Open Arms Program Assistant

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Open Arms Program Assistant will provide support and assistance to the Program Coordinator in various programs within or connected to Open Arms Centre in accordance with Salvation Army mission, values and standards.

KEY Accountabilities:

• Supports a learning environment that enhances Halifax Centre of Hope’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Commit to the COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees as needed.
• Assist in program and service delivery to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs are delivered.
• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.

Open Arms Centre – Program Assistant Task List

• Fully support the Open Arms Coordinator in running the Open Arms Program.
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings
• Support and Assess summer/seasonal employee(s) as needed.
• Help vent requests for volunteers and work placement students
• Help distribute monthly program calendars for families
• Help maintain accurate participant registration lists with emergency contact
• Attend monthly CFS meetings and other meetings/trainings as requested by Open Arms Coordinator and/or COH Administration
• Help conduct seasonal parent/participant surveys to ensure program success – gather results design action plans based on feedback
• Refer parents to CFS/Food bank for assistance with Community referrals (housing help, translation, appointment call, school requests, etc)
• Connect and promote local Salvation Army programs and supports (Christmas, tax clinics, back to school, church)
• New Neighbour orientations
• Help support, maintain, and grow network of community partners
• Create parent communication notices/newsletters
• Participate in annual Community Day (Beautification Day) committee, process and planning as well as other multi-service provider community events
• Help plan Seasonal Camps (March Break & Summer.)
• Help set up programming for eight/nine weeks of summer camp and one week of March Break Camp as well as Christmas Break special programming and PD day events
• Developing monthly After-School program calendars
• Program registration (design registration forms, communicate registration dates, etc) (3/year – fall/winter/summer)
• Help develop holiday special event celebration plans (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc)
• Be aware of culturally important dates and incorporate cultural celebrations into programming (ex Eid)
• Ensure daily snacks are planned and prepared
• Help with program design (selecting activities, procuring supplies, inventory, leading activities with other staff)
• Serve as a parent contact to address parent concerns and communicate issues relating to behaviour/dismissals, etc.
• Clean and tidy up the place after programming

Working Conditions

The incumbent’s work environment is typically at the Open Arms Centre located at 5424 Uniacke Square, Halifax, NS. It may also be at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, etc.

Conditions of Employment:

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required.
• This is a Full time position based on 35 – 40 hours per week;
• The hours of work usually occur Monday to Friday with flexibility expected in the actual shifts in order to accommodate the different programs. (NOTE: Each eight hour shift includes: 2 fifteen minutes paid coffee breaks and a thirty minute unpaid lunch break.)
• Normal location of work is at The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, 2038 Gottingen Street and 5424, 5426, 5428 Uniacke Square, Halifax, NS.

Education/Experience

• Undergraduate Degree or Social Services/Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or a combination of education and experience.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk children preferred.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired, Criminal Record Check, WHMIS.
• Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset.
• Independent and a team player
• Driver’s License with clean abstract (Class 4) is an asset.
• Child abuse / Vulnerable Sector Registry check required.
• Government of Canada Personnel screening may be required.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $18.30 to $22.87 with a maximum of $27.44.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.