Community Program Coordinator

Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Accountabilities:

Community Relations

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with our city councillor, local community leaders, organizations, groups, residents and other community members

• Participate in local community planning initiatives and represent the shelter on housing, homelessness and other related community development committees or groups in the city.

• Work proactively and inclusively with all stakeholders to support productive community relations between residents and the respite centre

• Respond to community concerns in a timely and respectful manner that honours the rights our clients to privacy, while still addressing issues that may arise in the community.

• Represent the shelter at community tables, and work to ensure all voices are heard; and

• Act as a community resource for conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, building consensus and strengthening community relationships.

• Develop a robust volunteer program for the shelter.

• Develop a robust student placement program that supports staff and - clients of the shelter.

• On call duties as scheduled.

Program

• Conduct applied research to determine the support and programming needs of clients at shelter.

• Develop a work plan to engage community members, faith community members and local social services providers in delivering relevant social, recreational and educational programming to meet the needs of the shelter clients.

• Develop partnerships with other social service providers to increase programs and services at the shelter

• Secure facilitators for skill building workshops/programs on topics such as stress management, personal budgeting, nutrition and shopping on a tight budget

• Work closely with community service providers and internal program teams to ensure coordinated and effective services for the client

• Work with the Case Management Team to facilitate easier access to housing supports including obtaining identification documents, registering for basic financial assistance, enrollment in ODSP, and referral to integrated mental health services by developing effective working relationships with such providers

• Support programming to assist clients in employment readiness such as resume writing, identifying training needs, and supports and linkages with employment agencies.

Health and Safety

To assist the Director and Assistant Director to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements specific to the Hostel are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act

• To perform workplace inspections

• To conduct information sessions (safety talks, staff meetings)

• To assist with incident investigations

• To assist with employee health and safety training

• To assist, make recommendations and/or correct substandard acts or conditions

• To assist in commending employee health and safety performance

• To perform employee safety observations

• To ensure compliance with specific shelter requirements within sections 25 & 26 of the OHSA

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values and philosophy of The Salvation Army

• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in-service training

• Engage in formal supervision and performance evaluations

• Read and follow the policy and procedures manual, the Employee Handbook, the Toronto Shelter Standards, and understand that the Community Program Coordinator position will be required to adhere to all these guidelines in dealing with clients, staff and the public

• Become familiar with the job descriptions for each position

• Make suggestions to the Management team that will improve efficiency, working conditions and/or procedures.

• Represent the organization in a professional manner

Perform other related duties as required.

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities:
Reports directly to the Director.
Direct reports: None.
Acts as a Team Lead/Working Supervisor.

Financial and Materials Management:

• Minor material responsibilities.

• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and for wise use of own resources.

• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash (e.g., program donations, fundraisers).

• Little input to annual budget or revenue projections. Maintain the department annual budget in collaboration with the Corps Officer/Community Ministries Officer

Working Conditions:

• Working environment is typically in the Corps building in generally agreeable conditions.

• Some requirements to work outside or in a variety of locations may apply.

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

• This job requires reaching, bending, and stooping frequently, working in a standing position for periods of time.

• Dealing with challenging behaviours and verbal abuse.

• Travel within/out city may be required.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends to meet program needs.

• Flexibility in work schedule is required based on programming schedules.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Minimum two-year Diploma in Human Services, preferably a degree in community development, social work or related

• Certificate in First Aid/CPR, Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution

• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• One to three years minimum of significant work-related experience in the homeless or community development sector

• Experience in community development work essential

• Program planning experience an asset

• Volunteer management experience an asset

• Experience with extremely marginalized homeless people with mental health problems, addictions, concurrent disorders and familiarity to a wide variety of resources to meet client needs

• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to develop and implement basic applied research (survey, interviews, focus groups)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated public speaking and facilitation skills

• High level of comfort working within an extreme diverse and multicultural environment

• Superior written skills and a high level of proficiency with the Internet and Microsoft Office

• The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality

• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening

• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.