JOB DESCRIPTION

Front Line Community Worker

INTRODUCTION

The Front Line Community Worker is essential in the delivery of services by THE REFUGE to homeless and street youth in the Regional Municipality of Durham. This position is responsible for providing food and clothing to homeless youth and youth at risk of being homeless, providing encouragement and informal counseling to the clients, as well as a source of information to other community agencies that may be able to assist the hundreds of youth that come through the doors of THE REFUGE. In addition, the front line community worker position is responsible for the overall running and organizing of the youth centre.

AUTHORITY/RESPONSIBILITY:

The Front Line Community Worker reports to the Executive Director of THE REFUGE. The Front Line Community Worker is responsible to organize and implement the logistical and physical needs of the programs of THE REFUGE. Additionally, the Front Line Community Worker is to assist with the carrying out of ministry operatives as defined by the Board of Governance.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

The Front Line Community Worker position requires leadership qualities, self-initiative, willingness to accept accountability, to work with minimal guidance, to project an image of professionalism, strong level of organizational skills and to be a positive example to others and to be supportive of the whole THE REFUGE team.

• Accepts the Mission, Vision and Values statements of THE REFUGE.
• Provide a police background check.
• Should have appropriate educational experience either by formal training or by informal life experiences or enrolled in a relevant college/university program.
• Should be open to constructive criticism and be able to provide professional feedback and evaluations in areas of responsibility.
• Must demonstrate a mature level of professionalism in all areas of their work environment.
• A level of creativity is required to generate new ideas, proposals and procedures.
• Have a strong level of organizational skills
• Be a self-starter and work under minimal guidance and supervision
• Possess good problem-solving skills and an ability to think quickly on his/her feet.
• Show a level of concern and compassion for others.

TERM:

The Front Line Community Worker position is a full-time position and may be staffed as a full-time employee, on a contract basis, as a volunteer, or by a university or college placement student as required by the Executive Director.

DUTIES:

Food Preparation

• Assist with meal planning.
• Assist with food preparations ensuring that sanitary requirements are met and proper procedures are adhered to
• Be responsible for the ordering and stocking of kitchen supplies
• Take responsibility for the set-up and clean up of appropriate programs.

Mission Accomplishment

• Be available to interact with youth that come to THE REFUGE with the purpose of assisting youth with issues and problems and assisting them in developing wise choices and to see other options and solutions to their problems/issues.
• Provide referrals to other community services, groups and/or organizations that can assist them in addressing their personal needs.
• Serve as a role model and mentor to the youth.
• Provide support to the In Another’s Shoes program including conducting multi-media presentations and walking tours to high-school students.
• Oversee the collection and recording of daily data and statistics regarding usage of the Centre.
• Provide leadership in the Kaleidoscope Art Therapy program.

Communications

• Assist with the production of newsletters, posters, appeal letters and other communication items as required.
• Provide reports as required to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide timely feedback to staff and volunteers regarding programs, objectives and youth.
• Participate in all staff and planning meetings
• Meet weekly with the supervisor to discuss the youth and events. A weekly journal must be kept and shared with the supervisor.

Financial

• Submit expenses, invoices and/or time sheets in a timely manner and properly completed.

Back Up

• Provide back up to other staff and volunteers as required
• Open and close centre as required
• Be able to present standard “story” presentations of the various programs to an audience.

Training and Support

• Assist with the training of volunteers ensuring adherence to approved processes.
• Provide support and assistance to the youth and volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer appreciation events and training.
• Oversee church volunteer youth group scheduling and tasks

Perform other duties as may be assigned

EVALUATION:

The Front Line Community Worker’s performance is evaluated annually or upon the completion of a placement, upon the detailed job plan and description as established by the Executive Director

RENEWAL DATE AND APPROVAL DATE

The Executive Director annually reviews the Front Line Community Worker’s Job Description. Recommended changes are presented.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Front Line Community Worker position is required to adhere to the Health and Safety policies as outlined in THE REFUGE Human Resource Policy Handbook. Furthermore, the position is required to sit on the Health and Safety Committee of THE REFUGE that meets once every quarter. For more information on the Health & Safety Committee or Policy, please contact the Executive Director.

Approval Date:___________________ Review Date:_________________________