Community Connector

  • CompanySouthwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
  • Required ExperienceOne (1) year experience working with children is considered an asset
  • Job TypeFull Time
  • Education / CredentialsWorking towards or completed a degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Social Work, Social Service Work, etc
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterRequired
  • Application Deadline02/22/2024

Job Description

FT Community Connector

Status: Full-time, permanent
Location: 449 Hill Street, London
Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary: $20-22.74 per hour
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of vacation, plus sick days, spiritual/cultural leave, birthday
Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental and more
Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan)
Posting Date: February 8, 2023

Deadline: February 22, 2023

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has extended its services in the field of early learning and child care. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC is the operator and licensee of Nshwaasnangong.

Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation; where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities.

The Child Care at Nshwaasnangong offers licensed child care for up to 88 children ages 0-6 years of age old. The adjoining Family Centre is a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families and youth – including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community supports.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Family Centre Supervisor, the Community Connector will represent Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre in the community with families and partners. The Community Connector role is critical to creating a welcoming, trusted place where children and families can access services easily and effectively. This is a position that requires extensive knowledge of all the programs and services available throughout the community, especially those within Indigenous organizations and within other Neighbourhood Child and Family Centres throughout the city.

Requirements
• A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community;
• Working towards or completed a degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Social Work, Social Service Work, Indigenous Studies, Education or other relevant area of study;
• Experience working in community;
• One (1) year experience working with children is considered an asset;
• Experience working in a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is considered an asset;
• Fluency in an Indigenous language considered an asset;
• Genuinely committed to helping children and families learn;
• Demonstrated customer service and programming skills;
• Demonstrated verbal, written and communication skills;
• Proficient with the use of computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet usage, as well as any relevant educational software(s);
• Access to reliable transportation;
• Government-issued driver’s licence, auto insurance and clean driving history an asset
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies
• First Aid and CPR Certificates
• Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
• Up to date immunizations and records

Responsibilities
• Front desk duties, answering calls, make families feel welcome, listen to their stories, answer their questions and help connect them to appropriate resources/services;
• Assist families with program registrations, introduce the families to the program area/resources provided/facilitators and make referrals to specialized programs in the community as needed;
• Work continually at strengthening his/her ties with Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre’s partners, collaborating with other family centres, community-at-large, his/her fellow staff members, the Indigenous community, the parents, and children;
• Role model Seven Grandfather Teachings through interactions & conversations with students, volunteers & community members;
• Participating or planning in after-hours events as needed;
• Other duties as required or assigned by the CEO; Director, Nshwaasnangong; Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre leadership team or delegate;
• Managing social media accounts;
• Coordinating Ashamaawaso (S/he Feeds A Child) Food Box program;
• Assisting with administrative program planning registrations;
• Monitoring and ordering program supplies as needed;
• Updating community board and resources

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to:

Email: careers@soahac.on.ca
Subject line: Community Connector – Nshwaasnangong
Or mail to: Human Resources
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
493 Dundas Street
London, ON N6B 3E1
Please visit Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre online at: www.nshwaasnangong.ca/ or like us on https://www.facebook.com/nshwaasnangong to learn more about us!
We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.