Community Ministries Program Lead (Union Position)

The Community Ministries Program Lead works closely with other local ministry unit personnel to form an interdisciplinary team to work from a holistic perspective with individuals and families who are seeking assistance from The Salvation Army.

This position requires a dynamic individual who is responsible for the planning, organization and facilitation of a wide range of community-based programs/workshops for people of all ages and demographics.

Connected by a common mission, they will work collaboratively with other Ministry Unit staff/leads, including leadership of London Corps, to form an interdisciplinary team to work from a holistic perspective with individuals and families who are seeking assistance from The Salvation Army. They will promote opportunities for corps members and volunteers to connect with and support individuals and families participating in the programs to bring the best opportunities and outcomes forward for those who come to us for help.

• Form an integral part of The Salvation Army London Community Services/Ministries team—including employees, volunteers and students; as well as local Corps Officers/leaders; members of the Corps and other local ministry units/community partners —to work with participants from a holistic perspective.
• Offer multi-faceted programs aimed at reducing social isolation and improving overall mental and physical health for people in our community. Partnering with three Corps throughout the city, strive to create many entry points for community members which include meeting basic needs, reducing food insecurity, developing skills, building relationships, and empowering people to take the next steps along a pathway of hope toward a better and more satisfying/transformative life.
• Network with other service providers and maintain relationships with community agencies and local schools to provide comprehensive services for participants in conjunction with the Community Ministries team.
• Meet regularly with other Community Ministries Program Leads, Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Leads and Manager to ensure cohesive planning and facilitation of programs; supporting other Community Ministries Program Leads when needed.
• Ensure program policies and procedures are followed to maintain integrity, accountability, and program outcome measurements.
• Participate in the development of policies, procedures and best practices guidelines/manuals related to relevant programs.
• Design, deliver and evaluate programs in consultation with the Community Ministries Manager.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with the Canada Food Guide, Public Health, and Safe Food Handling practices.
• Consistently demonstrates empathy and concern for individuals/families.
• Meet with and assist individuals/families looking for basic needs support.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer/Special Events Coordinator, participates in the recruitment, training and orientation of volunteers and students working within their programs and is responsible to coordinate their schedules and responsibilities and provide direction and supervision; ensuring they are working to achieve the purposes of The Salvation Army.
• Assist with and attend seasonal activities and special events such as Christmas Assistance Program, Summer Adventure Camp, Bike Rodeos, Volunteer Appreciation, etc.

Individual Supports:

• Create a welcoming and respectful experience for people accessing London Community Services.
• Through empathetic care, listening and with a non-judgmental approach, establish a trusting relationship with individuals and families who access our programs.
• Meet with individuals/families who come to us for assistance to gather information and determine their needs/requirements; provide resources and referrals as applicable, including emergency assistance such as gift cards, clothing vouchers and other necessities - as available.
• Refer newcomers to Canada or individuals/families with more complex needs to one of our Newcomer/Systems Navigation Program Leads.
• Create and update client records in Link2Feed. This includes overview of their situation and any needed follow-up is recorded in the Notes section.
• Provide information and referrals to other social service resources available in the community, advocating on individual/families behalf as needed.
• Promote, network with and refer people accessing our services to other programs within London Community Services, as well as Corps programs.
• Ensure clients are being referred to the Corps Officer (or designate) for pastoral and spiritual guidance/support and that information is being shared with clients regarding church programs.

