Access to Benefits (A to B) Navigator
September 2018
Full time, permanent position

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 the Transportation Loan Repayment Program and supporting the Asset and Capacity Building Programs team. Program participants will receive individualized 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, 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

• 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
• Facilitate group and one on one Money Management Training sessions
• In partnership with SEED Winnipeg and the ACBP team, design and develop linguistically accessible Access to Benefits related training sessions for newcomer families and individuals facing multiple barriers
• 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
• Create related resources, forms, spreadsheets, information sheets, etc. to share with program participants and fellow staff
• Liaise with other Access to Benefits and newcomer service providing agencies
• Create promotional materials for the different components of the programs
• Provide support to other ACB programs.

Reporting

• Manage participant files, collection of information from participants as needed, tracking benefits leveraged, supports provided, outcomes, etc. in an online database.
• 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
• Compile monthly reports
• Provide input for annual ACBP reports

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
• Collaborate with other IRCOM programs and take part in joint projects
• Continuously research, adapt and integrate new benefits into existing programs

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field plus a minimum 2 years’ experience delivering financial empowerment initiatives or an equivalent combination of skills and experience
• Comprehensive understanding of the refugee experience and immigration process
• Understanding of cross cultural issues in the context of community integration and newcomer and refugee settlement experience
• Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate financial entitlements and assist individuals in accessing income boosting benefits
• Experience in program development, implementation, administration and evaluation
• Superior organizational skills and strong written and oral English communication skills
• Proven ability to provide asset based services to advocate for and to empower clients
• Knowledge of government income assistance programs and demonstrated ability to make referrals and develop networks
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work independently, as a team, and collaboratively with other program partners, stakeholders and service providers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data base management
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of disability benefits
• Knowledge of IRCOM’s Asset and Capacity Building Programs
• Fluency in additional languages.

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 am -5 pm. However, significant evening and weekend work is required.

Salary and Benefits

• The salary scale for this position starts at $34,983 per annum
• Following probation, this position is entitled to participate in our Group Insurance Plan

Submitting an Application

The selected candidate must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

IRCOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested applicants can identify themselves as belonging to 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.

Your cover letter and resume must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and résumé by Tuesday September 18, 2018 at 5 pm to:

Selection Committee: Asset and Capacity Building Programs
Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.
95 Ellen Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S8
Email: admin at ircom.ca
Fax: 204 - 943 – 4810

We thank all who apply. Please be advised that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.