Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Lead

Form an integral part of The Salvation Army London Community Services/Ministries team—including employees, volunteers and students; as well as local Corps Officers/leaders; members of the Corps and other local ministry units/community partners —to work with participants from a holistic perspective.

Offer one-on-one system navigation support to help anyone, particularly newcomers to Canada, navigate daily life in a new city/country. Partnering with the Corps throughout the city, plan groups/activities that focus on ESL, with a gentle introduction to the Gospel.

Create a welcoming and safe space for individuals and families where they can explore their practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Through empathetic care, listening and with a non-judgmental approach, establish a trusting relationship with individuals and families who access our programs.

Through conversation and prayer, share the hope and love of Jesus in a manner that supports and respects the faith journey of our clients and their families.

All programming is to be relationally focused, support transformational change, and support the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of participants. This may include iRead, Red Cap, Anger Management, ESL (Love New Canadians), Alpha, Life Skills classes, etc.

Ensure a spiritual dynamic and focus in all programming, including facilitated access for clients to pastoral services and other church-based programs.

Using Pathway of Hope principles, empower people to take the next steps toward a better and more satisfying/transformative life.

Network with other service providers and maintain relationships with community agencies and local schools to provide comprehensive services for participants in conjunction with the Community Ministries team.

Meet regularly with the other Program Leads and Supervisor to ensure cohesive planning and facilitation of programs; supporting other Program Leads when needed.

Ensure program policies and procedures are followed to maintain integrity, accountability, and program outcome measurements.

Participate in the development of policies, procedures and best practices guidelines/manuals related to relevant programs.

Design, deliver and evaluate programs in consultation with the Executive Director.

Consistently demonstrate empathy and concern for individuals/families.

In collaboration with the Volunteer/Special Events Coordinator, participate in the recruitment, training and orientation of volunteers and students working within their programs and coordinate their schedules and responsibilities, providing direction and supervision; ensuring they are working to achieve the purposes of The Salvation Army.

Attend Community Ministries programs on a frequent basis to meet and connect with individuals who could benefit from the Newcomer/System Navigation program.

Assist with and attend seasonal activities and special events such as Christmas Assistance Program, Summer Adventure Camp, Volunteer Appreciation, etc.

Meet with individuals/families who come to us for assistance to gather information and determine their needs/requirements using Pathway of Hope principles which include: strengths-based support, focusing on abilities, not just deficits; holistic care, connecting spiritual, physical, and practical needs; action planning, creating personalized goals with participants; community collaboration, partnering with other agencies; and fostering hope as a measurable outcome.

• Physical and mental health care
• Education and employment and/or volunteer opportunities
• Financial literacy including income tax, banking and credit
• Connection to community services and supports like Legal Aid, Social Assistance
• Referrals to refugee claimant lawyers
• Help with translation and interpretation
• Provide referrals to help finding permanent housing, help with understanding Tenants and Landlords Rights and Responsibilities
• Provide support in accessing furnishings and other household items
• Provide supports and education on the application process of a variety of programs services (such as assistance with refugee claim process, CBSA, IRCC).

Advocate on individuals/family’s behalf to help them receive the services they want and for which they are eligible and help them develop self-advocacy skills.

Build bridges for newcomers by facilitating the establishment of professional and social networks, fostering a sense of belonging within their communities.

Create and update client records in Link2Feed. This includes ensuring overview of their situation and any needed follow-up is recorded in the Notes section.

Ensure clients are being referred to the Corps Officer (or designate) for pastoral and spiritual guidance/support and that information is being shared with clients regarding church programs.

When appropriate, provide emergency basic needs support.

Assist with and offer free access to phone, internet, scanning and photocopying.

Create, implement and facilitate various social events, conversation classes and Canadian topic-based lessons, based on the “Love New Canadians” curriculum.

Recruit/partner with volunteers from a Corps or local church to join in the events and conversations allowing newcomers an opportunity to continue practicing and learning English and expand their connections in the community.

For those who exhibit an increased curiosity with spirituality, the Program Lead will encourage them to connect with a Corps leader/volunteer or local church.

Work with participants to determine interests and needs and develop a program model for leisure, recreational and educational opportunities to meet these interests and encourage participation.

Actively participate alongside program participants in recreational and leisure activities.

Provide support, information and appropriate referrals to program participants.

Responsible to procure and pick-up (either by seeking donations or making purchases) all food and/or items necessary to run events/program.

Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate participant files and statistical records.

Maximise utilisation of all computerized management programs (i.e. Link2Feed).

Periodically review program guidelines, goals and outcomes with supervisor.

Conduct debriefs and submit program evaluation on all events and programs, including lessons learned.

Work closely with the Community Engagement Manager to develop promotional and marketing material for respective programs, including social media posts, presentations and other forms of promotional materials; and sharing inspiring stories that attract community giving.

Identify strategic partnership opportunities and build positive relationships with community agencies and other stakeholders to ensure program success.

Research and maintain information list of services provided by external agencies.

Gather information and posters on community resources and events and maintain information displays.

Responsible to ensure they work within the budget for their specific programs, providing input to their supervisor for the preparation of the annual budget, adhering to all relevant financial policies.

As appropriate, respond to incidents and complaints pertaining to programs/events they coordinate, ensuring they notify their supervisor immediately and appropriate reporting and follow-up is made.

In collaboration with other Community Ministries team members, assist with the receiving and sorting of donations, ensuring goods are distributed appropriately and donation records are completed accurately.

General administrative duties as required, such as answering and responding to phone calls and emails, directing inquiries, providing referrals to other resources or scheduling appointments as required.

Conduct all administrative duties as outlined with due diligence.

Reports directly to: Executive Director.