Group Programs/Events

• Work collaboratively with the Community Ministries Manager and other Program Leads to develop and facilitate programs and events that fall under these three pillars:
  • At The Table (Food Access Programs) - provides multiple programs for all ages/demographics that provide access to food, including community meals, school breakfast or lunch programs, pop-up markets, cooking classes, gardening, access to Harvest Bucks and London Good Food Boxes.
  • Community Ministries/Active for Life (Adult and Senior programs) - provides opportunities for adults/seniors in our community to get involved in a variety of programs/activities with a focus on health and wellbeing, developing relationships, learning new skills, and having fun!
  • Children/Youth and Parenting Programs - provides a safe and supportive environment for children and youth to attend a variety of activities and educational opportunities that promote their physical, social, emotional, and academic development; increase their resiliency and help them make healthy and safe choices. In addition, programs are offered to parents to help improve their parenting skills and learn strategies to better equip them to handle the stress of everyday child rearing.
• Recruit/partner with volunteers from a Corps or local church to join in the events; providing an opportunity for participants to build relationships and potentially develop a connection to the church.
• Provide ongoing educational and interactive workshops, skill development and increased community and social engagement in collaboration with community partners.
• Work with participants to determine interests and needs and develop a program model for leisure, recreational and educational opportunities to meet these interests and encourage participation.
• Actively participate alongside program participants in recreational and leisure activities.
• Provide support, information and appropriate referrals to program participants.
• Ensure all program and storage areas are neat and tidy.
• Ensure the appropriate storage and usage of goods, ensuring perishable food is used prior to the expiry date.
• Responsible to procure and pick-up (either by seeking donations or making purchases) all food and/or items necessary to run programs.

Finance & Administration:

• Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate participant files and statistical records.
• Maximize utilization of all computerized management programs (i.e. Link2Feed).
• Periodically review program guidelines, goals and outcomes with supervisor.
• Conduct debriefs and submit program evaluation on all events and programs, including lessons learned.
• Work closely with the Community Relations Coordinator to develop promotional and marketing material for respective programs, including social media posts, presentations and other forms of promotional materials; and sharing inspiring stories that attract community giving.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities and build positive relationships with community agencies and other stakeholders to ensure program success.
• Research and maintain information list of services provided by external agencies.
• Gather information and posters on community resources and events and maintain information displays.
• Responsible to ensure they work within the budget for their specific programs, providing input to their supervisor for the preparation of the annual budget; adhering to all relevant financial policies.
• As appropriate, respond to incidents and complaints pertaining to programs/events they coordinate, ensuring they notify their supervisor immediately and appropriate reporting and follow-up is made.
• In collaboration with other Community Ministries team members, assist with the receiving and sorting of donations, ensuring goods are distributed appropriately and donation records are completed accurately.
• General administrative duties as required, such as answering and responding to phone calls and emails, directing inquiries, providing referrals to other resources or scheduling appointments as required.
• Conduct all administrative duties as outlined with due diligence.

Health and Safety

• Understand and work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed (OHSA) are carried out in the workplace and that every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of the worker and workplace.
• Identify and implement effective practices for risk management to ensure workplace safety, minimize liability, and uphold the reputation of The Salvation Army and Ministry Units.
• Ensure that equipment, materials, and protective devises as prescribed (OHSA) are provided and maintained in good condition.
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the event of a workplace injury or illness and that incident investigations are conducted as applicable.

Perform other duties as required.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Community Ministries Manager
• This role works independently within a team
• Direct reports for this role include up to 10 volunteers at a time who assist with special events and programs

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 20 lbs., reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.
• Exposure to scents and fumes.
• This position will require frequent travel and work at various locations throughout the City of London.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and background
• Will be required to wear Salvation Army branded clothing provided by the employer.

• Completion of a minimum 2-year post-secondary diploma/degree in Recreation and Leisure or Food and Nutrition required.
• Valid Ontario Class "G" driver's license, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver's abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Safe Food Handling Certified required, or willingness to obtain.
• Must provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Will require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of prior related experience, specifically in the development of community programming and facilitating programs/events.
• Experience in Community Services or similar program, working with individuals and families (including children and seniors) is required.
• Experience developing programs and community partnerships and working collaboratively with other service providers.
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources is required.
• Experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Experience with Link2Feed is an asset.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Dynamic facilitation skills with presentation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with participants, colleagues (including volunteers and students) and community partners.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• High standards of integrity; demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and to problem solve complex cases, ensuring confidentiality and an ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, government, business leaders and professionals.
• Respects and relies on a team approach in supporting the client.
• Client centered - Willingness to listen and learn from each client with compassion and dignity
• Organizational commitment - Understanding and ability to uphold the ethical and social norms of the organization.
• Communication - strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills and empathetic listening skills.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.