Join the YMCA Newcomer Services Team!

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.
Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.
Why The Y?
At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.
We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.
We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:
• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members
Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.
All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.
Position: Settlement Worker in School (Temporary Full Time Position)
Location: Various schools in the Sarnia and Lambton area and YMCA Learning and Career Centre (660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: 27.87 per hour
Schedule: Monday to Friday- 40 hours a week- Occasional evenings and weekends
End Date: March 31st, 2026 (conditional on funding)
As part of your total compensation:
• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations
• May be entitled to up to 12 paid personal days – applicable with position and contract length
• Benefits package - applicable with position and contract length
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services
In this role, you will:
• Follow YMCA of Southwestern Ontario policy and procedures
• Act as a YMCA ambassador, demonstrating YMCA core values in your daily work
• Determine eligibility for services and conduct initial SWIS assessments to identify needs, assets and obstacles to success
• Provides settlement services to newcomer students and parents, which includes but is not limited to conducting intakes, needs and assessments, providing information and referrals, and providing practical settlement advice as part of the client management process while maintaining a high level of confidentiality
• Refer newcomers' clients to appropriate internal and external programs and resources
• Implement accepted settlement counseling practices and procedures including accurate documentation, continuous assessment, file maintenance and client follow-up
• Maintain and expand client base through outreach, developing outreach materials and promoting school community networks
• Assist with exploration, research and the development of workshops and programs that address identified client needs
• Assist with the creation of program reports such as attendance(database), narrative reports, curriculum, and school presentation
• Organizes and facilitates regular engaging group sessions for youth and families
• Works closely with school staff in order to raise awareness of settlement-related issues
• Maintains accurate statistical information to track client needs, complete required reports and data
• Participates in the school welcome and orientation process for Newcomer students and their families
• Facilitates access to school activities, committees, councils, and associations
• Encourages families to advocate on their own behalf, including for the educational needs of their children/youth
• Provides family with support during school's meetings
• Works in collaboration with the schools to provide support to the families.
• Assist with the creation of Program reports such as attendance(database), narrative reports, curriculum, and school presentations
• Participates in school meetings and events
• Facilitates constructive and culturally sensitive communication between the school staff and Newcomer families/students
• Operates in accordance with the policies, guidelines, and protocols of the YMCA and partner organizations
• Attends professional development workshops, organizational and community meetings, training, and any development opportunity
• Other duties as required

Education and Skills Qualifications:
• Post-secondary degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Political Science, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with newcomers
• Experience working with youth
• Knowledge of immigration law and government/community-funded programs
• Familiarity with the Ontario school system (asset)
• Skilled in virtual platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet)
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid G license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Fluency in English; a second language is an asset
• Current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti-oppressive practices
• Comfortable using public transportation
• Knowledge of local children and youth services
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Provide SWIS services in schools to assist newcomer families and students with integration
• Refer clients to internal and external programs and resources
• Advocate on behalf of clients when appropriate
• Facilitate culturally sensitive communication between school staff and newcomer families
• Conduct group sessions and presentations for youth and parents/guardians
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure privacy of all participant information
• Determine eligibility and maintain accurate, secure client files
• Adhere to program targets and complete database entries (K2 system)
• Submit program expenses by monthly deadlines
• Create and implement yearly action plans and program reports
• Develop enhanced services based on client needs and fiscal guidelines
• Maintain inventory and ensure quality programming
• Collaboration & Community Engagement
• Work with school boards, agencies, and community groups to coordinate services
• Attend meetings with SWIS program manager, RM of Newcomer Child & Youth
• Participate in school and community events, planning sessions, and training
• Promote the SWIS program across Sarnia and Lambton
• Foster community relationships and awareness of YMCA’s core values

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.