Position Title:                                 Logistics Worker
Languages:                                     Spanish or French
Organization Structure:                 Reports to the Program Coordinator
Job Classification:                         RAP Logistics
Job Status:                                      Full-time
Number of Positions:                     1
Location:                                         Mississauga, RAP Centre
Wages:                                            $26.93/hour for 40 hours/week

This is a bargaining unit position.

About Polycultural

Be a part of Polycultural Immigrant and Community services! Founded in 1993, Polycultural is dedicated to hosting an open and inclusive environment for all. We are a multicultural melting-pot perfectly reflecting Canada’s diversity. We are like a family, have a culture filled with care and genuine connection with a very inclusive environment for all. With a diverse range of programs and services, we help individuals and families build a brighter future in Canada. We serve clients from over eight different locations across the GTA and Orangeville in more than 20 languages.

Polycultural offers a comprehensive benefits, including paid time off at Christmas (for eligible employees), employer paid Extended Health and Dental, RRSP match, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and WorkPerks!

Scope

The RAP Support Group/Logistics Facilitator is responsible for organizing and facilitating regular group sessions for Government Assisted Refugees from various ethnic groups; the areas of facilitation will include settlement, employment and other topics and activities. The facilitator is expected to work cooperatively with others; demonstrate flexibility in organizing work; show a high degree of initiative, discernment, and resourcefulness; must have excellent communication skills and demonstrate thoughtfulness in decision-making and assist refugee families in housing and purchasing furniture.

RAP Program Summary

RAP Centre is designed to provide immediate and essential services to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) during the initial period after the refugee family arrives in Canada, with the focus of equipping GARs with accommodation and daily necessities, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as connections with the broader community to live safely and independently.

Responsibilities

Logistics Facilitator

• Conducts housing searches in and around the GTA for clients
• Secures appropriate and affordable housing for clients within a given timeframe
• Provide support to clients in negotiating and finalizing housing leases
• Recruits housing providers and maintains housing data of housing providers
• Research and develop a spreadsheet of housing providers, furniture vendors, and essential furniture that refugee families need
• Analyze clients’ choice of housing and furniture and make recommendations within the assigned budget
• Resolve purchase-related problems by working closely with clients, vendors, and delivery companies
• Assist clients in selecting alternate choices and, if practical, advise clients on the appropriateness of various choices
• Provides comprehensive information related to purchasing furniture
• Arrange transportation of families to the furniture shops
• If needed, escorts clients to housing appointments and advocates
• Actively participate in professional development initiatives
• Other program operational duties assigned

Support Group Facilitator

• Deliver direct services in terms of group facilitation and support that address the needs of refugees through workshop sessions and conversation circles supporting language learning and other groups
• Help refugees to establish social and professional networks to be engaged and feel welcomed in the community
• Foster engagement between refugees and Canadians by involving newcomers in mentorship, community groups, recreation, and other activities
• Provide comprehensive information on orientation to Canadian society
• Create opportunities for mentoring individually and in a group, multi-way interaction and cross-cultural awareness
• Deliver orientation sessions and presentations of workshops that address identified needs in the assigned target language
• Conducts housing orientation sessions to ensure that the client understands the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords
• Increase accessibility by delivering services at itinerant public and community spaces in collaboration with other service providers
• Provide information and referral to external programs and services to meet the needs of each client/family
• Conduct surveys to determine appropriate subject areas for workshop topics
• Maintain and expand client base through outreach, community penetration and itinerate functions, which include off-site visits and promoting community networks to link refugees
• Effectively track activities and provide accurate reporting to Programs Manager
• Effectively track services in internal databases and provide accurate reporting for supervisor
• Achieve targets set by the Program Coordinator

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the situation’s needs. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.

Communications

Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication, the exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.

Teamwork

Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.

Accountability/Dependability

Accepts responsibility for the quality of work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time and meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.

Judgement

Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.

Commitment to Diversity

Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create an environment that supports and embraces diversity.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming issues or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service

Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, clients, or community members, striving to ensure their complete satisfaction.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Social Work, Counselling, or Education and at least three years of experience working with immigrant communities or a combination of experience and education that fulfills the requirements
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a definite asset
• Fluency in Spanish or French is required
• Knowledge of settlement and housing-related services and resources, with an emphasis on the services and resources that exist within the Greater Toronto Area
• Experience working within the Housing Help Sector
• Language Proficiency certificate identifying the fluency of English and target language skills (for ATIO members - present the certificate of membership)
• Successful completion of Polycultural’s orientation training on interpretation
• Knowledge of immigration and refugee services and the ethno-specific programs and services in the GTA
• Familiarity with issues facing newcomers/refugees in Canadian urban settings and systemic barriers facing integration in Canadian life's education, social, cultural, and economic aspects
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, written, and verbal communication skills
• Valid G license is required, with access to a vehicle and a clean driving record
• Ability to lift 30-40 kgs
• Must be willing and able to work on flexible schedules as needed including evenings/weekends

Other requirements

• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when an offer is made)

Polycultural reserves the right to post internally and externally.

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process to please advise Human Resources if contacted for an interview/testing so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please get in touch with Human Resources directly.

We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires based on merit and is committed to employment equity.

No phone calls please.