Project Ujima Coordinator -
Family Navigator
Application Due Date: February 6, 2022
Position Start Date: February 28, 2022
Hours: Full Time for duration of funding (3 years)
Pay: $50,000 plus benefits and pension matching
Reports to: Program Manager
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of mothers and children in Elgin County?
Fresh Start Support Services is hiring a full time Project Coordinator - Family Navigator!
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Fresh Start Support Services (Fresh Start) is a registered charity, unionized, community agency located in St Thomas, Ontario. Fresh Start offers supports to pregnant and parenting women, children and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing a supportive transitional housing program; community housing support and referral services; parenting supports; and maternal infant mental health programs and services. We do this by working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and support. All of Fresh Start’s programs are trauma informed and attachment focused and built on a Christian theological foundation and done to show Christ’s love. All the programs and services are open to families, young women and their children living in the broader community.
Ujima Project (the “Project”) at Fresh Start (the “agency“) is an initiative of the Ontario Association of Young Parents Agencies (OAYPA) that is comprised of over twenty agencies throughout Ontario that provide programs and services to vulnerable young parents and their children. This initiative will plan and implement 9 Early Childhood Development Hubs throughout Ontario.
Job Description
​The Program Coordinator, Family Navigator will be a key contact for young parents and their children seeking resources to help them live independently in the community, or exploring kinship or co-parenting options. Young parents and their infants will be partnered with the Program Coordinator who will engage in a collaborative approach to determine the range of young parents and infant/children service needs and their readiness to access treatment/care. The Program Coordinator will facilitate access to timely care, utilizing detailed and extensive knowledge of mental health, infant and early childhood attachment and be a “bridge” between the family and services for young parents offered by community agencies.
Qualifications
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A degree in health promotion, child development, child and youth care or psychology or a relevant field or an acceptable level of education, skills and experience; additional training in infant mental health, attachment, trauma, conflict resolution and/or addictions preferred
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Minimum 3 years’ experience working within the community-based child and youth mental health or the young parent and infant sectors, preferably with youth families and their children.
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Demonstrated knowledge of child development and infant/maternal health issues.
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Knowledge of the new parent and family engagement framework, and be able to effectively engage hard-to-reach young parents.
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Knowledge of and passion for working with marginalized, racialized and/or LGBTQ2S youth is preferred.
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Knowledge and understanding of infant and early childhood mental health, housing, community support services, youth mental health and addictions services across the region.
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Demonstrated understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by youth parents and their families in culturally diverse, newcomer, and/or low-income communities.
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Excellent youth/family engagement and rapport building skills with an understanding of youth-focused,
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client-centered care that is offered in a non-judgmental, strength-based, trauma-informed environment.
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Ability to establish effective working relationships with relevant public, private sector service providers and other community agencies, healthcare services and resources to assist youth parents and their families with accessing housing, healthcare, infant mental health, trauma, attachment, mental health/addictions services and to support successful introductions to services.
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Demonstrated program planning, coordination and evaluation skills
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Ability to set goals and get results within a pre-determined timeline
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Ability to multi-task and work independently and flexibility in accepting work assignments.
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Effective time management, decision-making and organizational skills
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A good team member and supportive of interdisciplinary practice
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Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
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Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients
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Current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate
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Effectively communicate the mission of the organization and put Christ’s love into action.
Working Conditions
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Interacts with clients, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel.
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Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
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Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting and lifting.
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Travel may be required. A license and access to a vehicle may be required.
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Overtime as required
Position Start Date
February 28, 2022
Application Due Date
February 6, 2022
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in and you would like to be a part of
our organization, please email your resume and cover letter to info@fsms.ca.
Fresh Start offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement opportunities.
The successful candidate must have a negative criminal reference check and vulnerable sector
screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, the candidate will need to agree to
Fresh Start’s Statement of Faith and Sanctity of Life Statements as aligned with our Christian foundation.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005,
and the Fresh Start’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the
hiring process. Please make your needs known in advance. Fresh Start encourages applications
from persons who represent the diverse populations we serve.
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We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.