Open Arms Program Assistant

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Halifax, NS

1d•CA$18 - CA$27•Onsite

About The Position

The Open Arms Program Assistant will provide support and assistance to the Program Coordinator in various programs within or connected to Open Arms Centre in accordance with Salvation Army mission, values and standards. The incumbent's work environment is typically at the Open Arms Centre located at 5424 Uniacke Square, Halifax, NS. It may also be at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, etc.

Requirements

Undergraduate Degree or Social Services/Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or a combination of education and experience.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk children preferred.
Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired, Criminal Record Check, WHMIS.
Child abuse / Vulnerable Sector Registry check required.
Government of Canada Personnel screening may be required.
Independent and a team player

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset.
Driver’s License with clean abstract (Class 4) is an asset.

Responsibilities

Supports a learning environment that enhances Halifax Centre of Hope’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.
Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
Commit to the COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees as needed.
Assist in program and service delivery to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs are delivered.
Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.
Fully support the Open Arms Coordinator in running the Open Arms Program.
Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings
Support and Assess summer/seasonal employee(s) as needed.
Help vent requests for volunteers and work placement students
Help distribute monthly program calendars for families
Help maintain accurate participant registration lists with emergency contact
Attend monthly CFS meetings and other meetings/trainings as requested by Open Arms Coordinator and/or COH Administration
Help conduct seasonal parent/participant surveys to ensure program success – gather results design action plans based on feedback
Refer parents to CFS/Food bank for assistance with Community referrals (housing help, translation, appointment call, school requests, etc)
Connect and promote local Salvation Army programs and supports (Christmas, tax clinics, back to school, church)
New Neighbour orientations
Help support, maintain, and grow network of community partners
Create parent communication notices/newsletters
Participate in annual Community Day (Beautification Day) committee, process and planning as well as other multi-service provider community events
Help plan Seasonal Camps (March Break & Summer.)
Help set up programming for eight/nine weeks of summer camp and one week of March Break Camp as well as Christmas Break special programming and PD day events
Developing monthly After-School program calendars
Program registration (design registration forms, communicate registration dates, etc) (3/year – fall/winter/summer)
Help develop holiday special event celebration plans (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc)
Be aware of culturally important dates and incorporate cultural celebrations into programming (ex Eid)
Ensure daily snacks are planned and prepared
Help with program design (selecting activities, procuring supplies, inventory, leading activities with other staff)
Serve as a parent contact to address parent concerns and communicate issues relating to behaviour/dismissals, etc.
Clean and tidy up the place after programming