Program Worker

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Worker is responsible for providing leadership and to design and lead activities that help tenants become engaged in the community, stay active, improve their fitness, and have fun.
 
The assigned duties are planning, organizing and implementation of a blended service continuum of support, resources, programs and community engagement activities for the tenant participants of Neighbours. Promote social inclusion, sense of belonging, and participatory engagement in programs. Program Worker responds to inquiries about program activities and community information; ensure that all participants and drop-in receive the required services in a timely way and are treated in a respectful, sensitive manner while maintaining confidentiality.

• Social Work degree in a related field, a degree in Community Services, or related experience in a relevant discipline,
• Minimum 3 years' experience in serving people who have experienced homelessness and/or
• precariously housed, mental health and/or addiction issues, and poverty.

Competencies/Skills/Attributes

• Standard First Aid certificate, Conflict Resolution, Documentation skills, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - ASIST.
• Demonstrated skills in program design implementation, and facilitation.
• Leadership training and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding Mental Health and the components of recovery.
• Knowledge of social recreational programs.
• Experience working with families, youth, the senior population, and people living with mental health concerns.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong creativity, group engagement and facilitation, and relationship-building skills and building community partnerships.
• Experience working with documentation databases and systems such as Yardi (property management financial system) or similar applications, Pirouette, OCANs, and other client management information systems.
• Strong computer skills including email and word processing.
• Ability drive and having a valid Driver's License is considered an asset
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 
OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, plan, implement, and coordinate individualized and group events with the involvement of tenant participants, taking attendance, and collecting other relevant data.
• Ensure the programs and activities match the physical capabilities, age, and cognitive needs of the participants.
• Provide guidance and assistance to the community in identifying the social recreational events, which they may want to organize, either locally or for Neighbours.
• Schedule the use of the Drop-in space, equipment use, and ensures the facility and equipment are used and maintained properly.
• Lead activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, dramatics, or games.
• Facilitate educational programs and conduct research to improve the lives of participants.
• Engage in supporting participants in life skills and any participant-identified activities requested.
• Provide direct support to the Drop-in space and ensures attendance and other pertinent data are collected.
• Identify trends and issues with participants of the program and can deal with them effectively.
• Lead classes and provides instruction for recreational activities.
• Provide instruction including lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in recreational activities, maintains communication of upcoming programs to participants by contributing to monthly mailers, program attendance and pertinent interactions, of both groups and individuals, in case management software.
• Facilitate drop-in meals and special events, socializes, addresses concerns, and intervenes in conflicts.
• Supervise volunteers and ensures that events and activities are run without issues.
• Ensure a safe inviting Drop-in space and be aware of the health and behaviour of those in attendance and follow up when necessary
• Respond to incoming\outgoing calls and enquiries.
• Report conflicts and incidents in accordance with Neighbours practices.
• Handle all incidents and provides crisis support for tenant participants in the Drop-in until a backup and other supports are in place and informs the Program Manager as soon as possible.
• Complete all incident reports as required, and ensure that the appropriate staff is notified of all
• incidents, concerns, and/or disruptions to routines.
• Participate in and represents the organization at external committees and forums as assigned including committees of the Toronto Drop-in Network.
• Participate in internal committees and meetings relating to the organization (e.g. Staff meetings, Annual General Meetings, Strategic planning, or other working groups as they occur.
• Keep the Manager or Supervisor informed and up to date on relevant issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by, the Program Manager, or the Director of Support Services.
•  Community Development
• Organize and facilitate group activities and community events, such as building meetings, life skills programs, meal programs, social recreation programs, and organizational events.
• Using trauma informed concepts to encourage tenants in organizational and community activities.
• Identify and encourage tenants to pursue leadership opportunities.
• Encourage and assist tenants to become members of the organization.

Administration

• Write notes and incident reports for tenants into Information Software Database (Treat).
• Maintain necessary documentation for tenancy management and workplace inspections.
• Maintain tenancy meetings on monthly basis.
• Maintain confidentiality and obtain consent when sharing information, except in emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate records of cash advances. 

Community Development
▪ Organize and facilitate group activities and community events, such as building meetings, life skills programs, meal programs, social recreation programs, and organizational events.
▪ Using trauma informed concepts to encourage tenants in organizational and community activities.
▪ Identify and encourage tenants to pursue leadership opportunities.
▪ Encourage and assist tenants to become members of the organization.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Mental Health Act, the Child and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Social Housing Reform Act, and Ontario Fire and Building Codes.
• Model the organizational values, policies, and professional ethics and demonstrate commitment to the strategic direction.
• Demonstrate active support for organizational direction and priorities in own actions.
• Proactively engage in program and organizational change activities as directed.
• Model and promote a culture where everyone is accountable for making sure decisions and goals are met and projects/tasks are completed.
• Identify and remove barriers to service excellence.
• Demonstrate personal commitment and culture to wellness.
• Embrace and demonstrate Neighbours values in your actions.
• Participate in a work culture of positive thinking, initiative and creativity.
• Commitment to improve professional knowledge to recognize trends and issues and deal with them effectively.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with allied community agencies and professionals and participate in community committees and internal Neighbours committees as required.
• Ensure that conduct is in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the governing body of their profession, and that all applicable legislation is adhered to.
• Comply with the policies of the Neighbours including those pertaining to the confidentiality of client information.
• Represent the agency in a positive manner with clients, colleagues and the community at large.
• Attend regular supervision meetings with the Support Manager for the purpose of reviewing work expectations and performance evaluation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to household pests, bodily fluids, individuals experiencing crisis, individuals who may be under the influence of substances, cleaning chemicals and some smoking environments.
• Work hours are 35 hours per week.
• Work evenings and weekends as required.

As a condition of employment, a successful police record check for Vulnerable Sector is required. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the country where this role is located.
 
This position is being posted in response to an existing vacancy at Neighbours Community Homes
 
Neighours’ may use AI-based tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants for this position. These tools may help us identify candidates whose skills and experience align with Neighbours’ objectives by analyzing information provided in resumes and applications. Our use of AI does not replace human decision-making.
 
Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities who are participating in the recruitment process and for those hired.
 
Please apply with a cover letter and resume at our website Careers - Neighbours on or by October 30, 2026. Hiring Rate: $28.33 per hour.