Community Connections Supervisor

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issues 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 300 employees and 750 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.

Newcomer Connections is a key pillar within the YMCA family. Established in 1993, Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement centre focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world, and from all walks of life.

Position Overview

The Community Connections Supervisor is a key role, responsible for the development, delivery and ongoing improvement of Newcomer services at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. This position has oversight for all of the programs and services delivered by the Community Connections Team, including Settlement Trainers, ICT Trainers, Community Liaisons and SWIS and Youth Teams. The position works closely with the GM of Newcomer Connections and the Manager, Settlement and Resettlement Support Services and Manager, Newcomer Programming to ensure accountability for strategic growth, evaluation and staff engagement in all Community Connection activities. The position is responsible for supporting and performance coaching team staff. This position also sits on the Newcomer Connections Leadership Group and contributes to the overall vision and direction of the Newcomer Connections department.

Core Responsibilities

Staff

• Supervise and support the work of the Settlement Trainers, ICT Trainers, Community Liaisons, and Youth and SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools) Team.
• Mentor and coach staff to achieve excellence by providing guidance and support to staff that require assistance with their respective tasks and responsibilities.
• Support staff by facilitating formal and informal, peer feedback on a regular basis.
• Hire, assign, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Submit completed payroll forms to Finance as required.
• Assist in conducting employee probationary reviews and performance evaluations with staff.
• Identify and coordinate professional development opportunities of employment staff, with the approval of the Manager, Settlement and Resettlement Support Services.
• Facilitate staff’s access to appropriate resources, including online training resources, webinars, and workshops.
• Ensure proper review and approval of staff vacation/time off requests.
• Oversee the coordination of relevant information sessions.
  
  

• Oversee the day-to-day office operations of the Settlement Trainers, ICT Trainers, Community Liaisons, and SWIS and Youth Team.
• Remain informed about the service delivery budgets, as managed by the Manager of Settlement and Resettlement Support Services, and provide insights as needed.
• In collaboration with the Manager, Settlement and Resettlement Support Services, establish and implement processes to meet the objectives of the funding contracts and Newcomer Connections priorities.
• Explore ways to enhance services to clients (identifying efficiencies, working with new agencies).
• Survey the local settlement landscape and identify relevant settlement needs that will help inform service delivery.
• Oversee special projects relating to newcomer settlement.
• Provide ongoing relevant insight into developing trends in the department with respect to service delivery and development.
• Support the Manager and newcomer Support Services in the development and monitoring of program measurement tools (evaluations) and report on effectiveness in meeting outcome targets.
  
  

• Participate in and/or deliver presentations at conferences, information sessions, workshops and symposia.
• Work with staff to ensure IRCC settlement objectives are being met.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day staff/client issues, as required.
• Act as a Settlement Trainer, ICT Trainer, Community Liaison, SWIS and Youth Advisor when necessary to assist with client management and to cover vacations and absences.
  
  

• Submit weekly metrics.
• Organize and facilitate staff meetings.
• Provide input into quarterly iCare narrative reports, and other reports as needed, to the Manager of Settlement and Resettlement Support Services.
• Serve on the Newcomer Connections Leadership Group.
• Maintain current information on settlement practices, IRCC objectives, trauma-informed work, barriers to resettlements, migration trends, etc.
• Foster relationships with community groups and organizations who are likely to build relationships with and support newcomers in Saint John.
• Serve on committees concerned with matters such as budgets, service revision and staffing issues, as required.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.
  
  

• Provides leadership on change management initiatives and new ideas.
• Models appropriate behaviours in line with the YMCA of Greater Saint John’s mission, vision and values establishes rapport and maintains effective relationship-building behaviour with staff, volunteers and members.
• Represents the YMCA of Greater Saint John and Newcomer Connections in a professional manner.
• Understands and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism and imparts this knowledge and beliefs upon staff, volunteers and members.
• Self-manages personal professional development.
• Attends staff meetings as required.
  
  

• Professionalism: Demonstrates by example, the dress and demeanor of a professional in a Canadian setting.
• Commitment to Organization Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement.
• Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains high ethical standards.
• Planning and Organizing: Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long-term work goals.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interaction both internally and externally to achieve work-related goals.
• Sensitivity: Ability to develop an appreciation for the challenges of our clientele and display needed patience and resourcefulness.
  
  

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of settlement or casework experience.
• 2 years of leadership and supervisor experience in a professional context.
• Advanced user status of MS Office 365 products.
• Adept mediator and knowledgeable of conflict resolution strategies.
• Approachable and possessing a strong client-centric attitude.
• Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our immigrant population.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Saint John Community and Settlement sector.
• A minimum of 4 years work experience in a cross-cultural environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must be fluent in the English language; knowledge of other languages is an asset.
  
  

• As a YMCA of Greater Saint John 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 Greater Saint John has a Joint Health and Safety Committee which meets on a monthly basis 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 Greater Saint John 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 for following and abiding by YMCA Canada National Experience Program.