About CVIMS: Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides regional support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language, and community programs. We are client-driven and committed to being accessible and responsive to, as well as reflective of, our diverse community.

Job Summary: Provides resettlement assistance services to Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) under the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). Delivers immediate and essential RAP support services and facilitates client transitions from RAP to Case Management or Settlement Services. Works in close cooperation with the RAP Lead and whole RAP team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts needs assessments and referrals that respond to the immediate needs of clients.
• Provides appropriate temporary accommodation that supports timely and effective delivery of RAP services with a minimal burden on clients.
• Supports effective transition from temporary housing to suitable permanent accommodation, including provisions to assist harder to house clients. Supports the RAP team with potential viewing of rental suites, purchase and delivery of furniture, and other household items, moving activities and other related housing duties as directed by supervisor.
• Facilitates life skills to connect clients, where appropriate, with community services and referrals (housing, recreation, transportation, health and wellness options, volunteer organizations or services, banking options, interpretation/translation services, and accompany clients to appointments).
• Assists in applying to and accessing federal and provincial programs.
• Assists in connecting clients directly with health care system, including mental health supports.
• Provides basic practical information, orientation resources and programming that address resettlement newcomers immediate needs, prepare them for longer term integration challenges, inform them of available services and supports including content tailored to the needs of specific client groups (e.g. youth, seniors).
• Conducts financial orientation informing clients about income support and their financial responsibilities to ensure that they understand the basics of Canadian banking and financial systems, the key entitlements and obligations of their income support budget and increasing their financial literacy.
• Engages partnerships to ensure client-focused service delivery.
• Provides support to ensure a seamless and rapid transition from RAP to broader settlement support services, minimizing disruption to the client and facilitating the clients transition toward playing a productive role within Canadian society and economy.
• May provide support to settlement services program (intake and settlement issues).
• Contributes to overall RAP planning and implementation.
• Keeps client management and case notes up to date. Captures data in data management systems and participates in training to learn new systems and stay up to date on systems requirements.
• Participate in RAP-related training opportunities to stay current on issues impacting CVIMS clients.
• Participates in regular team and organization-wide staff meetings.
• Follows all CVIMS policies and administrative procedures.
• Other related duties as assigned; may include occasional client intake.

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Proficient in digital tools and platforms to deliver online services, support clients remotely, and enhance user experience through effective virtual communication.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and active listening to provide personalized, culturally appropriate support, ensuring inclusive and respectful client interactions.
• Skilled in delivering engaging presentations, simplifying complex information, and fostering client interaction.
• Must have the ability to respond productively to challenging situations and manage conflict.
• Keen understanding of diversity issues to work with persons from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds on settlement/resettlement/refugee related issues.
• Required Education and experience:
• Undergraduate degree with 2 years' work experience preferred.
• Direct experience with settlement/resettlement/refugee service delivery and case management and understanding of immigration and refugee issues.
• Two years work experience within social services, nonprofit and/or multicultural environment, preferably targeting refugees.
• Knowledge of community resources. Indigenous cultural competencies and/or lived experience with Indigenous communities welcomed.
• Proficiency in additional language/s preferred.
• Valid first aid certificate required.
• GBA+ certificate required.
• As a condition of employment, valid vulnerable sector criminal record check to be obtained through CVIMS.
• Valid drivers license, drivers abstract and a vehicle are required.

Additional Information:

• Travel within Nanaimo Regional District and other communities will be required. Occasional travel to locations in other parts of British Columbia and/or Canada for purposes like professional development, networking, or conferences may also be required.
• Some work outside of regular office hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required. Flex time schedules will be made to accommodate non-regular work hours. All overtime must be approved in advance.
• Fully-funded health/dental benefits and group RRSP (available after 3-month probation for new hires).
• This job is 37.5 hrs / week
• Wage scale $29.75 / hr.