St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver, British Columbia, www.standrewswesley.com
St Andrew’s Wesley United Church is a progressive, 2SLBGTQ affirming Protestant congregation that offers worship and programs in the areas of Art, Spirit, Social Justice and Inclusion. We know that by connecting with our community we have the best chance at enacting change and sustaining it. We welcome people of all abilities, genders, cultures and faith traditions.
Reports To
Minister with Children, Families and Pastoral Care, Rev Jen Cunnings.
Hours
8-15 hours per week (Sundays for five hours and flexible schedule for the rest of the days and hours to be negotiated with the supervisor).
Compensation
Competitive hourly wage commensurate with education and experience. If certificate in social work then $35 an hour. If a BA in social work then $42 an hour. Benefits, vacation and professional development support may be available on a pro-rated basis.
About St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church is a progressive, affirming, and justice-seeking Christian community located in downtown Vancouver. We are committed to radical hospitality, social justice, reconciliation, inclusion, and community care. We welcome and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, abilities, faith journeys, and life experiences. As a queer-affirming congregation, we seek to be a trusted community resource and a bridge between people and the services they need to thrive.
Position Summary
The Community Resource Social Worker will develop, maintain, and coordinate accessible resource navigation supports for individuals seeking assistance with social services in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Working one on one with a wide range of clientele, the role focuses on helping community members in the neighbourhood identify and connect with services related to:
- Seniors' supports and aging in place
- Mental health and wellness
- Substance use and addiction recovery
- LGBTQ2S+ supports and affirming services
- Housing and homelessness prevention
- Refugee and newcomer settlement services
- Income assistance and poverty reduction programs
- Community health and social support networks
This position emphasizes resource development, system navigation, community partnerships, and short-term support rather than ongoing clinical counselling or case management.
Key Responsibilities
Core tasks- Community Navigation and Support
- Meet with individuals seeking information, guidance, and referrals.
- Design an intake process to see clients on a short-term, solutions-oriented basis.
- Assist people in understanding eligibility requirements and application processes.
- Support individuals in accessing government, healthcare, housing, and community services.
- Provide advocacy and accompaniment when appropriate.
- Help reduce barriers to accessing services by providing one on one support in navigating the unique needs of the client.
Resource Development and Information Management
- Research, compile, and regularly update a comprehensive directory of community resources and services.
- Create accessible print and digital guides for community members.
- Develop specialized resource packages for seniors, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, refugees, people experiencing housing insecurity, and those seeking mental health or addiction supports.
- Identify service gaps and emerging community needs.
- Ensure resources are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, inclusive, and accessible.
- Optional- supervision of any social work student with the Minister of Pastoral Care and the team.
Secondary tasks- Community Partnerships
- Build relationships with local service providers, community agencies, health authorities, and advocacy organizations.
- Maintain referral pathways with key organizations serving vulnerable populations.
- Foster partnerships that strengthen the church's community support network.
Education and Capacity Building
- Offer workshops and information sessions on navigating social services.
- Train volunteers and staff on community resources and referral practices.
- Create educational materials related to social supports and community well-being.
- Support the congregation's social justice and outreach initiatives.
Program Evaluation and Reporting
- Track service requests, referrals, and community needs.
- Prepare brief reports highlighting trends, gaps, and opportunities.
Qualifications
Required
- Certificate, Bachelor's or Masters degree in Social Work (BSW)
- Registration or eligibility for registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
- Minimum two years of experience in community-based social services, resource navigation, outreach, or case management.
- Strong knowledge of Vancouver's social service landscape.
- Experience working with diverse and marginalized populations.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- While not a counselor, have a strong pastoral presence and excellent empathic listening skills
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-oppressive practice, and social justice.
- Drivers license and/or ability to travel throughout Vancouver and (very occasionally) Burnaby/Richmond/North Shore
Preferred
- Knowledge of refugee settlement systems and immigration supports.
- Familiarity with housing navigation and homelessness prevention services.
- Experience supporting LGBTQ2S+ communities or demonstrated willingness to learn.
- Do not need to be Christian but willing to work with faith-based organizations and can respect different spiritual paths.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Trauma-informed practice
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
- Cultural humility
- Strong advocacy skills
- Resourcefulness and initiative
- Ability to work independently
- Compassionate and non-judgmental communication
- Respect for diverse spiritual and cultural traditions
- Second language, particularly if Farsi, is not necessary but would be seen as an asset
Working Environment
This position is based at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church in downtown Vancouver and includes a combination of:
- On-site meetings and community engagement
- Resource development and administrative work
- Community networking and partnership building
- Flexible scheduling and occasional community events
Statement of Inclusion
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church is an affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada. We welcome applications from members of equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, and people with diverse lived experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your experience in community resource navigation, social services, and work with diverse populations. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $35.00-$42.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
