Rap Counsellor - #379558

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issue's facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration, and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.

The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 19 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 350 employees and 500 volunteers. If you don't have a Y story yet - now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career and your community.

Newcomer Connections is a key pillar within the YMCA family. Established in 1993, Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement centre focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world and from all walks of life.

The Opportunity:
The federal Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides income support and a range of immediate essential services to government assisted refugees within the initial 4-6 weeks of their arrival in the greater Saint John region. The Resettlement (RAP) Counsellor is an enthusiastic individual with a strong desire to welcome, receive, and help address the settlement needs of our growing population of government-assisted refugees (GARs) in Saint John. This position also helps to raise awareness in the community of opportunities and programs to sponsor and assist refugees. The individual must possess the ability to prioritize tasks and work a flexible schedule. Evening and weekend work will be required on occasion. This is a full-time contract position that reports to the RAP Supervisor at Newcomer Connections

Responsibilities

Receive government-assisted refugees at the port of arrival in Saint John to ensure that they get to temporary accommodation;
Ensure temporary accommodations are arranged and provided;
Arrange interpretation/translation services as required;
Perform client intake for RAP clients, complete data and document input to the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database on intake and co-ordinate the necessary follow-up;
Perform and record initial needs assessments for government-assisted refugees;
Connect government-assisted refugees to mandatory federal and provincial programs, e.g. health plan, social insurance number, National Child Benefit, etc.;
Work with the Settlement Trainer at Newcomer Connections to provide government-assisted refugees with a basic orientation to IRCC programs; the City of Saint John; telephone access; Canadian currency; banking; shopping; accommodation; education; the legal system; cultural norms, and expectations; public transportation and their rights and freedoms;
Identify and refer high-needs clients with life skills issues beyond the scope of the basic suite of services being delivered under RAP;
Assist Team Lead with monitoring The Stepping Home resources, policies and practices as requested;
Assist with securing permanent accommodation;
Coordinate affordable housing options for government-assisted refugees and other eligible clients;
Assist with the collection of household goods and furniture for permanent accommodation;
Provide government-assisted refugees with orientation related to the city of Saint John and the location of essential services, including hospitals, grocery stores, police stations, and restaurants;
Contact Public Health to arrange immunizations;
Contact Community Health Clinic to arrange Post Arrival Health Assessments;
Input and maintain client records in the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database, as directed by the Resettlement Team Lead;
Report all client-related activity using the framework of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's iCARE database on a daily basis;
Ensure the RAP checklist is complete and the client transition to settlement is arranged within the timeframe of the RAP period;
Work with the Resettlement Team Lead to develop and monitor program measurement tools (evaluations) and report on effectiveness in achieving expected outcomes;
Work with the Resettlement Team Lead to identify opportunities to improve services to government-assisted refugees;
Provide guidance to members of Newcomer Connections staff in matters relating to government-assisted refugees;
Provide support to refugee sponsoring communities under the PSR Program;
Liaise with the medical community and Settlement Counsellors to ensure government-assisted refugees receive the best possible health care during their initial year in Saint John;
Attend speaking engagements and public events as required to raise awareness about the work of Newcomer Connections and the clientele it serves;
Foster relationships with community groups and organizations who are looking to build relationships with, and support for, newcomers to Saint John;
Participate in relevant local, regional and national committees;
Provide services in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner;
Provide reports as directed by the Manager, Newcomer Support Services and Resettlement Team Lead;
Compile and submit monthly expenses within the mandated deadlines;
Attend all staff meetings;
Perform duties as assigned by the Manager, Newcomer Support Services and/or the General Manager of Newcomer and Community Connections.

Skills and Qualifications:
A Bachelor's Degree, Community College diploma or similar from an accredited institution
Approachable and possessing a strong client-centric attitude
Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our immigrant community
Exceptional ability to communicate in English with clients whose first language is not English
A minimum of 3 years' work experience in a cross-cultural environment
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Exceptional organizational and inter-personal skills
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends
Must be fluent in the English language, knowledge of other languages is a great asset.

What We Offer

YMCA membership
In-house training and professional development opportunities
Uniform and uniform allowance
Personal "Y Day"
Competitive compensation package, including benefits and pension plan
Opportunities for career growth
Opportunities for cross-training across departments
Paid job-related certifications (i.e. First aid/CPR)

Required:
Employment is contingent on having a clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

We ask qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.