The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issue’s facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.
The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 19 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 450 employees and 500 volunteers. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career and your community.
Position Overview
The Community Liaison is responsible for working directly with clients by developing and delivering individual and group information sessions that help newcomers connect with their new communities, advocating for clients' needs and their engagement in the community. The Community Liaison is also responsible for fostering partnerships with community organizations related to the YMCA Newcomer Connections department. They create initiatives that bridge gaps between service providers and key partners, enhancing collaboration to better support clients. This position is part of the Community Connections team and works closely with the Client Support Services and Newcomer Programs teams.
Authority: The incumbent will take all actions appropriate to fulfilling the described functions. Such actions will be consistent with the practices and policies of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. Reports to the Development Supervisor.
Core Responsibilities
Provide individual on-site or online information sessions to clients and follow-up sessions as appropriate
Work with newcomers on developing pre-employment return- to- work action plans
Refer clients to appropriate internal and external workshops and programs according to their settlement goals
Manage caseloads efficiently and effectively to achieve each client's set goals
Work with key Team Leads upon all newcomer client arrivals, develop and case manage client's community matching goals
Provide pre-employment & community related workshops and orientation sessions for every new arrival upon their transfer to Settlement Counsellors caseload
Refer clients to external partners, including but not limited to Working NB, Learning Exchange, Saint John Newcomers' Centre, Options Outreach, etc., for comprehensive assessments and employment counselling services
Maintain familiarity with international accreditation processes in all relevant occupational/professional fields
Navigate the pathways to licensure in clients' fields and help apply for financial support through the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Program
Work with Employment Team Lead to conduct outreach activities with potential employers; survey the business landscape and identify integration and participation opportunities
Oversee clients' case management including tracking community matching and recording progress and results
Input and maintain client records, including clients' achievement and program attendance record, in the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database, as directed by the Manager of Client and Community Services
Submit weekly metrics; quarterly and annual reports as required
Keep up-to-date information on available training opportunities and educational programs which would enhance client employability
Participate in monthly staff meetings
Identify and participate in appropriate professional development opportunities as approved by the Manager of Settlement Services
Keep up to date with current labour market trends in New Brunswick and the job search needs of new Canadians
Support Y Newcomer Connections operations, including assistance with events, outreach, and projects as necessary
Collaborate with other educational and employment service providers in the community
Carry out additional duties as assigned
Plan and participate in events as needed
Expected Responsibilities
Model appropriate behaviour in line with the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick’s mission, vision, and values; establishes rapport and maintains effective relationship-building behaviour with staff, volunteers, and members
Represents the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick in a professional manner both in terms of relationships and documents circulated
Understands and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism
Self manages personal professional development and work that needs to be completed
Skills and Qualifications
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in employment coaching, career development, or any related fields such as psychology, social services or education, HR recruitment, etc., is required
A minimum of 2 years of work experience in a cross-cultural environment
Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our newcomer clients
Exceptional oral and written communication skill
Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
In-depth knowledge of and advanced user status of MS Office products
Adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges
Confident presentation skills
Approachable and possessing a client-centric solid attitude
Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our newcomer clients, especially youth
Ability and willingness to maintain flexible work hours
Must be fluent in the English language; proficiency in other languages is a great asset
Employment is contingent on having a clean Criminal Record Check
Competencies Required
Commitment to Organization Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes, and values of the YMCA
Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the YMCA
Initiative: Does the right thing at the right time without being asked
Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains high ethical standards.
Philanthropy: Demonstrates personal responsibility for the YMCA as a charity
Planning and Organizing: Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long-term work goals
Problem Solving: Identifies an issue and works towards a solution
Self-Management: Works independently with minimal supervision
Working Conditions
As a full-time YMCA of Southwestern NB staff person, your hours of work and location may be adjusted due to programming needs. There is no guarantee of the number of hours worked within a work week
The YMCA of Southwestern NB has a Joint Health and Safety Committee that meets monthly to discuss health and safety within the workplace. Questions or concerns about your workplace must be brought forward to committee members
In this role, you will be required to work in an environment which is often busy with high levels of noise
As a YMCA of Southwestern NB staff person, you are responsible for your own travel to and from work.
You are responsible for the member/client's safety on a daily basis. You will be required to perform first aid and CPR when and if necessary and you are certified to do so.
You will be responsible to follow and abide by YMCA Canada National Experience Program
