Job Description

KEYS

is looking for

two (2) HIPPY Home Visitors

!

Start date:

October 6, 2025, or ASAP

The wage for this position is Level IV, Step 1 ($26.57/hour) for external candidates and at Level IV and a Step related to years of service at KEYS for internal candidates, for about 20 hours/week. KEYS is a dynamic, fast-paced workplace where we envision helping individuals to realize their full potential within an economically and socially vibrant community, and value innovation, diversity, accountability, respect, and excellence. You can find out more about our beliefs on our website at https://keys.ca/about/beliefs.php.

Position Summary

The HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program is an evidence-based home visitation program designed to work with newcomer parents of children 2 to 5 years of age. HIPPY leverages parents' motivation to give their children the best start in life and build their capacity, confidence and community connections as they take on the lead role in preparing their children for school. This multilingual program runs during the school year from September to June.

With training, support and supervision from the HIPPY Coordinator and Mothers Matter Canada, the Home Visitor will deliver activities to parents and assist them in teaching and preparing their children for school, using an established curriculum. The HIPPY program in Kingston is a tri-agency initiative of Kingston Community Health Centres, KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services, and Kingston Native Centre and Languages Nest, with a focus on serving low-income, immigrant & refugee and Indigenous families, respectively.

The Home Visitor will visit participating families in their homes to provide guidance, role-playing activity packets, and practicing school curriculum. They will assist in the planning and execution of group meetings and facilitating enrichment activities. They will participate in all HIPPY activities.

The Home Visitor will work with the HIPPY Coordinator to celebrate progress and address concerns as they arise. They will maintain up-to-date records of program operations and services delivered by entering data according to program guidelines. The Home Visitor will complete and submit reports and other documentation as required and bring forward concerns, challenges or other issues to be discussed and addressed by the Coordinator and team.

Competencies Required

a. Ability to develop trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and community members.

b. Knowledge of child development, parenting and early education best practices.

c. Knowledge of, or commitment to acquiring, an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

d. Understanding of the challenges facing newcomer parents; strong cross-cultural, multilingual communication abilities.

e. Ability to refer, inform and advocate for children and parents.

f. Knowledge of the Ontario school system and expectations of young students.

g. Ability to deal with sensitive issues with discretion and to respond positively to challenges; ability to promote confidentiality as a norm.

h. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, mandatory reporting in relation to Child Welfare legislation

i. Demonstrated good judgement and a clear understanding of appropriate service boundaries.

j. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively within a cross-cultural team environment.

k. Comfort working autonomously in offsite locations, particularly client homes

l. Strong computer skills and ability to learn relevant software

m. Commitment to established agency performance standards which include productivity, personal responsibility, customer centred service, collaborative team performance, and maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Qualifications

a. Some post-secondary education preferred in Early Childhood Education, Education, Social Work, or equivalent relevant work and/or life experience.

b. Lived experience as a newcomer parent considered a significant asset.

c. Proficiency in English is required. A second language may be required with particular focus on Arabic, Somali or Swahili. Other languages considered an asset.

d. Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Check.

e. Current CPR and First Aid, or willingness to be certified.

f. A driver's license, insurance and a reliable vehicle, or other way of traveling throughout catchment areas on a regular basis, is a requirement of the position.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands and Hazards)

a. Frequent travel to locations within KEYS catchments.

b. Approximately 20 hours per week with occasional weekend and evening activities, for 10 months/year

This competition will close at 4pm on September 23, 2025

Please apply with cover letter and resume.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEYS is committed to employment equity. We encourage members of designated groups to apply and self-identify. KEYS is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. We will make appropriate accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities. To obtain a copy of this posting and job description in an alternate format or to request any accommodation please contact us directly through hr@keys.ca or by phone at 613.546.5559 Ex. 247. TTY: 613.546.0511. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be addressed confidentially.

KEYS is located on the traditional homelands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat. We strive to support all those impacted by colonialism.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $26.57 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20 per week

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off
Work Location: In person