Newcomer Integration Specialist [Part Time]

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 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:

Working as part of a team, the main priorities for the Newcomer Integration Specialist are to provide direct, settlement, employment, housing and orientation services to address the needs of newcomers eligible for the BC Safe Haven program. This position will work collaboratively with clients and the CVIMS team to develop appropriate strategies for clients who have applied as Refugee Claimants and are going through the Immigration Refugee Board process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and review needs assessment to identify the newcomer needs across broad spectrum of settlement areas including language, employment, education and housing.


• Provide information and orientation services to newcomers through one-on-one meetings, both online and in person.


• Develop initial settlement action plans with clients, including goals to achieve settlement success as outlined in the CVIMS logic model.


• Identify and arrange support services as required including interpretation & translation, housing, transportation, and crisis counselling. Conduct regular and thorough follow ups, monitor and review client progress.


• Facilitate appropriate referrals and access to services both at CVIMS and in the community. Build client awareness of community resources that will support their settlement.


• Utilize telephone, email and zoom to perform outreach services and meet with clients.


• Support opportunities for mentoring, volunteer matching and peer support. Connect newcomers to Canadian citizens, employers, community organizations and public institutions.


• Promote a variety of orientation and life skills sessions available at CVIMS and other community partners to broaden the client’s knowledge of life in Canada and ease integration into the community.


• In conjunction with the Team Lead, develop partnerships with service providers and businesses to promote BC Safe Haven funded programs and services in order to effectively link clients with appropriate community resources.


• Ensure all clients are input and documented accurately and timely in client management systems (Carmis); maintain complete and confidential electronic client records


• Assist in the preparation of reports.


• Participate in settlement planning activities, monitor changes to immigration policies, develop and share resources for improved service delivery among colleagues on Vancouver Island (Nanaimo, Duncan and Victoria.) Some travel is required.


• Maintain up to date knowledge of all services available in the community to support clients to allow for appropriate referrals and liaise with other community service providers


• Participate in regular staff conferencing and briefings to ensure excellence and holistic client service


• Ensure strict adherence to client confidentiality and all other professional codes of conduct


• Work collaboratively as part of the CVIMS team


• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings and group trainings as required


• Perform other related duties as requested by direct Team Lead or Director of CVIMS


• Participate in yearly Performance Development Planning and program evaluation process

Required Education and Certifications:

• Relevant post-secondary education in career development, counselling, or social work or related field. Combination of education and experience will be considered.


• 2 years demonstrated competence in counselling, program facilitation, and case management of vulnerable sector clients.


• BC Class 5 Driver’s License and own transportation required.


• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check on file with CVIMS required.


• First Aid Level 1 required.


• Training or demonstrated proficiency using client databases, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Teams, and other digital tools required.


• Superior inter-personal and communication skills. Excellent spoken and written English required.

Preferred Jobs Skills, Experience and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of immigration processes, settlement challenges, systemic barriers and cultural adjustment processes.


• Additional qualifications and / or training in trauma-informed practice and case management are considered an asset.


• Minimum 2 year of experience in a similar environment (social services, nonprofit organization, and/or multicultural organization).


• GBA+ certification.


• Cultural competency and sensitivity; experience working with people from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds or with marginalized populations


• Familiarity with resources and supports available in the greater Nanaimo area.


• Priority will be given to applications who are eligible to work in Canada for minimum 3 years.


• Fluency in a second language would be an asset


• Accountable individual who adheres to agency policies and procedures


• Attitudes and values in keeping with the goals and philosophies of CVIMS

Additional Information:

• Travel within Nanaimo Regional District 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