Job Description

Job Title: Newcomer Information & Support Worker, Swahili & Kinyarwanda Speaking
Language: English, Swahili & Kinyarwanda
Status: Regular, full-time (Union position)
Vacancies: 1
Wage: $25.95 - $29.76/hr (starting at $25.95)
Grid: 10
Hours: 35 Hours/Week
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: March 31, 2028
Date Posted: November 3, 2025
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Please note that internal applicants must apply by November 10, 2025, internal applications received after this date will not be considered as internal and seniority will not apply position will remain open until filled.
The Opportunity:
We are currently recruiting for the role of Newcomer Information and Support Worker - Swahili & Kinyarwanda speaking to join our team in Surrey, B.C. The Newcomer Information and Support Workers provide newcomer immigrants and refugees with information, orientation, service linking and short-term adaptation counseling to facilitate their successful settlement and integration into the community. As part of this process, the worker acts as a liaison between the immigrant and/or refugee client, and the third-party service providers to facilitate the communication and access to programs and services.
The Key Areas of Responsibility are:

• Gather information to assess the needs and issues of newcomer immigrants and refugees and their families, and to develop and implement an action plan to meet these identified needs;
• Identify potential and actual risks and barriers encountered by the client and/or his family to access programs and services that are necessary for the successful settlement and integration into the community;
• Apply the strengths-based framework, explore with the client/client family past and present coping strategies to address identified challenges/issues, with the goal of facilitating the development of effective coping skills and support mechanisms;
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate programs and services for which they are eligible, and to ensure successful linking to these services. This includes liaising between the client and a third-party service provider to link clients to appropriate community and government resources and support services, making referrals to resources related to the economic, legal, social, health, cultural educational and recreational facilities, and assisting clients to complete application forms, such as child tax benefit, childcare subsidy, CPP, MSP, OAS, etc.
• Provide information concerning clients rights and obligations as a service recipient and resident of Canada;
• Provide interpretation services (both language and cultural) to facilitate interaction/interface between immigrant and/or refugee clients and the community;
• Detect issues such as depression, family violence, substance abuse, intergenerational conflicts through the early identification of warning signs that may be present in part as a result of the cultural adjustment challenges faced by the client/client family and to refer clients to the appropriate support services;
• Provide life skills support to assist immigrant and/or refugee client families in coping with various daily living activities, such as banking, shopping, English language acquisition, transportation, and access to a variety of community services;
• Plan, coordinate and/or provide educational workshops on a variety of topics related to the successful settlement and integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees, such as household management and budgeting, Canadian cultural norms and systems, Canadian laws and regulations regarding child-rearing, income tax, social benefits, etc.
• Educates and provides consultation services to other professionals and members of the community regarding immigrant and/or refugee issues, needs, risks and barriers with the aim of improving service delivery/access;
• Liaises with, and promotes the interests of clients, with service providers in the community for the purposes of program promotion, case consultation, referral and management;
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive inventories of community resources to make available to immigrant and/or refugee clients;
• Maintains necessary case notes, records and client files;
• Maintains accurate statistics and report them monthly;
• Attends program planning/review meetings, monthly team and all-staff meetings, and special meetings as required;
• Participate in the agency's PQI and accreditation processes;
• Assists with the monitoring, development and implementation of quality assurance measures, and an outcome measurement system;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Adheres to the Policies and Procedures of the department and the Society.

Qualified candidates will possess:

• Degree in Social Work or related human services, or Diploma in Community Social Services, and one (1) year recent community services related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Written and verbal fluency in English, Swahili & Kinyarwanda Speaking at a professional level;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the needs and issues of immigrants and refugees in Canada;
• Must be comfortable working with individuals who have experienced trauma;
• Ability to respond to or assist in emergency situations;
• Strong interpersonal, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and policies relevant to immigrants and/or refugees in Canada;
• Knowledge in the areas of needs and risk assessment, family dynamics, the impact of trauma, and the settlement and integration process;
• Ability to promote and implement education and support group services;
• Demonstrated cultural awareness in working with others;
• Sound knowledge of community resources, programs, and services;
• Demonstrated ability to independently and as part of a team;
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment and software applications;
• A Valid Class 5 Driver's License and access to a vehicle is considered an asset.

A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of employment.
Please note that we currently have staff on the recall list. If an applicant on the recall list applies to this vacancy, the provisions under Article 13.5 "Recall" of the Collective Agreement will apply and we will not consider internal applications from those with less seniority.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments. As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered.
To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position is based in our Surrey office and offers a blend of in-office and remote work. DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work, to view our safety plan, please visit www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-covid-19-safety-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.
This position is not available for sponsorship, only candidates legally entitled to work in Canada can be considered. Resumes may be reviewed as they are received and the position may close without notice.
DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department at recruitment@dcrs.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
About DIVERSEcity
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 46 years we have focused on providing specialized services newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centred organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity and compassion. To learn more about DIVERSEcity visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Skills Required