensure information is kept in a confidential and secure manner
• Liaise with and engage in regular communication and information sharing with Winnipeg Harvest Client Services, Volunteer Services and Public Education departments, and all Team as necessary
• Provide information sharing sessions for Winnipeg Harvest Team Members, and others as approved
• Provide just representation for clients at tribunal hearings as appropriate, including preparing necessary paperwork
• Ensure clients who phone or walk in, are referred to appropriate outlets for food assistance and/or community resources as appropriate
• Provide research support as requested by Poverty Representative or as needed for client representation
• Working with and supervising volunteers
• Assist is compiling and writing monthly statistical reports and in depth annual report
• Attend regular Public Education team meetings and other meetings at Winnipeg Harvest as required
• Participate or provide assistance to the Poverty Advocacy Course taught by Poverty Representative
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong belief in the dignity of all humans and a caring and positive attitude
• A strong knowledge of poverty issues and a strong commitment to social justice, as a means to aid citizens living in poverty overcome the obstacles and injustices they face as a result of their social condition and economic status.
• An ability to understand and interpret complex legal, regulatory, and administrate rules and procedures that are connected to poverty issues in a clear and understandable fashion, and the ability to discuss and explain such issues with a variety of audiences, regardless of levels of literacy and education.
• The ability to demonstrate a strong sense of understanding and empathy with clients and the obstacles they face, along with the ability to mai;ntain a high level of professionalism in all advocacy process interactions, including respect for confidentiality where required in client and professional interactions.
• Good interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• The ability to learn and present appeals in a professional manner.
• Good research and writing skills, the ability to work with MS Office programs, and the ability to effectively use the internet as a research and resource tool.
• Good administrative and reporting skills, in providing structure to the work environment and providing accountability to supporting agencies.
• The ability to work well in a team environment and co-operatively with others in a dynamic work environment.
• The ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Participation in the Poverty Advocacy Training course is an asset, or willingness to participate.
• The ability to commit to working within the principles of established ethical principles established for community advocates (Attachment 1).

HOURS OF WORK: A full-time term position, benefits include a bus pass.
LOCATION OF WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work will take place at Winnipeg Harvest Inc. (1085 Winnipeg Avenue) for at least two days a week, and some work will also take place at the Low Income Intermediary Project Office located in downtown Winnipeg, especially at the start of the internship for mentoring purposes.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, January 25, 2016

Please send resume and cover letter to Public Education Administrator, Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Ave. R3E 0S2
or email: Meaghan.erbus at winnipegharvest.org.

ATTACHMENT 1: CODE OF ETHICS FOR ADVOCATES**

1. Advocates encourage and support individuals to participate in the advocacy process to the extent of each person’s capacities.
2. Advocates look for opportunities to enhance and expand natural advocacy capabilities of individuals and networks, before they advocate on behalf of individuals.
3. Advocates advocate on behalf of individuals only with the informed consent and knowledge of that individual or their representative.
4. Advocates ensure that their own values and belief systems do not interfere with the right of individuals to make their own choices.
5. Advocates place the interests, preferences, and decisions of the individual above their own in all aspects of advocacy.
6. Advocates recognize that integrity is the cornerstone of the Advocacy relationships and avoid any false, misleading, or unfair statements or claims about the advocacy process, their role, skills, or qualifications.
7. Advocates advise individuals to approach the advocacy process honestly, informing them about the consequences and risks associated with any planned actions.
8. Advocates ensure that individuals are informed of their right to confidentiality, the process of consent to release of information, and the legal limitations of confidentiality.
9. Advocates declare any potential conflict of interest in their advocacy activities.
10. Advocates do not engage in any behavior or action which could cause fear, discomfort or harm to the individual or others
11. Advocates respect and understand cultural, social and individual diversity.
12. Advocates use respectful and non-labeling language in all advocacy-related communications.
13. Advocates take responsibility to maintain their skills and knowledge about advocacy issues.
14. Advocates withdraw, in a professional manner, from advocacy situations when their involvement is no longer appropriate or useful.

**Adapted