Overview:

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free Y membership.
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, financial advice, among other 12 suites of services

What do you offer?

The Information and Referral Specialist will provide newcomer clients with accurate information and appropriate referrals on matters related to immigration, settlement, and community resources on a drop-in basis. They will perform duties of needs assessment and orientation; determining the needs of Newcomers and referring them to internal and/or external programs to best assist them. Additionally, the Information and Referral Specialist will perform reception duties including answering phones and emails, triaging and directing clients to appropriate services/peoples and performing administrative and data entry duties.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a personal commitment to and understanding of the Y’s mission, vision, values.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Conduct needs assessments and provides referrals to appropriate services and resources as identified in needs analysis
• Assist clients in accessing information and services that best meet their needs
• Provide relevant information to enable Newcomers to access the desired services and programs
• Respond to each client in a professional and culturally appropriate manner
• Collect, track, and report statistical data reflecting services provided
• Deliver quality-based, client-directed, neutral referral services
• Apply the Privacy Policy throughout all data collection and all record management
• Coordinate community events as required
• Deliver orientation sessions and workshops as required
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a substantial library of settlement resources
• Contacting clients & booking appointments and facilitating online webinars
• Provide rotational coverage at the main reception desk, including appointment scheduling for Settlement Workers and support to outreach activities
• Work in collaboration with the Employment Access Centre team and assist employment services clients on a basic level

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education in a related field

Language

• Fluency in English, oral and written
• French language is an asset

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of immigrant settlement services and programs offered for Newcomers to Canada
• Previous work experience in a multicultural environment
• Strong computer skills including MS Office suite, online research, data entry, social media
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Strong customer service skills
• Superior problem-solving skills and demonstrated good judgment
• Proven sensitivity in working with the needs of immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ability to assess the information needs of clients served

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada
• Must provide a Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not older than 6 months, as per Association policy
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons, and submit the certificate of completion

Core Competencies:

• Organizational Awareness and Understanding: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the vision, mission, and values of the YMCA of the National Capital Region.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to establish a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short- and long-term work goals.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify an issue, gather and process relevant information, determine possible solutions, select appropriate responses, and implement and evaluate them.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to speak, write, listen, and secure information effectively in a variety of settings. Ability to cooperate with others to achieve results. Ability to create and build relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Teamwork: Participates actively in a team for program quality and effectiveness.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position. Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Ana Patenaude. Please send applications to Director, the Newcomer Information Centre, Ana Patenaude (ana.patenaude@ymcaywca.ca)

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.