Cherryville Tax Clinic

We are looking for someone with a passion for youth and a desire to address rural based challenges in accessing quality supports and services. If this sounds like you or someone you know living in the Cherryville area, please send in your applications! Posting open until filled.

Youth & Family Program Coordinator – Job Description

Position Summary

The Youth & Family Program Coordinator works collaboratively with Cherryville Community Food and Resource Society (CCFRS), local stakeholders, and community-based resources to support youth and their families in the Cherryville area. Part of this position is designed to support youth through quality programming tailored to Cherryville needs and interest, offering safe and educational learning throughout school year. The other part of this position includes outreach and advocacy to increase access to local resources and services by fostering new connections and relationships with service providers. 

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Minimum one-year related experience with youth, community development, or outreach; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• ECE, BSW, or Human Service Worker Diploma/Certificate preferred
• Must hold a current Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Certificate (available through CCFRS)
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
• Must have Responsible Adult or equivalent
• Must be at least 19 years of age

Work Performed

Duties and Responsibilities for this position include:

• Program development, implementation, and evaluation: i.e., running Arts & Culture classes throughout school year and if interested in additional hours, offering Kid Zone. An opportunity to get creative and design mini programs within budget to engage Cherryville youth, with the support of CCFRS team available.
• Building relationships with youth and family: connecting with Cherryville youth and their families, building rapport and supporting the family unit where possible.
• Bridging connections with community partners: liaising with community partners and making new connections to bridge resources from Lumby/Vernon area into Cherryville community. May include attending meetings, setting up meet and greets, connecting with SD22, liaising with youth outreach teams with goal to implement services into Cherryville (done in partnership with Executive Director).
• System navigation support: Making referrals to other programs, resources, and services both in Cherryville area and elsewhere as applicable.
• Identifying gaps: working collaboratively with Executive Director to determine gaps in resources and services and advocating for access to local supports for youth and their families.
• Evaluation and Reporting: must provide quarterly reports to Executive Director and maintain relevant statistics and data tracking. Encourage client feed back and support quality impact surveys.
• Create safe environment for clients/families: bringing a non-judgemental presence and encouraging open and inclusiveness with youth and family to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Adhering to CCFRS policy and procedures

Hours: This is a part time position, 15 hours per week (with potential for more hours if interested) at $20-$25/hour, wage based on level of training and experience. This position is dependent on funding and is reviewed on yearly basis.

Place of Work:

Mondays are at the Cherryville Resource Center 8:00-3:00 with flexibility for remainder of hours to be determined in accordance with Executive Director. Throughout school year, program activities can take place at Cherryville Elementary School, Cherryville Community Hall, or Resource Center.

The Cherryville Community Food Bank has worked tirelessly to grow and expand as an organization to further our reach into the community and provide a variety of community resources. We now have an ongoing senior services program staffed by Angelia Harvey who connects with senior residents on a regular basis. To date, Angelia has made 363 phone call check-ins, 98 virtual visits, 40 grocery shopping and delivery (includes going to Franks/Emporium to get items for seniors in need), 30 transportation services and a handful of prescription drop-offs. In addition, Angelia delivers pre-made meals to seniors for those who do not drive or are unable to make it for pick-up. To date, we have made and sold 755 senior meals! This service has been a huge success and we could not do it without the support of volunteers, staff, and the community hall.

Also, you may have noticed that we are increasing services to Cherryville including the Heart Health Clinic, Hearing Checks, and Foot Care. These services have been made possible through the coordination between Lumby & District Health Services, White Valley Community Resources, and Cherryville Community Food Bank and we must give a massive shout out to Lynne Frerichs who is a major driving force behind these services being present in our community, making them as accessible as possible. Additionally, we have started providing supports around applying for benefits like the BC Recovery Benefit and will continue to offer these supports as needed.

Furthermore, we have been committed to creating short-term work opportunities for our youth and community residents as we secure various grants. In the summer, we employ one to two students to maintain our Community Garden and carry out tasks as a food bank helper. We provide WHMIS and Food Safe for those who are employed and work hard to ensure participants receive a well-rounded work experience. Most recently, we will be employing a community resident to prepare and cook the senior meals for 2021. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to provide this work opportunity for a Cherryville resident.

We have an incredible team of people behind the Cherryville Community Food Bank and we are excited to continuously expand and provide support as needed. If you are interested in volunteering or employment opportunities, feel free to contact us by phone or email any time. We will be posting employment opportunities as they rise throughout the community.

Lastly, our organization relies on the generous donors who support our vision and mission for meeting the needs within our community. Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated, from the bottoms of our hearts, thank you for your contribution and support.