Community Resource Worker (Part-Time)

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 30,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the architecture and our friendly people. Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) mission is to encourage, strengthen and stabilize family and community life.  Within FCSS, the Family Resource Network (FRN) provides a range of services and supports focused on strengthening knowledge, social support, access to community supports and resources, improving child development, building resiliency, and fostering well-being. 
 
The Community Resource Worker sees clients daily and offers services that are strength-based, trauma-informed, inclusive, supportive and respectful, with a strong focus on capacity building. 
 
The day-to-day of the Community Resource Worker is fast-paced and varied.  This role conducts intake assessments and provides information, support, systems navigation, case management or referral with the goal of strengthening resiliency and positive outcomes.  The role also responds to client needs and advocates for members in the community.  
 
Daily collaboration with FCSS, the FRN and other partners is important. This role is responsible for building and maintaining effective relationships with other social, health and community services with the goal of improving coordination of services to better meet the needs of residents.
 
Please note: This position is 17.5 hours/week; it is grant-funded with possibility of extension.
 
If you want to make a difference in our community and have 3-5 years of experience in a social services environment, we welcome your application for the Community Resource Worker.  
 
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. This part time position is not eligible for medical or dental benefits.
 
What are some of the duties of the Community Resource Worker?

• Using advanced skills, intake assessments are completed with individuals, families and older adults to determine their needs and potential courses of action.
• Using supportive counselling skills, residents are supported to prioritize needs, identify options and develop plans of action.
• Using extensive knowledge of local and regional resources, direct or supported referrals are provided to FCSS/FRN programs or to other community or government services as needed.
• Acts as an advocate when necessary and supports the development of self-advocacy skills.
• Acts in a limited case management role when residents require significant support to access programs, services and/or manage within multiple systems.
• Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with other health, social service and government agencies to address service needs, reduce barriers to services and to improve collaboration and coordination to better meet the needs of residents.
• Utilizes available Case Collaboration Tables to support their work or to directly support residents.
• Utilizes the FCSS/FRN database and all paper record keeping processes to maintain appropriate  records of client demographics, program utilization, evaluation data, etc.
• Recommends, advocates for or leads program development initiatives or collaborations that fit the mandate/strategic direction of FCSS/FRN, based on trends in client data such as identified presenting issues, demographic groups with specific needs and/or systems thinking knowledge and skills.
• Promotes FCSS and FRN services to clients and out in the community.
• Participates in Emergency Social Services in the event that the Town initiates the Municipal Emergency Plan.

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

• Completion of a diploma or degree in social work, psychology or other health-related discipline is required.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in community/social service environment
• Registration with a professional body is an asset
• Extensive knowledge of local and regional community resources
• Knowledge of social and individual factors that impact individual and family well-being
• Knowledge of domestic violence screening/safety planning
• Knowledge of supportive strengths-based assessment and interventions
• Skills in systems thinking, analysis and advocacy
• Excellent communication, organizational, public relations and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Basic conflict resolution (ability to deal with people in a tactful, diplomatic and professional manner at all times)
• Basic knowledge of MS Office Suite Software
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License with insured, reliable vehicle
• First Aid/CPR considered an asset
• Clear Criminal Record – Vulnerable Sector Check
• Clear Child Intervention Record Check

The Town of Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all of its employees.  As a Town of Cochrane employee you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at Town worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, Town 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 a suitable candidate is hired at www.cochrane.ca/jobs