Job Posting Details
Position:
Type:
Location:
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Closing Date:
Contact:
Job Synopsis
JOB SUMMARY
A key part of MCC’s poverty reduction strategy, MCC BC’s New Foundations (NF) Program works with newcomers to Canada with dependents to support their full and healthy participation in Canadian society. Using a practical eight-month curriculum supported by hands-on experiences, program participants learn to better manage their financial resources, save to achieve their goals, develop employment skills that put them on a pathway to employment, and grow their life skills and social network of support in Canada.
Reporting to the Program Director and as a member of MCC BC’s Program team, the New Foundations Program Coordinator is responsible for end-to-end delivery of this program in the target community of Westshore, in Greater Victoria. This includes identifying and inviting eligible participants, community churches and local volunteers from the target community into this work; working directly with participants and supporting volunteers, facilitating one-on-one sessions and group workshops in financial literacy, employment readiness, and life skills; coordinating the matched savings program; leading a community kitchen initiative; and equipping and supporting volunteers and community churches as they mentor participants.
Operated once annually over eight months, program cohorts begin in late September/early October and finish in late May/early June. Participants attend 17 two-hour sessions, meeting one-on-one with a volunteer mentor or the program coordinator between sessions to strengthen their understanding of the training material. Participants may also participate in an asset building component in which participants who save each month are eligible for matched funds upon the successful completion of the program. Four community kitchens over the program length equip participants to cook healthy meals on a small budget.
MISSIONAL COMMITMENT, HOURS, LOCATION, & WORKING CONDITIONS
• Missional commitment: This role requires a demonstrated commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. This role commits the employee to working 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). This role participates in devotional and prayer times at MCC BC and/or at local church and faith gatherings, being prepared to answer inquiries about MCC BC’s mission and values. This role contributes to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values, while modelling nonviolent peacemaking in the workplace, in the community, and the church through respectful interactions with others. This role requires adherence to MCC BC’s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety.
• When you work: this position blends a regular office hours schedule (between 8:30 – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) with occasional evening or weekend work to facilitate program needs, as necessary.
• Where you work: this position is located in the Westshore area in Victoria, BC and is a hybrid arrangement that involves working from home and delivering the program at the Langford or Colwood workshop site. On occasion, training and meetings may require travel to other MCC BC locations within British Columbia.
• How much you work: this is a 2-year term position, with a possible extension, depending on external funding. This is a part-time, salaried position working a minimum of 12 hours per week, requiring flexibility to occasionally work outside of regular working hours.
• Physical conditions & requirements: in addition to significant time spent in-person, on the phone or in virtual meetings with program participants, this position may require significant computer time. This position may require lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Pace of work: this position works independently with high day-to-day variation, including receiving and responding to unanticipated requests from program participants, management, and other colleagues; and providing leadership and support on deadline-driven activities. As such, moderate mental stress is expected.
• Interactions with vulnerable populations: this position will have regular interactions with vulnerable populations.
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. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Resourceful, self-motivated, ability to initiate and build new programming
• Preference for candidates based in the Westshore area, or those able to demonstrate strong community connections with local networks of community service providers and/or churches
• Ability to work sensitively with participants of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ability to recruit and work effectively with volunteers and show appreciation for their contributions
• Strong relational skills with the ability to encourage, instruct and involve adult learners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate in standard workplace computer programs / Computer experience required with proficiency in MS Office
• Solid organizational skills with attention to detail
• Respect for and discretion in dealing with confidential material
• Actively involved in a church in the target community
• Competence in other languages is an asset
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & ACCREDITATIONS
• Undergraduate degree and/or a combination of related education, training and experience in multi-cultural settings
• Two years’ experience facilitating in an adult education environment
• Experience with financial literacy, life skills and/or employment readiness programs is preferred
• Program management experience is preferred, including budgeting and reporting
JOB REQUIREMENTS & LICENSING
• Valid BC Driver’s License along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract
• Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire)
• Legally able to work in Canada
Key Responsibilities
In collaboration with the NF Victoria Program Coordinator, the NF Program Coordinator, Westshore is responsible for:
PROGRAM SET UP
• Attend some New Foundations Victoria workshops and collect program resources from the Victoria program coordinator
• Develop marketing material in conjunction with the MCC BC Advancement team
• Connect with other service providers, community groups, municipal government, school district and local churches to increase understanding of local resources for newcomers, market the program and recruit participants
• Procure a training site
• Create a program calendar that includes both workshops and individual meetings
• Recruit childcare workers and volunteer mentors
PROGRAM DELIVERY
• Recruit, screen and enroll participants
• Update current training material to reflect the needs of participants
• Handle logistics for workshops and community kitchens such as food, tables, chairs, technology
• Facilitate workshops, ensuring that the delivery of the program remains participatory and uses adult learning principles
• Arrange and organize guest speakers from local agencies where appropriate
• Evaluate and monitor participant progress throughout the program; Provide updates to MCC BC on participant progress
• Work with participants to identify savings goals where matched savings can be applied; Ensure that matched savings are distributed to participants at the conclusion of the program
• Articulate the mission and values of MCC, as required
• Establish and nurture relationships with churches who assist in both the hosting and the delivery of programs
ADMINISTRATION & REPORTING
• Collect data and keep appropriate records regarding participants
• Ensure that reporting is provided to both funders and MCC BC
• Participate (virtually) as possible in MCC BC monthly staff, Programs staff meetings and in-person staff retreats
• Engage with MCC BC Board of Directors as requested
• Collaborate with MCC BC leaders and communications teams to promote this program to external and internal stakeholders, including potential and existing program beneficiaries, supporters, donors and colleagues
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
• Work with MCC BC Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers have been identified and screened
• Engage with volunteers during workshops to ensure that they understand their role
• Equip volunteers to meet with participants in off group times to review material and clarify understanding
• Work with MCC BC Volunteer Coordinator to appreciate and recognize volunteers for their contribution
CHURCH ENGAGEMENT
• Liaise with participating churches for program promotion to participants and volunteers
• Liaise with participating churches for use of their facilities, as necessary
Other duties as assigned.