SDI Community Connector Project
Who Are We:
Since 1971, Burnaby Family Life has been offering quality community social services in Burnaby and in neighboring communities. We’re building on that tradition and working every day to make this a more inclusive, welcoming, and safe community for all. Our organization promotes a work culture that values transparency, teamwork, learning, fairness, and integrity.
Job Summary:
The Community Connector will be responsible for creating a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers. This role serves as a vital information liaison, simplifying referrals and connecting participants to programs and services within the Burnaby community.
You will play a key role in helping newcomers access settlement, housing, employment, education, health, and other community-based services based on their unique needs. By building trust and facilitating access, you will support meaningful connections between newcomers and the local service ecosystem—ensuring they are referred to the right supports and helping service providers better respond to the needs of the communities they serve.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Outreach and raise awareness and promote understanding of available community supports and services among newcomer communities through outreach, conversations, and culturally relevant information sharing.
- Provide direct, culturally responsive support to newcomers seeking help accessing services such as housing, healthcare, employment, education, legal aid, and language programs.
- Promote understanding of the Community Connector role in the community and develop and maintain a strong network of local service providers and community partners that improves coordination and can respond to a range of newcomer needs.
- Facilitate warm referrals and trusted connections between newcomers and local services, while empowering individuals and families to access support and confidently assert their rights.
- Help identify and reduce barriers newcomers face in accessing services (e.g., language, digital literacy, fear of systems).
- Participate in community outreach and engagement activities, including attending local meetings, events, and service coordination tables to represent newcomer perspectives and build collaboration.
- Identify and share common issues or service gaps with project partners and newcomers to support broader system improvement.
- Participate in training, team meetings, and shared learning activities with Community Connector across the region.
- Support community capacity building by co-developing tools and strategies that reflect the voices and experiences of newcomers.
- Work collaboratively with SDI Project Coordinators, the Manager, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed practices are embedded across activities.
- Contribute to project learning and evaluation by documenting, collecting data, sharing newcomer feedback, and reporting on progress, challenges, promising practices, and emerging needs.
- Maintain a visible and supportive presence in community spaces, building trust with residents and ensuring they know where to turn for help.
Qualifications:
- Lived experience as a newcomer to Canada
- Familiarity with Burnaby neighbourhoods, and the local landscape of community services and local organizations.
- Experience working with immigrant, refugee, and newcomer youth and families.
- Comfort speaking and working with people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
- Ability to build relationships with both clients and service providers.
- Deep trust and recognition within the community they aim to serve.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially in cross-cultural settings.
- Ability to navigate community resources and services or willingness to learn quickly.
- Available to attend trainings, outreach events, and ongoing project activities.
- Experience in community outreach, peer support, community development, or advocacy is an asset.
- Fluent in English. Second language is an asset.
Job Skills and Competencies:
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills, especially with local service providers
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills
- Ability to build trust quickly with newcomers and partners
- Empathy, patience, and non-judgmental approach
- In-depth understanding of local systems and community resources.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Open to learning, adapting, and collaborating
- Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Location: Burnaby Family Life – 4535 Kingsway, 5th Floor
Reports to: SDI Project coordinator and BIPT/LIP Manager
Hours: 10 hours weekly with occasional evenings/weekends
Stipend: $25/hour / contractor position
Start Date: asap
End Date: Sep 30, 2027
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of criminal record check
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume with relevant experience
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Work Location: On the road
