Settlement Worker in Schools

The opportunity:

Under the leadership of the Program Manager, the Settlement Worker in the Schools provides assistance to newcomer students and their families as they integrate into the school system and the community. The Settlement Worker in the Schools will work from a “home base” within the local school boards to deliver settlement support throughout the region and is also responsible for providing referrals and community resources, individual and group information sessions and workshops. This role will provide assistance to newcomers to Canada in Barrie as well as delivering services in other communities within Simcoe County. Responsible for the implementation of specific plans to achieve key program goals and objectives. 

In this role, you will:

• Embrace YMCA's mission and core values wholeheartedly.
• Serve members, facility users, and program participants with dedication
• Be involved in screening and client support by:
  • Assessing program eligibility
  • Guide students and families with solution-focused counseling
  • Making relevant referrals to community services
  • Addressing service gaps for immigrant students and their families
  • Assisting with school integration and community settlement
  • Providing ongoing support and follow-ups
  • Participating in case management meetings
  • Offering crisis support when needed

• Implement resource & information services support through:
  • Responding to inquiries by phone and in person
  • Meeting with students, families, and school faculty as needed
  • Sharing updated resource materials and community info
  • Creating and deliver newcomer-related workshops
  • Researching, organizing  and sharing settlement-related info
  • Conducting workshops for school faculty
  • Providing information individually and in workshops
  • Delivering activities in-person and virtually

• Provide Community Resources and Foster Networking by:
  • Promoting immigrant programming to various organizations and the community
  • Sharing community service info with YMCA staff
  • Fostering welcoming environments for immigrants
  • Building relationships with other immigrant services

• Support the program initiatives through:
  • Developing necessary forms and materials
  • Compiling and reporting monthly statistics
  • Maintaining client tracking and file documentation to program and YMCA standards
  • Keeping individual files up to standard
  • Performing other assigned duties as needed

You bring:

• ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Completion of post-secondary education from a recognized community college or university, preferably in the area of social services or settlement; or equivalent settlement training/work experience

• Valid Class G Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for travel throughout Simcoe County on a regular basis
• Previous experience working with newcomers and refugees
• Demonstrated knowledge of settlement services and community information resources, as well as barriers facing newcomers/ immigrants including physical, emotional, social and financial issues
• Good facilitation and presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Good computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office and able to effectively use the Internet to research information
• Ability to communicate in one of the following language: Russian, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Vietnamese, Turkish, Tamil or Gujarati is an asset
• Knowledge of the Ministry of Education and the Education Act an asset
• Knowledge, experience and ability to provide case management services to high needs newcomer students and families

• Understanding of different cultures and cultural practices
• Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after commencement of work including:

• • AODA Training
  • Health & Safety Awareness Training
  • Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
  • PCI Compliance
  • WHMIS
  • Child Protection Training

Why work for the Y:
At the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Settlement Worker In Schools (SWIS) Outreach Worker you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our members and the community as a whole. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our mission of building healthy communities.

Perks:

• Compensation $24.89 per hour
• Paid sick time
• Wellness day
• YMCA Health and Fitness membership

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.

About us:

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility.

Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate.

Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging, we contribute to the creation of stronger communities.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka successfully raises over $1 million each year through strategic campaigns.

Applications will remain open until September 22, 2023.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.

Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Screen and three professional references for review prior to starting employment.