Community Development Worker

Join our Team at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

We are currently seeking to hire for the following position:

• TITLE:
• • Community Development Worker
• EMPLOYMENT STATUS
• • 35 hours weekly – full time, contract position until June 30, 2029 with the possibility of extension.
• STARTING DATE
• • Immediately
• LOCATION
• • Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Carson's Community House
• Salary
• • $25.65 – $28.70 / h, based on qualifications and experience, plus group health benefits (including family coverage)

I. ABOUT US

Founded in 1982, community is 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 core pillar of the Centre’s work is Community Development. Through place-based, community-led approaches, our team supports residents in identifying priorities, building on local strengths, and addressing challenges together. While we provide essential supports, including crisis and system navigation, our focus is on fostering long-term resilience, strengthening social connections, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in community life.

II. THE ROLE

We are looking for a passionate and driven individual who is energized by community work and committed to advancing equity and strengthening communities.

Community Development is a core part of how we strengthen our communities and improve the lives of residents in our ward, particularly those most impacted by systemic inequalities. Through an empowerment-based approach, Community Development builds on community strengths and assets, increasing community capacity to address challenges, while advocating for system level change.

Our approach to Community Development is integrated across all programs, driven by a creative and collaborative team, and rooted in a strong network of partners and community supporters.

Through place-based community action programs and services, including initiatives such as the Mobile Resource Hub, the community development team supports communities in addressing local issues through strategic problem solving and participatory engagement while working towards a more socially cohesive, safe, and inclusive community.

The Community Development Worker will support the identification of community and individual needs, foster meaningful opportunities for engagement, and implement responsive strategies and initiatives. Priorities are informed through ongoing needs assessments, with a focus on high-acuity communities and neighbourhoods across Ward 13. The role also includes providing direct individual support, including intake, system navigation, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate wraparound services.

III. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 

Under the supervision of the Community Initiatives Program Manager and working closely with the Community Development team, the Community Development Worker will assist in the general community development work of the Centre.  The Community Development Worker will support the advancement and implementation of the community action program in specific communities and/or specific resident groups. They will also support offering psychosocial support to these communities, through individual interventions, and through developing and implementing programming.

Community Development Program

• Drive community development initiatives within designated communities and/or resident groups, in coordination with the Community Initiatives Program Manager.
• Identify programs and resources needed to support the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
• Support the development, implementation and coordination of community development activities and events for residents of all ages in response to identified requirements in designated areas.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with community groups, partner agencies, and organizations, and actively seek out new ideas and opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent the Centre at the Community Development Network.

Intervention

• Assess and evaluate individuals’ needs.
• Develop personalized intervention plans.
• Provide psychosocial support to individuals.
• In collaboration with other partners, develop and implement support resources and skills development for individuals.
• Refer individuals to appropriate resources (internal and external).
• Ensure follow-up following referrals to services.
• Provide crisis intervention services as required.

 Community Resources and Support

• Provide technical assistance, pertinent, practical information, and resources to residents, community groups and agencies.
• Assess client needs and refer clients to appropriate resources when needed (internal and/or external).
• Provide coverage for team members as required.
• Participate as a team member at internal and external meetings.

  Other Functions

• Support the coordination of volunteers involved in community development program activities and in centre programs (e.g., orientation, support and training).
• Implement required systems and procedures to ensure accountability to the centre, funders and the community.
• 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 adult programs and preparing reports for management and funding agencies.
• Perform other program-related functions as required.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

Academic and Professional Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, social services or related discipline.
• Minimum two years' work experience in social services or related field.
• Minimum two years' work experience in collaborative projects, community leadership, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Experience working with communities having diverse cultural and socio-economic origins, and sensitivity to the needs of these communities.
• Understanding of issues of poverty, diversity, and marginalization.
• Experience or training dealing with community members in crises.
• Minimum two years' experience in individual and group intervention.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services in Ottawa.

Competencies & Skills

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both official languages, other languages an asset.
• Strong group leadership skills.
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to practice de-escalation in crisis situations.
• Ability to act as a resource person for a clientele with varied needs.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Inclusive and non-judgmental attitude (e.g., gender, culture, race, sexual orientation, etc.).
• Strong ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Available to work according to a variable timetable and evenings on a regular basis including weekends.
• Ability and willingness to:
• • Be helpful, respectful, approachable, and collaborative.
  • Take ownership of work, demonstrate initiative, and follow through on commitments.
  • Plan ahead, manage time effectively, reflect on practice, and adapt workflow strategies as needed.
  • Be open to feedback, committed to learning, and dedicated to continuous improvement.

  Other Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.
• Ability to work in the community in diverse work locations.
• Ability to lift heavy bins and transport supplies.
• Good working knowledge of Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. 
• ASIST and NVCI Certificates or willingness to receive these trainings.

V. 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.

VI. 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.