Caseworker, Community-Based 1-1

About Us:

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph (BBBSG) it is our collective mission to provide life-changing mentoring programs that ignite the power and potential of all young people.  We seek to put children and youth on a path to lifelong success and change the trajectories of their lives in positive ways. We are committed to the recruitment of volunteers, and dedicated to upholding the values and principles of the agency and to those whom we serve. Our organizational vision is that all young people realize their full potential.

The Opportunity:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph is seeking a creative and experienced individual to add to its casework team. You are a strong communicator and collaborator who works closely with BBBSG’s staff, volunteers, children and families. The successful candidate will supervise and support matches in the community-based one-to-one program, the hallmark mentoring initiative with BBBS.

General Purpose:

All Caseworkers report to the Casework Manager.  As program staff, they are required to follow the National Standards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. This position is responsible for supporting and supervising matches in the One to One program.

Matches consist of the following combinations:

• Big Brother/Little Brother
• Big Sister/Little Sister
• Big Sister/Little Brother
• Couple/Little Brother
• Little Sibling/ Big Sibling

Responsibilities/Duties:

Mentee/Child and Family Process:

• Provide information and conduct required interviews for children and their parents during the application process
• Determine a child’s eligibility and suitability for placement in the program
• Contact schools or other involved agencies as appropriate for assessment input
• Provide ongoing referral and support for situations where service provision is not possible
• Provide necessary follow-up/support for children on the waiting list and keep contact information current
• Inform families of reasons for denial of service or the closing of an application
• Redeliver Child Safety program according to National Standards (if needed)
• Re-assess and assign mentees following match termination

Volunteer/Mentor Process:

• Provide necessary information to the volunteer during application process
• Review volunteer application and documentation
• Interview prospective volunteers
• Inform volunteers of their acceptance or rejection
• Re-assess and promote re-assignment of volunteers following termination of a match where appropriate
• Conduct program specific training for Community-Based 1-1 mentors

Matching and Supervision:

• Participate as a team member in the selection and matching process of a Mentor/Child
• Coordinate and facilitate the pre-match meeting between the Mentor, Parent and Child (Where appropriate) and the match meeting
• Monitor match according to National Standards
• Provide necessary intervention and support to volunteers and family in consultation with the casework team
• Maintain files in accordance with agency standards
• Complete case notes for all matches in accordance with National Standards using the Microsoft Dynamics (CRM) case management system
• Provide liaison to other agencies, professionals and institutions as needed for youth, volunteers, and parents
• Facilitate the match closure process

Other Related Duties:

• Perform administrative functions as required to manage caseload
• Assist with the planning and or implementation of annual Community-Based events
• As long as the staff’s caseload is growing, participate in the Recruitment Committee to support volunteer or client enrollment to the CB program (and other programs)
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Director as required (e.g. statistics).
• When needed, assist other staff with Child Safety Training Program for volunteers, children and parents as well as the intake and interview process
• Attend meetings as directed by the Casework Manager or Executive Director
• Participate in the development of policy, procedures and agency guidelines relative to service delivery
• Remain aware of federal & provincial legislation and the agency’s privacy policies & practices
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Casework Manager

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of relevant experience in casework, social work and/or service delivery
• Minimum 2-year post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field is required
• Excellent social, interpersonal and leadership skills, public speaking and writing ability
• Program facilitation or development is an asset
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with databases
• Reliable access to a vehicle

Personal Characteristics:

• Ability to think strategically, communicate effectively and foster teamwork
• Ability to develop and maintain local partnerships
• Advanced problem-solving ability
• Ability to multitask during high stress seasons of work
• Ability to build organizational capacity
• Personal effectiveness, including interpersonal sensitivity and leadership presence
• Well-honed organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work remotely and communicate effectively with the team