Social Support Worker

Join Our Team at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

We are currently seeking to hire for the following position:

• JOB TITLE
• • Social Support Worker
• EMPLOYMENT STATUS
• • 35 hours weekly – contract position until March 31, 2027 with the possibility of extension.
• STARTING DATE
• • Immediately
• LOCATION
• • Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Carson's Community House
• SUPERVISOR
• • Program Pillar Lead, Community Support and Development
• Salary
• • $25.65 – $27.41 / h, based on qualifications and experience, plus group health benefits (including family coverage)

ABOUT US

Founded in 1982, community has been at the heart of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC). Located in Ottawa’s Ward 13, we work to build and promote a healthy and resilient community through the delivery of quality, diverse, and innovative services in a safe and inclusive environment. We provide a range of social support interventions that empower residents, strengthen community resilience, and promote the inclusion of all. These services include food bank supports, crisis intervention, community development initiatives, children and youth programming, the operation of several food-related social enterprises, and a community social innovation hub.

Our diverse team of employees, supported by a strong network of volunteers and our Board of Directors, develops, implements, and delivers a wide range of programs and services within our ward and beyond. Recognized for its innovative and dynamic leadership, RRCRC works alongside residents and partners to help the community thrive and build a strong and promising future.

A key focus of the Centre’s work is its Crisis and Support and Community Development team, which provides place-based services that combine early intervention, crisis support, and community development. Through these efforts, RRCRC creates meaningful opportunities for residents to access support, strengthen their skills and networks, and actively participate in building a resilient and connected community.

Since 2000, the Carson Community House has served as a vibrant neighbourhood hub, offering programs for all ages and dedicated spaces for children, youth, and adults. The House also features culinary spaces that support cooking programs and community food initiatives that promote learning, connection, and shared experiences.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Social Support Worker champion to join our team. This passionate, creative, and compassionate individual will play an important role in strengthening our connected and resilient community.

Reporting to the Program Pillar Lead, Community Support and Development, the Social Support Worker will support two unique projects within the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre.

 At the Community Food Bank, the position will contribute to the development of an alternative and sustainable model of food security support. The project focuses on empowering community members through wraparound supports, helping them access services and resources that address the root causes of food insecurity.

 At the Carson Community House, the project will support children and youth programming, including cooking activities that empower families and connect them to community supports and resources.

 As a member of the multidisciplinary team working across both the Community Food Bank and the Carson Community House, the Social Support Worker will respond to requests for assistance and provide a range of supports, including wraparound services, system navigation, needs assessments, information sharing, and referrals to appropriate resources. The Social Support Worker will collaborate closely with team members and community partners to support individuals and families.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Program Pillar Lead, the Social Support Worker will assist in the work of the Carson Community House and lead the Wraparound project with our Community Food Bank.

Food Bank Wraparound Project

• Assess community member needs
• Develop personalized interventions plans
• Ensure follow-up meetings
• Work collaboratively with the community member, and other team members to implement and monitor individualized intervention plans
• Provide support to community member
• Provide accompaniment services to community member, when required
• In collaboration with other partners, develop and implement resources to support and develop the skills of the community member
• Refer community member to appropriate resources (internal and external)
• Follow up on referrals to services
• Provide crisis intervention as well as short term counselling services in person, virtually and by telephone
• Facilitate support groups or information sessions in response to presenting needs

 Carson Community House support

• Work collaboratively with the Carson Community House Coordinator to assist in the implementation of the Community Safety and Well Being project
• Provide support to families
• Ensure follow-up meetings
• Refer families to appropriate resources (internal and external)
• Follow up on referrals to services
• Provide crisis intervention as well as short term counselling services in person, virtually and by telephone
• Offer, with volunteers, cooking workshops to children and youth 

Other Functions

• Maintain and update files and case notes.
• Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation including the statistical records related to the position and the evaluation of the project
• Provide excellent customer service to all members of our community, inclusive of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, ages, national or ethnic origins, languages, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, and political affiliations.
• Assist with daily administrative tasks such as creation of posters, email communication with partners, and data reporting.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports outlining program activities and statistics.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of the project and preparing reports for management and funding agencies.
• Develop promotional materials for community and programs related activities, utilizing various channels such as social media, newsletters, and community boards.
• Supervises student placements as required
• Perform other program-related functions as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic and Professional Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a degree in a related discipline. Candidates with a relevant post-secondary diploma and significant experience will also be considered
• Minimum two years of experience in a community-based social service agency as a front-line worker
• Minimum two years of experience in individual and group interventions
• Demonstrated intervention experience related to violence, poverty, mental health, and addictions
• Experience or training supporting individuals and families in crisis situations
• Experience working with low-income individuals and a strong understanding of related social issues
• Experience working with children, youth, or adults experiencing mental health, behavioural, or emotional challenges
• Experience working with communities from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities
• Experience in collaborative projects, community leadership, mediation, or conflict resolution
• Knowledge of community resources and social services in Ottawa is considered an asset
• Strong understanding of issues related to poverty, diversity, and marginalization

Competencies and Skills

• Bilingual communication: Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in English and French. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly Arabic, is considered an asset
• Crisis management: Ability to respond to and de-escalate crisis situations effectively
• Interpersonal skills: Strong relationship-building and communication abilities
• Team collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Leadership and facilitation: Strong group leadership skills and ability to facilitate activities or workshops
• Resourcefulness: Ability to act as a resource person for community members with diverse needs
• Organizational skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and monitor progress toward goals
• Problem solving: Ability to assess situations, identify challenges, and develop practical solutions
• Adaptability: Flexibility in responding to changing program needs and community priorities

Professional Approach and Values

• Commitment to an egalitarian and non-judgmental approach when working with individuals of diverse genders, cultures, races, sexual orientations, and identities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Commitment to ethical practice and alignment with the values of the organization
• Strong commitment to providing high-quality, client-centered services
• Ability to foster respectful relationships with community members, colleagues, and partners

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is considered an asset
• Ability to work in community settings, as some work may take place offsite
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in common software applications (Microsoft Office, Teams, and other digital platforms)

WHAT WE OFFER

• Become part of a growing, dynamic team engaged in truly meaningful and rewarding work.
• 15 days of annual vacation (20 days after 1 year of employment) & holiday closure & personal / sick days.
• Flexible schedule.
• Group health benefits including family coverage
• RRSP contribution opportunity
• Free parking, and refreshments.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think you are a good fit for this position, we look forward to receiving your application through this platform and getting to know you. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

We understand the effort involved in a job application and, unfortunately, can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. We thank all candidates for their interest.

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with intersectional identities. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Please contact us in advance to discuss how we can meet your individual needs.

 Please note that RRCRC does not use automated screening or artificial intelligence tools in the recruitment process.