Refugee Settlement Worker

Role: Refugee Settlement Worker, Reception Homes
Compensation: $47,047/year
Location: Ottawa, ON
Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Reception Homes
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled
Start Date: To be confirmed

About Matthew House Ottawa

Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed and supported hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to 7000 families in need.

About this role

The Refugee Settlement Worker, Reception Homes, plays a key support role in the delivery of Matthew House Ottawa’s Reception and Transition housing programs. Reporting to the Senior Manager, RH, this position assists with daily operations, intakes, household management, and client support. The Refugee Settlement Worker is central to helping refugee claimants navigate housing, services, and settlement, while supporting the smooth functioning of our homes. This role is hands-on, people-focused, and vital to the refugee services team..

Key Outcomes & Responsibilities

  • 1.        Programming & Administrative Support

    Outcome: Program activities are well-coordinated, and residents receive consistent support.

    ·       Assist the Refugee Services team with day-to-day program delivery across homes.

    ·       Provide support to Refugee Settlement Coordinators as assigned, helping ensure homes run smoothly.

    ·       Participate in the planning and implementation of events and special programming.

    ·       Perform administrative duties including documentation, reporting, and record keeping.

    ·       Assist in training and supporting new volunteers as needed.

    2.       Resident Intake & Orientation

    Outcome: Residents are welcomed and integrated into MHO homes through a clear, respectful process.

    ·       Conduct pre-intake meetings and schedule interviews.

    ·       Complete intake documentation and enter information into the MHO online portal.

    ·       Prepare rooms for incoming residents and ensure readiness.

    ·       Deliver orientation to residents, covering house guidelines and expectations.

    3.       Household Management & Operations

    Outcome: Homes are maintained as safe, welcoming, and functional living spaces.

    • Assist in supervising household cleanliness and maintenance.

    • Help train residents on garbage/recycling systems and general upkeep.

    • Support daily logistics such as procurement, errands, and inventory.

    • Report maintenance needs to Refugee Settlement Coordinator or Senior Manager.

    4.       Resident & Client Support

    Outcome: Residents receive timely, accurate, and empathetic support.

    ·       Connect residents to social service agencies and community resources.

    ·       Assist residents with resumes, job searches, school registration, and service access.

    ·       Support form-filling for Legal Aid, Ontario Works, Work Permits, and more.

    ·       Provide general assistance including printing, scanning, and research support.

    ·       Document support notes and progress clearly in online records.

    5.        Communication & Collaboration

    Outcome: Residents, staff, and stakeholders experience strong communication and collaboration.

    • Respond promptly to emails and phone calls from residents or external agencies.

    • Collaborate with Refugee Settlement Coordinators, transition team, and other staff to ensure resident transitions and needs are met.

    • Communicate clearly with residents using inclusive, simplified language when needed.

    6.       Additional Responsibilities

    Outcome: The program remains responsive to changing needs and resident concerns.

    • Support general administrative and operational tasks as needed.

    • Provide backup coverage or assistance to other team members.

    • Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement.

    • Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager, Reception Homes.

    Qualifications & Experience

    ✔ Education: Post-secondary education in Social Services or related field.
    ✔ Experience: 1+ year in refugee services, social work, or client support.
    ✔ Language: Fluency in English required; French and other languages an asset.
    ✔ Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote).
    ✔ Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
    ✔ Cultural Sensitivity: Experience working with diverse populations.
    ✔ Compliance: Valid Police Records Check (Level 3 – Vulnerable Sector).
    ✔ Transportation: Access to transportation preferred; may be required to travel between locations.

    Other Requirements

    • Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends based on operational needs.

    • Willingness to adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding policies.

    • In-person work required across multiple housing sites.

    • May include extended hours to respond to resident or facility needs.

    • Fast-paced, supportive, and collaborative environment serving newcomers to Canada.

    Performance Metrics & Success Indicators

    📌 Resident Feedback: Residents feel supported and well-oriented in the home.
    📌 Administrative Accuracy: Timely, accurate, and organized record keeping.
    📌 Operational Contribution: Active support to House Managers and smooth household functioning.
    📌 Client Outcomes: Residents connected to services and progressing toward independence.
    📌 Team Collaboration: Positive engagement with coworkers and responsiveness to supervisor feedback.

     

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Please email your resume to HumanResources@matthewhouseottawa.org, an expression of interest clearly addressing how you meet the requirements and can carry out the essential functions of this position. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Matthew House Ottawa’s name derives from our Christian roots: we are motivated by our desire to feed, clothe and shelter the strangers in our midst and to serve people who can use our help.

Vision

Matthew House Ottawa is a faith-based, transformative model of excellence caring for Ottawa’s marginalised population.

Mission

Matthew House Ottawa is a faith-based, volunteer-driven, charitable organization that helps Ottawa’s marginalised population to establish connected, safe, healthy, and dignified homes within our community. We do this by:

  • Providing shelter, food and refugee settlement assistance, including volunteer opportunities, in a family atmosphere to refugee claimants so that they may begin their journey to independence as members in Canadian society; and,

  • Distributing quality used furniture and household goods to Ottawa’s marginalised population

Values Statement

Faith Based: We live by our Christian faith and care for the stranger in response to God's call (Matthew 25:35).

Loving Service: This ministry seeks to express loving service towards each person we serve, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Compassionate: We are passionate, caring, and enthusiastic in support of people's needs and seek to express a ministry of loving service toward each person we serve.

Respecting Human Dignity: We believe in respecting the value and dignity of each person receiving our services and those who serve in this ministry.

Engaging Community: We believe in building relationships with individuals, groups and other organizations to create fellowship and mutual support to help those in need.

Building Community: We believe in helping our clients to integrate into their new community to build a happy, healthy home, live in personal safety, and achieve their potential within our society.

Accountable: We are accountable to our clients, volunteers, and community partners and treat all who come in contact with this ministry with integrity, fairness, consistency, and honesty.

Environmentally Conscious: We encourage waste reduction, reuse, and recycling through our programs to promote healthy environments.