Settlement Worker

Position Title: Settlement Worker
Reports to: Manager of Settlement Services
Location: YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin
Employment Type: Full-time, 32 hours per week
Salary: $25.97/hr-$26.23/hr, depending on experience

Position Summary:

As a member of the YWCA’s Settlement Services’ team, the Settlement Worker is responsible for assisting newcomers to Canada to understand their rights and responsibilities and to successfully settle into the St. Thomas-Elgin community. This role supports individuals and families with making informed decisions about their lives and working towards short, medium, and long-term goals. Clients come from diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and seek support across a spectrum of needs. In addition to delivering one-on-one direct services, the Settlement Worker facilitates Community Connections’ activities for adults and youth and supports the administration of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. The position is part of a small, interdisciplinary team that consists of Settlement Workers, English as a Second Language staff, and program volunteers under the guidance of the Settlement Services’ Manager and Director of Settlement & Wellness. The position also liaises with other service providers, local government offices and community groups to support successful newcomer settlement and integration. 

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of frontline settlement services to individuals and families.
• Carry out client intakes and needs and asset assessments to support the development of personalized settlement plans.
• Create short-term and long-term settlement plans with clients and review and update them as needed.
• Provide information and orientation services on a broad range of settlement topics and referrals to government and community programs and resources.
• Based on need, attend community supports with individuals and families to help them navigate resources.
• Organize professional interpretation and translation services; collaborate with interpreters to facilitate clients’ access to accurate and timely information.
• Communicate and coordinate with refugee sponsors to assist privately sponsored refugees in making informed decisions and settling in the community.
• Ensure services are offered in an inclusive manner, are sensitive to diversity, and are consistent with funder requirements.
• Maintain client files, case notes, and ensure accurate and timely data entry into HARTS, iCARE, and all other required databases in accordance with established procedures and timelines.
• Administer the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
• Provide information about the LINC program to eligible adult learners and complete intake and registration processes on an ongoing basis.
• Coordinate itinerant language assessments with the assessment centre or support clients in booking their placement tests, as needed.
• Collaborate with instructors, the PBLA Lead, and/or the Manager to address learner start dates, withdrawals, orientations, attendance, student needs, and other emerging issues.
• Plan, implement, and support Community Connections activities.
• Develop, organize, and facilitate group activities that engage newcomer youth and support their successful integration into the community.
• Coordinate volunteers and organize English language Conversation Circles.
• Prepare communication and outreach materials for Community Connections activities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local agencies in support of the Newcomer Youth Club and other Community Connections programming.
• Provide support to colleagues with the facilitation of group activities for newcomer adults and families, including outreach and event logistics.
• Network and liaise with community agencies, service providers, refugee sponsors, and the general public to raise awareness of newcomers’ needs and their contributions to the community.
• Represent the YWCA and promote its programs and services at community events and through community networks.
• Maintain case notes, files and program statistics while ensuring the confidentiality of
• Participate in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation
• Attend and actively participate in team and staff meetings and professional development sessions.
• Complete other administration duties as required.

Qualifications, Skills & Competencies

• Completion of post-secondary education in Social Services, Settlement Services, Settlement Work, or a related field from a recognized college or university. Equivalent education in a related field will be considered.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in newcomer settlement, immigrant-serving organizations, or frontline community services.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and office administration skills.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and knowledge of current immigration and settlement issues.
• Understanding of and experience working with youth is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of services and community resources available in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with organizational privacy and confidentiality policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet research, database software, and social media platforms.
• Experience using client management databases, including OCASI Client Management System (OCMS), iCARE, and HARTs, or the ability to obtain the required training.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.

Working Conditions

• Monday to Friday during regular business hours.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support group activities, YWCA events, community events, or training.
• In-person work environment.
• Travel within the community is required.
• Manual dexterity is required to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Intermittent physical activity, including walking, standing, sitting, and lifting or carrying program materials and supplies, is required

Commitment to Equity

YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and others who reflect the diversity of our community.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to apply here, providing all requested information, no later than Monday, August 2, 2026. 

We are grateful to all candidates for their interest in this position; however, only those selected to move into the interview process will be contacted. Interviews may be scheduled throughout the recruitment process.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.