Community Development Worker (2026-242-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services•Toronto, ON

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supportive Housing Program department provides housing for individuals who have been street involved, and who may be experiencing mental health and addictions issues. The program provides onsite case management, harm reduction, supportive counselling, life skills, social and recreational activities. This philosophy of this work is in keeping with WoodGreen’s mission to deliver services that promote wellness and self-sufficiency, reduce poverty and inequality, and build sustainable communities. The Community Development Worker is responsible for working closely with program participants in developing, organizing, facilitating, and evaluating programs for our supportive housing population. In the continuum the role will encompass the development of new programs as client needs emerge; supervising students and volunteers to enhance program delivery; to provide program administration; and to assist the Manager in the development of policies and procedures to improve the program delivery system/s.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Community Development or a related undergraduate degree required
Social Service Worker with 3+ years of experience creating and facilitating programming
2+ years of related experience designing and implementing a variety of health promotion and recreation programs or related programs in the non-profit social services sector and/or health sector
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with needs assessments and program planning and implementation.

Nice To Haves

Sensitive to working with clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds and marginalized individuals.
Ability to minimize barriers to service access for low income, vulnerable individuals.
Proven track record in working with community groups to coordinate volunteer activities and community events.
Skills in leading focus group discussions, conducting surveys, and engaging community members.
Knowledge and demonstrated skills in program development and management, including experience in principles and practices of file management, administration, and budgeting.
Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Good multi-tasking and strong research skills.
Self-starter with strong time management skills.
Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Capable of fulfilling the physical and mental demands of the job as per the Position Demands Analysis.
Demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and adhere to legislation.
Well grounded; good boundary setting skills.
Travel may be required while on shift – community building/partnership meetings.
Able to lift 40lbs.

Responsibilities

Completes and maintains all records and forms regarding membership and program/activity enrollment, using a client database.
Assists with the preparation of regular reports and statistics as required ensuring project compliance with funder guidelines and targets.
Identifies emerging program needs and develops new programs, in collaboration with the Manager aligned with the goals/objectives of the funders.
Ensures the anti-racism objectives and community development principles of the organization are achieved within the program.
Familiar with all of WoodGreen’s emergency procedures, staff telephone numbers, and ensures that service standards are met.
Plan, build, organize & facilitate onsite activities onsite staff and external partners.
Engage with tenants to complete an interest assessment of what types of programming tenants would be interested in partaking in.
Assess, develop, and build healthy and engaging program spaces.
Facilitate skill-building, healthy living and fun workshops for participants.
Create a calendar of planned monthly programming within the program while liaising with external parties and supporting staff with the development and co/facilitation of daily/weekly workshops & activities.
Create a participant intake pathway & marketing materials to inform tenants and get them excited.
Create & implement monthly/quarterly Pre & Post-program surveys.
Interact with individuals in person; providing emotional support, and feedback to case managers/counsellors and encouraging participation in programs.
Work with the case manager to carry out goals and expectations of the care plan and complete daily needs assessments to determine appropriate programming for participants.
Monitor clients, identify additional needs and mitigate risks.
Identify participants who may be interested in becoming peer helpers.
Collaborate with the community and build partnerships to bring in new programming.
Work collaboratively with community partners including mental health, substance use, geriatric crisis and mental health and justice, in order to maximize support of client and help create pathways to recovery goals.
Ensure that anti-oppression, community development, and harm reduction principles are achieved in the program.
Participate in ongoing training and education, in regular supervisory sessions and annual performance appraisals.
Recognize that the programs, staffing model, and job description may be reviewed after the first year of operation and the position/ responsibilities may need to change following that review.
Document client interactions on provided software.
Collect, input and extract statistical information using provided software.
Be prepared to work in environments where they might be pest control and hoarding issues, death and dying, and drug use.
Perform other related duties as required as needed.