( 2 positions available)

 
LUSO Community Services is a provider of community social services with a holistic approach to community development.  We provide programs and services in the London community for children, youth, families and seniors of culturally diverse and ethnic backgrounds. SWIS-London is a partnership between the London District Catholic School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services, and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.  SWIS-London is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
 
Reporting: The Settlement Worker will be an employee of LUSO Community Services.  Day-to-day supervision/consultation will be provided by LUSO’s SWIS Program Supervisor.
 
Work Timelines: The Settlement Worker position is full-time, 38 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Positions are contract until March 31, 2017.   **The ideal candidates must be able to commence September 6, 2016
 
Duties: Provide newcomers to Canada with support to improve their opportunities to become independent by enabling access to school and community information, services and resources.
 
Roles and Responsibilities
 
Individual assistance
Settlement workers will follow a co-ordinated case management approach in providing direct service work with the newcomer students and their families (the client).

• Provide services in a supportive and culturally-sensitive and linguistically-appropriate manner.
• Participate in the school reception and orientation process for newcomer students and their families.
• Provide orientation sessions on programs and services available in the school and community.
• Inform and orient families and students about settlement related issues.
• Provide outreach services to new families.
• Facilitate access to school activities, committees, councils and associations.
• Facilitate referrals and access to available resources in the community, social services, professional services and government programs.
• Provide support groups as needed.

• Enable families to advocate on their own behalf, including for the educational needs of their children.
• Advocate on client's behalf when appropriate.

 
Direct service work with the school staff

• Facilitate constructive and culturally-sensitive communication between the school staff and the newcomer students and their families.
• Inform and orient staff about settlement-related issues.
• Assist the school with initiating contact with all newcomer families.
• Provide cultural background information to the school staff as needed.

 
Presentations (in collaboration with school and community partners)

• Facilitate the communication between the client and school in group and presentation contexts.
• Participate in development and presentation of cultural profiles and workshops.
• Assist in workshops to increase newcomers' understanding of the educational system and parenting issues in a Canadian context.
• Participate on committees, workshops, and conferences.
• In co-operation with partners and other agencies, conduct group orientation and information sessions.
• Promote settlement-related services for individuals and groups.
• Develop and implement settlement-related activities for large and small groups.

 
SWIS Administration

• Participate in on-the-job training.
• Actively participate in all Settlement Worker staff meetings and workshops.
• Participate in the overall operation and activities of the organization.
• Maintain and submits accurate tracking forms and provides regular monthly updates to LUSO’s SWIS Program supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate written records and files pertaining to settlement services provided to clients.
• Provide a monthly written report to LUSO’s SWIS Program Supervisor regarding activities and trends. 
• Maintain overall management of client caseload.
• Ensure appropriate and confidential handling of client information and files.
• Operate in accordance with the policies, guidelines, and protocols of the program and partner organizations.
• Accept other duties as assigned by LUSO’s SWIS Program Supervisor.

 
Lines of Communication

• Communicate regularly with LUSO’s SWIS Program Supervisor.
• Communicate regularly with the school administrator or designate.
• Collaborate with other settlement workers to ensure integrated service delivery for clients.

 
Job Expectations

• Provide client-centered services in a supportive and culturally-sensitive manner.
• Operate in accordance with policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols of LUSO Community Services, Thames Valley District School Board, the London Catholic District School Board and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Participate as a member of  LUSO Community Services’ staff team by furthering collective team goals.
• Represent the principles and values of LUSO Community Services.
• Work independently and effectively in a team and with other professionals in the community.
• Promote and demonstrate sensitivity to cross-cultural issues.

 
Qualifications:

• Prefer post secondary education in Social Services
• Extensive experience in actively supporting newcomers and referring newcomers, refugees and immigrants to needed services.
• Knowledge of current legislation and policies affecting newcomers, refugees and immigrants.
• Thorough knowledge of social services systems and complement resources.
• Knowledge and experience of the school environment preferred and ability to work effectively and strategically in a school setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate in a second language an asset- in particular: Arabic, Korean  Spanish or French.
• Organizational, time management, and leadership skills.
• Assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and experience in using a PC and associated programs – Windows, MS Office, etc.
• Must obtain a Vulnerable Person’s Police Screening- at own cost
• Possess First Aid and CPR or willing to obtain at own cost within 3 months of employment
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle