Community Development Worker, Poverty Reduction

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) mission is to enhance, strengthen and stabilize our community by identifying gaps, assets and needs, connecting people and systems, developing and strengthening community partnerships through preventative and early-intervention based programming.

The Community Development Worker, Poverty Reduction position will enhance the quality of life of those residents impacted by poverty and is a touch point for all individuals, committees, non-profit and government organizations collaborating in the development of programs, strategies and policies that address poverty. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about community and making a difference with Cochrane and area residents.  By building and maintaining professional relationships with local and regional service providers, you will recognize and understand the implications of emerging social issues which may have broader significance; and work with FCSS, the FRN and community organizations to develop solutions.

Please note: This part-time position is 21 hours/week.

If you want to make a difference in our community and have at least 2 years of experience working with people impacted by poverty, we welcome your application for the Community Development Worker, Poverty Reduction. 
 
Why should you consider working for us?

Our employees enjoy many perks including competitive public sector pay, professional learning and development opportunities and the opportunity to work with other talented municipal professionals.
 
As an organization, the Town of Cochrane has a focus on investing in people. This is not a boring municipality.  We are growing into an organization with a focus on transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, reflection and innovation.  We support experimentation as part of the growth process and strive for continuous improvement.  We are municipal employees and we are accountable to all the residents of Cochrane.  Want to be a part of this exciting time?

What are some of the responsibilities of the Community Development Worker, Poverty Reduction?

• Recognize and understand the implications of emerging social issues which may have broader significance; and work with FCSS, the FRN and community organizations to develop solutions.
• Initiate processes to engage participants in the development of strategies that address community need.
• Support community organizations through consultation and guidance in the development and evaluation of policies, programs, events, and services.
• Provide mentorship in determining outcomes, evaluating for success, and improving for the future.
• Lead and/or participate in various relevant internal and community committees, boards, coalitions, working groups.
• Develop and deliver programs and events based on identified need, Social Policy, identified priorities, and community strategies.
• In collaboration with FCSS, the FRN and community partners, plan and/or deliver education and awareness opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of services to ensure quality maintenance and the meeting of community needs.
• Maintain statistics, outcomes and demographic information for the purposes of reporting and program development.
• Respond to general requests by individuals, groups, agencies, media, and others for; information, referral, presentations, facilitation, general guidance or input.
• Develop resources such as toolkits to support the building of capacity within the community.
• Work with key stakeholders to create an annual program and event marketing plan. Collaborate with Town of Cochrane Communications team to ensure timely promotion of initiatives through website, print materials, social media, etc.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you!

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Community Development or equivalent.
• 2-5 years community development experience working with residents impacted by poverty.
• Project management skills to ensure services operate within budget and assigned timelines.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong facilitation skills. Experience leading group processes.
• Able to utilize a systems thinking approach.
• Program development and delivery experience.
• Ability to prioritize and monitor the activities of a substantial and diverse range of projects which also include a diverse range of people.
• Knowledge of the community and various government ministries.
• Understanding of granting process, funders and their mandates.

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all of our employees. As a Cochrane employee you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, directives and procedures and attend all identified orientations and training.

Still interested?  Here’s how to apply:

• Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills and abilities for this position
• All qualified candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey
• Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST November 4, 2024 at www.cochrane.ca/jobs