Job Description

Applications Close Date Jun 20, 2023

Start Date Jul 17, 2023

Start Date Flexible Or until suitable candidate is identified.

Term Length 2-year term, with possible extension

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking.

• Understanding of systemic social issues associated with poverty and homelessness including trauma, addictions and mental health
• Degree/diploma in social work or equivalent human services education
• Demonstrated ability to assess the needs of the individuals and develop suitable plans of action
• Demonstrated ability to develop new programming and build partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in supportive coaching, mediation, and group dynamics
• Demonstrated experience in event planning and facilitation for community development and inclusion
• Familiarity with Abbotsford services and systems connected with poverty and homelessness
• Skilled at communication and able to quickly establish rapport and engage with a variety of people (supervisors, colleagues, participants, volunteers, community partners)
• Works effectively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds
• Demonstrates ethical behaviour consistently and across a variety of situations including maintaining confidentiality and privacy
• Experience in volunteering and knowledge of volunteer management best practices
• Ability and willingness to work as an effective team member within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to act on new information and effectively contribute in a changing environment
• Ability to work independently and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment while also engaging collaboratively with a team
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate Circle meetings, events and activities
• Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and able to quickly learn other virtual platforms
• Be a model for volunteers and community to promote principles of healthy social inclusion
• Ability to reflect the shared values and principles embodied in partnership between Mennonite Central Committee BC and faith communities
• Valid BC Driver\'s Licence along with a satisfactory Driver\'s Abstract

Additional Requirements

• Commitment to MCC\'s vision, purpose, and values
• Commitment to maintain an organizational culture that creates a safe environment for all and that prevents abuses of power
• Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire)
• Legally able to work in Canada

Job Synopsis This contract position works to provide space for friendships to emerge and grow between volunteers, and women and men who are transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. The Circle of Friends Program Associate is responsible for continuing to build the pilot program, recruiting volunteers, building partnerships with Abbotsford shelter providers and facilitating Circles of friendship with individuals in transition from an experience of homelessness. This position requires living out your faith and positively advancing the mission of MCC as one engages with clients, community partners, churches, and volunteers.

Included in this position will be responsibility for the implementation and development of programs and events that facilitate the social inclusion of participants connected with the Circle of Friends program of MCC BC. Drawing on the gifts and abilities of the Circle of Friends volunteers, the Program Associate will be responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of social inclusion programs and events. The Program Associate will ensure that the necessary support, information, documentation, and resources are available for the successful delivery of participant Circles. They will also organize events, workshops, and programs to increase capacity for social inclusion among partner organizations and volunteers. Key to this role will be the ability to develop volunteer and community partnerships that will continue to facilitate participants\' sense of inclusion in the wider community.

This is a .8 FTE (30 hrs/week) position with current funding extending to April 2025, with the possibility of extending further. This position is accountable to the Program Director.

The candidate assessment will begin on June 13th and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is somewhat flexible and can be amended based on mutual agreement.

Mennonite Central Committee is a charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations worldwide to walk with people who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and alternatives to violence.

Challenges Occasional evening and weekend work; Work requires healthy boundaries; Complex-needs population; Diverse group of stakeholders

Key Responsibilities CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

• Create and facilitate Participant Circles including supporting participants to identify goals, coaching volunteers, supporting the Circle to connect, and managing the transition from formal (staff-led) to informal (volunteer-led) facilitation while setting the stage for successful closing of the Circle at one year
• Use a strength-based model that promotes individual growth, independence and choices for community connection, providing positive opportunities for inclusion and capacity building
• Develop programming and provide event oversight
• Shape regular monthly gatherings that provide opportunities for meaningful participation, positive social contacts, and encourage new social roles
• Connect with and support local community service organizations such as Archway Community Services, Abbotsford shelter providers, SARA for Women, etc., as they empower the voice of lived experience to the broader community
• Communicate and connect with participants and volunteers to encourage participation in Circles and other opportunities
• Identify and assist participants in accessing resources to deal with barriers to participation

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Prepare for, recruit, onboard and train potential volunteers to support programs and events
• Develop partnerships with community agencies, organizations, businesses, and constituency churches in order to create opportunities and partnerships for social inclusion

PROGRAM MONITORING & REPORTING

• Monitor the healthy functioning of the Circles, based on principles of transformative relationship, building trust, mutual respect, voluntary participation, and confidentiality
• Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of all participant and volunteer information is maintained
• Maintain and submit reports for funders i.e., attendance logs, qualitative and quantitative reports
• Complete all required administrative documentation including case notes, contact tracking, evaluations, outcomes, and updates for reporting purposes to MCC BC and funders
• Work with the MCC BC Advancement department and the MCC BC Program Director to secure ongoing funding for the program

GENERAL

• Adhere to MCC BC\'s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety
• Work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations)
• Participate in MCC staff trainings, meetings which include devotional and prayer times, and events as required
• Reflect the mission, values and beliefs of MCC as one engages with clients, community partners, colleagues, and volunteers
• Answer inquiries about MCC from constituency and general public
• Contribute to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values
• Participate in a local faith community, being willing to use his/her personal gifts within this community
• Model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful interaction with others
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Hours, Location & Working Conditions:

How much you work: this is a part-time salaried position of 30 hours per week.

When you work: this position requires flexibility of weekly hours due to program scheduling or needs that may fall on evenings, weekends, or statutory holidays.

Where you work: this position has an office at MCC BC\'s Abbotsford head office; however, much of this position involves extended periods of time meeting with program participants out in the community (various community spaces, restaurants, recreation centres, etc.) and/or where participants reside (shelters, supportive housing, transitional housing).

Pace of work: this position will mostly work outside of the office environment and pace will be determined by the activities, meetings, or socializing that has been scheduled. Moderate mental stress may be experienced regarding deadlines and handling delicate and sometimes difficult, sensitive and/or unpleasant situations and phone calls. This position further requires the ability to constantly respond "positively" to the demands/requests from program participants, volunteers, donors, and co-workers.

Physical conditions & requirements: this position may require up to 50% computer-monitor time. This position may require moderate physical activity (i.e., ability to go for a walking meeting with a participant who does better walking and talking).

Interactions with vulnerable populations: this position requires working in an environment often dealing with program participants in crisis situations and unhealthy conditions brought about by diverse problems. Employee may hear information about participants\' lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

Link

Mennonite Central Committee