Cornerstone - Activities Coordinator

Position Title: Activities Coordinator

Reports to: Program Manager and Building Manager

Wage Grid: $28-$32.00/hour

Hours/Week: 28

Line(s) Available: 8:30am-4pm Fri-Mon

Connective Support Society:

Connective Support Society is a social services nonprofit operating in BC and the Yukon to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our organization’s story began nearly 60 years ago with the mission of providing effective, just, and humane responses to the causes and consequences of the justice system that fosters a safe and supported community. In 2022, we launched our new brand identity as Connective in order help differentiate our growth and support our expansion into service areas driven by the needs of diverse communities. The Connective approach is person-centered, holistic, and inclusive – we provide programs and services with essential supports to vulnerable and marginalized community members, including those involved in the criminal justice system, experiencing homelessness, employment barriers, problematic substance use, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or spectrum disorders.

Program Description:

Cornerstone is a newly constructed supportive housing building that provides permanent, secure homes for individuals at risk of experiencing or currently experiencing homelessness in the Nanaimo region. Located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the 51-unit modular building has 24/7 staffing and is operated by Connective Support Society Nanaimo, in partnership with BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo. Cornerstone functions with the principles of Housing First at its forefront, with the goal of promoting long-term health and well-being for both the residents and the overall community. By providing a safe, secure place to live for those individuals with multiple barriers to housing, residents are more likely to experience an improved quality of life and foster self-sufficiency. 

Summary of Position:

The Activities Coordinator will work closely with the Program Manager and other lead positions to support with the creation and coordination of resident programming activities, events, and outings that promote resident wellness, self-sufficiency, education, community connection and skills building. This position includes building positive, therapeutic relationships with participants, providing case management/wrap around supports, and promoting participant self-determination and goal achievement. The Activities Coordinator will work collaboratively with internal and external service providers to effectively carry out program deliverables.

Under the supervision and direction of the Program and Building Managers, this position plays a key role in program development, implementation and evaluation strategies and acts as an identified contact for other professionals and participants.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Under the direction of the Program Manager, develop, coordinate, and implement a variety of therapeutic, educational and recreational programming and activities for small and large groups of Cornerstone residents.
2. Network with other related services providers to identify and promote other social, economic, recreational, and education services available in the community.
3. Ensure adequate space, staff or community support, and materials necessary for programming are secured prior to start times.
4. Receive feedback from residents on preferred therapeutic, social, and recreational activities or programming.
5. Promote a positive, calm environment using skills in de-escalation and strong ability to mediate residents’ differences of philosophy and opinion.
6. Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participating residents and other attendees during programming or activities on site and in community.
7. Establish and facilitate programming that recognizes diversity in background, age, gender, and culture among residents and is suitable for participants experiencing mental health and addictions issues.
8. Assists with transporting and/or escorting resident participants to, from or within the site and in the community.
9. Monitor resident behaviour and communicate any general, program-related, or critical incidents to Cornerstone management and staff.
10. Document resident participation and carry out evaluative processes regarding programming.

Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary training: mental health certificate, degree in human services, criminology, social work, community support worker diploma or a related field and/or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience is required.
2. Combined knowledge and experience about programming, activities, and services that support and assist individuals.
3. Experience in group facilitation an asset.
4. Be self-directed and be able to create priorities and manage time.
5. Adhere to professional guidelines with respect to client confidentiality.

Working Challenges:

When working with a vulnerable population, there can be exposure to adverse environmental working conditions. These can include verbal and physical aggression, which require safety precautions and a calm perspective in approaching the situation. Although there are challenges involved with this role, guidelines and policies are in place to support the employee in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sectors Check (RCMP)
2. Naloxone Training
3. First Aid Certificate – Standard and CPR
4. Current Driver’s License
5. Driver’s Abstract Record
6. Knowledge of community resources
7. Successful reference check
8. Successful educational verification
9. Reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage

Employee Benefits:

1. Accrue up to a maximum of eighteen paid days for Sick Leave
2. Three weeks paid vacation; increased to four weeks paid vacation after five consecutive years of employment.
3. Comprehensive benefits package after 3-month probation period, including medical, prescription, wellness, dental, and vision benefits.
4. Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Contribution Program
5. Ongoing, paid staff development opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Connective is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. To build a strong and representative workforce, we welcome applications from individuals who identify as or belong to the following: BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, immigrants, people with disabilities or neurodiversity, and other marginalized communities.