Resettlement Assistance Program Support Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role :

This position provides client-centered, trauma-informed services to refugees transitioning to life in a Canada by providing practical assistance and emotional support. The role encompasses the period from the refugees' arrival in Canada until they move into permanent housing. RAPWs conduct settlement assessments, help clients navigate the settlement process, and provide financial and temporary accommodations to promote stability and personal success. This role is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of resettlement, enhancing the overall quality of life for participants, and empowering them to achieve their personal goals. The RAP Program Support Worker carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards, and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities :

1. Assessment & Support :

• Conduct initial assessments of newly arrived refugees to understand their needs and create individualized resettlement plans.
• Assist clients in completing required paperwork for resettlement services, including government forms, housing applications, and benefits enrollment.
• Ensure clients are aware of their rights and available resources in Canada.
• Help clients secure temporary and permanent housing, ensuring the accommodation meets their needs and is appropriate for their family size.
• Assist with the logistics of moving into new homes, including transportation, setting up utilities, and purchasing necessary household items.
• Ensure that clients understand their housing rights and responsibilities.
• Respond to and assist with crisis situations, including mental health, financial difficulties, family issues, or health emergencies.
• Provide immediate support, intervene as necessary, and refer clients to emergency services when required.
• Ensure that clients are aware of emergency contacts, including mental health crisis lines, domestic violence shelters, and healthcare services.
• Offer listening support and facilitate access to counseling or therapeutic services as needed.
• Encourage the development of peer support networks, including connecting clients with others from similar backgrounds or experiences.
• Support clients in integrating into their new community by connecting them with local cultural, recreational, and social activities.
• Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity among clients and local community members, helping to bridge cultural gaps.
• Assist clients in understanding and accessing educational opportunities for themselves and their children, including school enrollment, language courses, and vocational training.
• Conduct move-in and move-out inspections, as well as hotel visits to assess the condition of accommodation.
• Develop and implement a building curriculum based on the topics outlined in the RAP handbook

2. Referral & Resource Navigation :

3. Orientation & Information Sessions :

4. Cultural Sensitivity & Support :

5. Monitoring & Reporting :

6. Other :

Qualifications : 1. Education :

2. Experience :

3. Skills & abilities

4. Other Requirements :

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.