Job Description

Overview

The Program Coordinator will lead the implementation of AIWCC's Pathways to Wellness project a prevention-focused mental health initiative designed to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, strengthen social inclusion, and enhance emotional resilience among newcomer and refugee families.

This role requires a compassionate, community-focused professional who understands the unique challenges experienced by immigrant, refugee, and racialized populations. The Coordinator will deliver culturally safe workshops, facilitate peer support and expressive arts sessions, support system navigation, and build strong relationships with families, youth, and seniors.

The Coordinator will work closely with partners and AIWCC's multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, culturally responsive programming that reflects the realities of our community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Delivery & Facilitation

Coordinate and facilitate weekly Mental Health Literacy Workshops for youth, adults, and seniors. Facilitate peer support/discussion circles using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. Lead expressive arts and wellness sessions (creative writing, storytelling, visual arts, music-based wellness). Create safe, welcoming, and culturally sensitive spaces for sharing, healing, and learning. Ensure activities align with primary and secondary prevention, promoting resilience, connection, and early intervention.

2. Systems Navigation & Supported Referral

Offer one-on-one supported referrals to connect participants with appropriate mental health, health-care, and social services. Provide information about community resources, including how to access counselling, crisis lines, housing supports, and community wellness programs. Assist clients with navigating barriers such as language, stigma etc.. Maintain a strong understanding of Edmonton's mental health ecosystem to ensure effective referrals.

3. Outreach & Community Engagement

Conduct community outreach in Northeast and Central Edmonton to recruit newcomers, youth, adults, and seniors to the program. Build relationships with schools, cultural organizations, community groups, and service providers. Promote culturally relevant mental health messaging and foster stigma-free conversations within newcomer communities.

4. Partnership Support

Coordinate workshop schedules, sessions, and shared activities with community partners. Assist with securing guest speakers, clinicians, cultural leaders, and wellness practitioners. Participate in planning meetings and contribute to program development and activity design.

5. Record-Keeping, Evaluation & Reporting

Collect program data using pre/post surveys, feedback forms, attendance tracking, and notes. Support evaluation processes including client stories, focus groups, and assessments. Maintain accurate participant files and ensure confidentiality. Contribute to monthly, mid-year, and year-end reports for funders, partners, and internal use.

6. Cultural Responsiveness & Trauma-Informed Practice

Deliver services grounded in empathy, cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and intersectionality. Support clients facing complex settlement needs, trauma histories, social isolation, and stigma. Ensure inclusive and culturally safe practices across all program spaces.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Education & Experience

Diploma or degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field. Experience working with newcomers, refugees, women, youth, or seniors

Training or experience in:

Mental Health First Aid Trauma-informed practice Peer support Community facilitation Cross-cultural communication

Core Competencies

Strong understanding of mental health literacy, stigma, emotional well-being, and social inclusion. Ability to facilitate groups in a culturally responsive and engaging manner. Experience supporting vulnerable clients and navigating services with them. Excellent communication skills and ability to work with low-literacy participants. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Multilingual skills are a strong asset (e.g., Somali, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Urdu, Dari)

Additional Requirements

Clear Vulnerable Sector Check Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice Occasional evening/weekend availability
Your application will be assessed based on how strongly your identified qualifications meet the criteria in the job advertisement. Only those applicants who best demonstrate how they meet the qualifications outlined in the job ad will be contacted to advance to the next phase via e-mail. The successful candidate may be required to provide several references and undergo a satisfactory criminal reference check prior to the commencement of employment.

AIWCC supports equal employment opportunities and encourages applicants of diversity. Our policies and procedures are intended to be non-discriminatory and barrier-free, in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Albertans with Disabilities Act. Please advise us of any accommodation measures you may require during our recruitment and selection process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $54,000.00-$56,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person