Community and Family Services Lead

For over 40 years, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC has been providing free and low-cost child and family services through responsive community programs and supports, helping families receive the services they need to reach their full potential.
The YMCA operates multiple offerings within the early years, including YMCA Family Play Time and the Childcare Resource & Referral (CCRR) program for communities across the Central Okanagan.
We specialize in providing information, support, education, professional development, and child care referral services to families, child care professionals, and child care providers.
The goal of the YMCA's Community and Family Services is to enhance the quality and accessibility of free supports for families with children ages 0-6 years, ultimately improving children's kindergarten readiness.

Reporting to the Manager of Community Programs, the Community & Family Services Lead will provide leadership and support to staff in delivering services to families with children ages 0-6 years, working collaboratively with a team to ensure proactive, timely, and efficient program delivery throughout Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country.
The Community & Family Services Lead is responsible for team oversight of CCRR Consultants and Early Years Services staff for the successful day-to-day delivery of our government-funded services.
This includes drop-in play and developmental screening opportunities, child care referrals, community outreach, toy lending support, and the planning and delivery of professional development opportunities for child care educators and the workforce.
Furthermore, the Community & Family Services Lead is responsible for creating a safe and inclusive space for all and is encouraged to identify areas of growth and development for future child and family services.

If the following sounds like a good day at work, this might be the job for you:

• Facilitate programs and services as required and create a warm, welcoming, and safe group environment.
• Collaboratively prepare for services with the team.
• Oversee and guide the work of other team members, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
• Mentor and support staff in their professional development and daily tasks.
• Lead the development and implementation of new initiatives and programs to enhance service delivery.
• Ensure all services and activities meet organizational standards, government contract requirements, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes to improve program effectiveness.
• Comfortable with reporting, editing documents, and overseeing communications that will go to the public.
  Proficient with technology and applications such as Excel, Outlook, and fast-learning systems for reporting and databases.
• Maintain an atmosphere of achievement that inspires self and others to succeed at the highest levels.
• Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA standards/policies/procedures.

We'd love to hear from people with:

• Early Childhood Educator or Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate.
• Additional courses/training related to child growth and development as an asset.
• 2 years of experience in childcare, including direct experience working with children.
• Current First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain) and Criminal Record Check required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Experience in community-based programming and working in collaboration with other community agencies and service providers.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and decisions; effective prioritizing and problem solving.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and multi-task in a high-demand environment.
• Administrative experience, background in customer service, computers, and general office procedures.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required.
• Commitment to Mission, Vision, and Values:
  Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
• Service Oriented:
  Deliberately identifies and creates opportunities to enhance each and every individual's YMCA experience.
  Creates action plans to resolve any service gap areas.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration:
  Builds positive interactions, listens attentively, and communicates effectively to create an open communication environment.
  Shares information, best practices, and resources with colleagues.
• Full time - 40 hours a week.

The YMCA offers a competitive compensation package and benefit programs including:

• Hourly wage of $26-27/hr.
• Paid vacation, wellness days, and family responsibility days.
• Extended health and dental benefits.
• Membership to Y facilities for self and family.
• Annual Y pension of 10% total contribution (after 2 years).

• This position does not currently qualify for the ECE $6.00/hr BC Wage Enhancement.

The YMCA's Commitment to Trust, Safety, and Equality:

As part of a trusted charitable organization, you can expect to receive excellent services and safety training throughout your YMCA career.
As the first step in your journey, you will be required to:

• Provide 3 references of a professional nature (Ex.
  employer, supervisor, colleague, teacher, coach, etc.).
• Provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding your start date.
  The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace.
This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of color and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.