Community Development Crisis and Support Worker

Join our Team at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

We are currently seeking to hire for the following position:

• JOB TITLE:
• • Community Development Crisis and Support 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 supporting community members at all stages in their lifecycle through short term counselling, wraparound support and crisis intervention. While we provide essential supports, including crisis and system navigation, our practice is grounded in empowerment, and our focus is on fostering long-term resilience, strengthening social connections, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in community life.

II. THE ROLE

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is looking for a passionate and driven Community Development Crisis and Support Worker to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and caring organization and make a true impact on people’s lives.

Under the supervision of the Community Initiatives Program Manager, the Community Development Crisis and Support Worker provides individualized support and community-based services to residents of Ward 13. Working in place-based settings such as short term housing, subsidized housing communities, and neighbourhood spaces, the worker helps residents identify their strengths, goals, and needs, while supporting them in accessing services, developing skills, and becoming more connected to their community. 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.

The worker provides short-term support, crisis intervention, referrals, and system navigation, while also contributing to community development initiatives, resident engagement, group programming, and neighbourhood outreach. Working collaboratively with residents, volunteers, and community partners, the Community Development Crisis and Support Worker helps build stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities.

III. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 

Direct Support and Community Development

• Assess residents’ strengths, needs, interests, and goals.  
• Develop individualized intervention plans in collaboration with residents.
• Work collaboratively with the residents and other team members to implement and monitor individualized intervention plans.
• Provide psychosocial support, crisis intervention, and short-term counselling to individuals as needed.
• Support residents in navigating and accessing services and community resources (e.g. financial, food, housing support, etc.).
• Provide warm hand-offs and referrals to appropriate internal and external services and follow up as required.
• In collaboration with residents, colleagues, and community partners, develop and implement supports, resources, and skill-building opportunities.
• Facilitate workshops, support groups, and other community-based activities that reduce isolation, strengthen capacity and build community trust and belonging.

 Community Liaison

• Participate in the development and implementation of projects, events, and initiatives designed to raise awareness and strengthen community engagement on a range of issues.
• Stay informed about available services, programs, and resources in the community and support residents in accessing them.
• Advocate for residents’ rights, needs, and interests with service providers and other organizations.
• Work collaboratively with community organizations and service providers to respond to residents’ needs and strengthen coordinated supports.
• Mobilize and coordinate appropriate resources and partnerships to better support residents and community initiatives.
• Provide information, consultation, and support to community organizations, residents and partners.
• Support residents in identifying priorities and participating in the planning and implementation of activities and initiatives.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with community groups, schools, housing providers, tenant associations, and other partners.
• Identify emerging issues, needs, and trends within the community and share them with the team to support responsive programming and service development.

 Community Development Teamwork

• Consult and share with the team relevant client needs, including the direction and objectives of the Community Support and Development program.
• Participate as an active member in meetings, professional development activities, staff retreats, and all other Center activities.
• Collaborate in covering and supporting the activities of other programs to ensure service delivery.
• Ensure the smooth operation of community development programs in collaboration with other team members.
• Serve as a resource person for colleagues regarding client interventions.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of program activities and special projects with the team. 

Other Functions

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential client records and case notes.
• Prepare statistics and document relevant program data, outcomes, and success stories.
• Maintain and update information using electronic databases and reporting systems.
• Contribute to program evaluation, grant reporting, and the preparation of operational plans and reports by analyzing statistics and identifying emerging needs and trends.
• Manage program-related expenses and client supports, including bus tickets, emergency purchases, and other approved items.
• Participate in the hiring, orientation, training, and supervision of volunteers, students, contractors, and interns involved in program activities.
• Perform other duties relevant to the program and consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

 IV. QUALIFICATIONS

Academic and Professional Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, social services or related discipline.
• Minimum two years' experience in social services or related field.
• Minimum two years' experience in individual and group intervention.
• 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.
• 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 deal with and 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.