Canada, Ontario, Kitchener
Applications due: 13 Aug, 2026

Job Synopsis

The Community Engagement & Outreach Associate (Part-Time, 22.5 hours weekly) fosters a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for tenants, staff, volunteers, and visitors at MCC Ontario’s 50 Kent Avenue location. As part of the Walking with People in Poverty team, the role responds to crises and safety concerns with a peacebuilding approach while building relationships that support long-term engagement and connection to community services. Working closely with MCC Thrift on Kent, Facilities, and community partners, the Associate contributes to coordinated responses that promote safety, dignity, and inclusion within the building and surrounding community.

Reporting to MCC Ontario’s Walking with People in Poverty Program Coordinator, the Associate is part of the Poverty team and works in close collaboration with the full-time Community Engagement & Outreach Associate, staff in MCC Thrift on Kent, Facilities, Administration, and other tenants at 50 Kent. This is a programmatic role with two primary focuses:
1. In-the-moment response to crisis situations, safety concerns, and disruptive behaviour within the 50 Kent building, including, but not limited to, the Thrift Shop.
2. Proactive relationship-building with individuals who frequently access the building, as well as with local KW agencies to support referral pathways, community-based solutions, and long-term engagement.

MCC is a charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations worldwide to walk with people who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living and alternatives to violence. As an internationally recognized NGO, MCC currently serves in more than 45 countries with over 475 partners, 1,000 staff and 40,000 volunteers.

Additional Details:

This role is based at MCC Ontario’s 50 Kent Avenue location, with flexible hours required to align with peak operating times for MCC Thrift on Kent and broader building activity.
Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada for the duration of their employment. Successful candidates will be required to provide a Police Background Check upon hire.

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Part Time at .6 FTE

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer,



committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Required

- Demonstrated experience in front-line crisis response and de-escalation
- Experience supporting individuals facing mental health and/or substance use challenges
- Ability to build relationships, trust, and partnerships with diverse individuals and community agencies
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to maintain accurate documentation and case tracking
- Solid organizational and administrative skills (including proficiency in MS Office and ability to manage competing priorities independently)
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Commitment to working respectfully within diverse cultural and theological contexts
- Bachelor’s degree in a related human/social services field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred

- Training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and/or safety (e.g., NVCI, MHFA, First Aid/CPR, Naloxone, trauma-informed care)
- Knowledge of local Kitchener-Waterloo community services and supports related to homelessness, mental health, and addictions
- Familiarity with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
- Experience with peacebuilding approaches in community or organizational settings

Key Responsibilities

Security & Crisis Response

- Maintain a visible, calm presence in high-needs areas of the 50 Kent building to support safety and build trust with individuals accessing the space
- Respond to incidents, disruptions, and crises using de-escalation and peacebuilding approaches; assess risk and engage emergency services when required
- Monitor building activity (including cameras and site checks) to proactively identify and address safety concerns
- Collaborate with MCC Thrift on Kent, Facilities, and Administration to address emerging safety issues and strengthen coordinated responses
- Contribute to the development and implementation of violence prevention, safety, and response protocols
- Provide debriefing and post-incident support to individuals and staff involved in incidents





Outreach & Community Engagement

- Build respectful, ongoing relationships with individuals who regularly access the building to support trust, engagement, and connection to services
- Develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies to strengthen referral pathways and coordinated responses
- Participate in program team discussions to align outreach, safety practices, and peacebuilding approaches
- Collaborate with community partners (including local police/community units) on strategies to improve safety and community well-being

Training & Capacity Building

- Support the delivery of training for staff and volunteers related to de-escalation, crisis response, and peacebuilding practices

Program Development & Administration

- Maintain accurate, timely documentation of incidents, follow-ups, and trends
- Contribute insights to program evaluation, continuous improvement, and planning

Core values and Expectations

- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- Assist with special events and projects as needed.
- Participate in MCCO orientations, provincial meetings, Peace Conference and Staff Development Days
- Participate in a local faith community, being willing to use your personal gifts within this community.
- Model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful daily interactions with staff and the public.
- Maintain a high level of integrity, reflecting Christian respect and Christ's unconditional love to those with whom you work, including colleagues, partner agencies, the homeless and the marginalized.
- Communicate MCC's values to customers, volunteers and donors.

Start Date

15 Sep, 2026

Salary Details

Base salary: $39,213 - The salary stated is an annual amount. This role starts on day 1 with a company paid benefit package

Advantages

Group benefits package is employer-paid and includes supplemental medical/dental/vision, life insurance, AD&D;, global medical assistance, EAP and RRSP contributions matched - starts on day one.

LTD premiums are the responsibility of all permanent, salaried positions. Premiums are the responsibility of the team member and are paid through salary deduction.

Additional Information

MCC Ontario affirms:

- That AI is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants for any position.
- All job postings are for an existing vacancy.

Location Description

This role will work out of the building at 50 Kent Avenue in Kitchener, supporting both the Thrift on Kent Thrift Shop, the MCC Ontario Office as well as the other tenants in this building.

📌 Community Engagement & Outreach Associate ( PT) Kitchener Ontario (Canada)
🏢 Mennonite Central Committee
📍 Canada