Join Our Team
Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 18,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

There are two part-time contract Newcomer Employment Navigator positions available starting on May 05, 2025, and ending on October 31, 2025.

One position requires working 15 hours per week, and the other position requires working 22.5 hours per week.
This position requires mandatory languages spoken to serve clients in their first language - One role is for Farsi and Dari speaker; the other role is for Arabic speaker.

Your Role:
Provides support to individual newcomers to access appropriate employment, training and wraparound supports as needed, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with low English language and low digital literacy skills. Works with the Employment Services Team and community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to employment services and supports. Provides employment outreach services to streamline newcomer supports within the community. Works in alignment with the agencys commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.

Tasks:
Client Service:
1. Support individuals to access employment and seamless support services as needed.
2. Completes registration forms and verifies documentation to support clients to access employment services.
3. Support clients with job search, interviews, new job orientation and job coaching (Workplace Health & Safety Training)
4. Supports clients with employment related applications such online job applications, police checks, drivers abstracts, credential assessments, etc.
5. Supports clients to complete job related or income support application forms for Employment Insurance, WSIB, Ontario Works, and other employment-related benefits
6. Assists clients in identifying and accessing appropriate personal protective equipment, tools and equipment and work-related clothing as required for their employment.
7. Conducts client assessments to determine service eligibility, employment, and career planning needs; recommends resources and makes appropriate referrals.
8. Refers clients to appropriate settlement, housing, legal and health-related services reducing barriers to client access by supporting with communication through the referral process.
9. Builds rapport and maintains contact with clients to establish an effective counselling relationship.
10. Provides ongoing job maintenance services to program participants.
11. Provides crisis intervention assistance for clients, including housing referrals, income support, and other external community resources.
12. Facilitates job search, career development, health and safety and job maintenance workshops for groups or individuals.
13. Holds events, discussions, and focus groups where newcomers can communicate needs.

Case Management:
14. Facilitates meetings between client and Employment Services staff.
15. Coordinates regular case conferences to ensure effective service provision.
16. Engages in creative problem-solving to address service gaps. Assists in referral and access of services as required.
17. Provides case management to ensure a successful client transition into the labour market and job retention.
18. Liaises with external agencies to facilitate referrals and coordinate client services (e.g., immigrant services, school boards, probation services, OW and ODSP, Service Canada)
19. Connects and liaises with community agencies, educational and training institutions, and employers to support short- and longer-term employment outcomes for clients.
20. Provides follow-up support for clients.

Job Coaching:
21. Facilitates the training of participants on the job site and provides the employer or coworkers with strategies for teaching techniques and on-site training.
22. Coaches participants to acquire the necessary life and job-related skills for success at the work site (e.g., telephone use, public transit, dress requirements and safety issues).
23. Coaches participants to implement strategies at the work site for independent problem solving.
24. Helps clients understand workplace policies and established procedures such as WHMIS, vacation requests, sick days, reporting structures and.
25. Supports communication between the employer and client, if necessary.
26. Provides follow-up services to employers and clients as required including ongoing job maintenance services.
27. Provides support, including translation/interpretation and technical support for clients to complete the required onboarding documentation, online employment training & orientation after they are hired.

Community Development:
28. Develops and strengthens relationships with employers and community organizations.
29. Collaborates with community partners and businesses to establish ongoing support for job access and retention.
30. Represents Employment Services on local committees.
31. Contributes to community discussion and action to reduce systemic barriers and improve service and employment access for marginalized newcomers.
32. Promotes dialogue to counter anti-immigration sentiment, promote hiring newcomers, and build inclusive communities.
33. Advocates for marginalized newcomers within the community by supporting and building collaborative relationships with local social service agencies to enable them to better serve newcomer clients with low language or low digital literacy.

Administration:
34. Assists with the development and implementation of marketing strategy and promotions.
35. Under the supervision of the Supervisor or Manager, assists with training, supporting, and evaluating students and volunteers.
36. Meets agency and funder outcomes as well as monthly individual targets.
37. Liaises with the Supervisor / Program Manager to communicate information and provide progress reports for submission to funding bodies.
38. Maintains client files according to agency and funding guidelines; prepares for file audit requirements.
39. Develops a variety of reporting forms including employment action plans, monthly statistics, and reports.
40. Stays current on labour market information related to job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information.
41. Develops and updates workshop content to meet current trends and participant needs.
42. Administers training/participant supports according to client need and funder requirements.

Your Talents and Experience:
A degree or diploma in social services, business or education with relevant experience working in a community-based setting. Lived experience or a strong understanding of the immigration experience is an asset. Fluency in Farsi, Dari and Arabic are required for this role. Fluency in other languages would also be considered an asset. Knowledge of the local labour market and community services within the Guelph-Wellington area. Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and Employment Standards Act an asset. Solid understanding and experience working interculturally with newcomers and refugees. Strong commitment to customer service is essential. Strong organizational, communication and administrative skills desired. Excellent oral and written skills. Advanced knowledge of MS Office and various social media platforms. Some evening work may be required. A valid drivers license and reliable transportation are required. Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment would be considered an asset.

Whats in it for you?
Job Band G (hourly wages): Min - $26.62, Mid - $28.83, Max - $32.54
A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and

services.
3 Weeks paid vacation (accumulated bi-weekly)
15 hours of personal time per year.
Paid sick time (accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
Employee Referral Incentive Program.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on April 23, 2025.

This is an internal and external posting.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Commitment to Equity

As a community agency delivering mental health, employment, and housing services, Starling Community Services acknowledges Canadas history of systemic racism, oppression, and the need for structural and institutional change. We are committed to continuously improving so that we may deliver equitable and accessible services to our entire community.

We are dedicated to embedding equity practices into the fabric of our organization, recognizing that this requires ongoing effort, education, and dialogue. Guided by our equity strategy, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and success for all staff, regardless of their identity or background.