Community Service Worker - Canada Summer Jobs

House of Friendship•Waterloo, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At House of Friendship, we believe in making a difference in our community by walking with and serving others. We are driven by continuous learning and growth, leading with passion, and believing that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. Our values are Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity, and Hope. This position is part of our Neighbourhood Community Centre and Food programs, which aim to prevent and reduce the impacts of poverty, hunger, and isolation in Waterloo Region. The Community Service Worker will help implement food programs and plan and lead evidence-informed programs for children, youth, and adults at community centres in Waterloo Region.

Requirements

Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment contract
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
Strong leadership, communication, and group facilitation skills
Good organizational skills, including the ability to manage a schedule, create program plans, track registration and expenses
Ability to work effectively with people of various abilities and cultural and income backgrounds with an understanding of the challenges faced by children, youth, and families living on a low income
Ability to work effectively and supportively with individuals and groups
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team of staff and volunteers
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Commitment to issues of poverty, and social justice
High school diploma required
1 year previous experience working with children, youth and adults in a community development or social service role
1 year experience in program planning, implementation, facilitation and evaluation
Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery
Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges
Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keeping
Must be able to lift 20-50 lbs. and stand for 3-4 hours at a time

Nice To Haves

Lived experience of living in poverty or low income preferred
Interest in and understanding of community development principles preferred
Ability to speak in a language relevant to our communities is an asset
Experience working within a non-profit and/or social services environment preferred
Previous experience working with volunteers preferred
Some post-secondary training in social work, social sciences, recreation (or similar field) is an asset, with equal weight given to equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

Work with the Community Development Worker (CDW) and co-facilitator to plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed programs for children, youth, adults and families at one or more of the community centres
Programs may be run in person or virtually
Work with co-facilitator to set up and maintain program space and manage program supplies
Lead activities and supervise the children and youth who participate in the programs
Assist Community Development Worker (CDW) in leading and coordinating neighbourhood food programs
Support the CDW with managing lineups, participant concerns and requests and communicating behavioural expectations at food programs
Refer escalated conflict situations to the CDW
Support the CDW to work collaboratively with partners to identify, invite, and support participant access to programs
Complete administrative tasks related to the programs, including registration, record keeping and tracking expenses
Participate in program evaluation, including administering surveys and assist the Supervisor in reporting to funders (i.e. provide data, stories, pictures to supervisor)
Must adhere to food standards and health and safety practices