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Position: Interim RAP Counsellor - Full Time Hours

Status: Contingent on continued funding

Job Location: Saint John Regional Y

Department: Newcomer Connections

Reporting To: Supervisor, Resettlement Assistance Program The YMCA of Southwestern NB is working hard to address the critical issue’s 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 team is a community of 300 employees and 700 volunteers, offering a diverse set of programs at 19 locations within the city and surrounding municipalities. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity. We invite you to 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 center 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 federal Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides income support and a range of immediate essential services to government assisted refugees within the initial 4-6 weeks of their arrival in the Saint John region. The Resettlement (RAP) Counsellor is an enthusiastic individual with a strong desire to welcome, receive, and help address the settlement needs of our growing population of government-assisted refugees (GARs) in Saint John. This position also helps to raise awareness in the community of opportunities and programs to sponsor and assist refugees.

The individual must possess the ability to prioritize tasks, have reliable transportation and work a flexible schedule. Evening and weekend work will be required on occasion. This is a full-time contract position that reports to the RAP Supervisor at Newcomer Connections.

Position Status:

This is a full-time interim position with an anticipated duration of approximately 40 weeks. While the exact end date may vary based on organizational needs, the assignment is expected to continue for the full term.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

- Receive government-assisted refugees in Saint John and ensure that they get to temporary accommodation;
- Ensure temporary accommodations are arranged and provided;
- Arrange interpretation/translation services as required;
- Perform and record initial needs assessments for government-assisted refugees;




- Work with the Settlement Trainer at Newcomer Connections to provide government-assisted refugees with a basic orientation to IRCC programs; the City of Saint John; telephone access; Canadian currency; banking; shopping; accommodation; education; the legal system; cultural norms and expectations; public transportation and their rights and freedoms;
- Identify and refer high needs clients with life skills issues beyond the scope of the basic suite of services being delivered under RAP;
- Provide government-assisted refugees with orientation related to the city of Saint John and the location of essential services, including but not limited to; hospitals, grocery stores, police stations, and restaurants;
- Report all client-related activity using the framework of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's iCARE database on a daily basis;
- Ensure the RAP checklist is complete and the client transition to settlement is arranged within the timeframe of the RAP period;
- Work with Supervisor, Resettlement Assistance Program to develop and monitor program measurement tools (evaluations) and report on effectiveness in achieving expected outcomes;
- Work with Supervisor, Resettlement Assistance Program to identify opportunities to improve services to government-assisted refugees;
- Provide guidance to members of Newcomer Connections staff in matters relating to government-assisted refugees;
- Attend speaking engagements and public events as required to raise awareness about the work of Newcomer Connections and the clientele it serves;
- Foster relationships with community groups and organizations who are looking to build relationships with, and supports for, newcomers to Saint John;
- Provide services in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner;
- Provide reports as directed by the with Supervisor, Resettlement Assistance Program and Manager, Settlement and Resettlement Support Services.
- Compile and submit monthly expenses within the mandated deadlines;
- Attend all staff meetings;
- Perform duties as assigned by the Manager, Settlement and Resettlement Support Services and/or the General Manager of Newcomer and Community Connections.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide arrival services including welcoming clients at airport and coordinating transportation to temporary accommodation
- Collaborate with Complex Case Worker to arrange Post Arrival Health Assessments;
- Input and maintain client records in the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database, as directed by the Supervisor, Resettlement Assistance Program;




- Connect government-assisted refugees to mandatory federal and provincial programs, IE. health plan, social insurance number, National Child Benefit, etc.;
- Assist with securing permanent accommodation;
- Coordinate affordable housing options for government assisted refugees and other eligible clients;
- Assist with the collection of household goods and furniture for permanent accommodation;
- Perform client intake for RAP clients, complete data and document input to the Y Newcomer Connections CRM database on intake and co-ordinate the necessary follow-up;
- Liaise with the Complex Case Worker and medical community and Settlement Team to ensure government assisted refugees receive the best possible health care during their initial year in Saint John;

Skills and qualifications
- A Bachelor's Degree, Community College diploma or similar from an accredited institution
- Approachable and possessing a robust client-centric attitude
- Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our immigrant community
- Exceptional ability to communicate in English with clients whose first language is not English
- A minimum of 3 years’ work experience in a cross-cultural environment
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and inter-personal skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends
- Possess drivers license and/or have access to reliable transportation to multiple work locations
- Must be fluent in the English language, knowledge of other languages is a great asset.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement
- Creativity and Innovation: Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results
- Forward Thinking: Thinks beyond the current situation to anticipate changes that may affect the future of the organization
- Planning and Organizing: Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long-term work goals
- Quality Focus: Ensures that YMCA programs and services are superior
- Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interaction both internally and externally to achieve work related goals
- Self-Management: Works independently with minimal supervision
- Sensitivity: Ability to develop an appreciation for the challenges of our clientele and display needed patience and resourcefulness.
- Sense of Community: Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of community and responds to identified needs
- Teamwork: Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness

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📌 Settlement - RAP Counsellor (Saint John)
🏢 YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
📍 Saint John