Relief Program Worker

Position: Relief Program Worker

Contract Type: Independent contractor opportunity; initial 90-day contract, with possibility of renewal

A degree or diploma in social work, social service work, community services, or a related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered. 3+ years of experience in client service, social services, case management, crisis response, housing support, financial assistance programs, benefits navigation, or a related support role.

Compensation: $26–$30 per hour

Hours: 20 hours per week

Start Date: ASAP

Contract and Schedule Details

This is an independent contractor opportunity for an initial 90-day term, with the possibility of renewal. The contract is expected to be approximately 20 hours per week. Regular service hours include Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The remaining 8 hours may be scheduled on Monday or Tuesday, or split as 4 hours on Monday and 4 hours on Tuesday. The anticipated start date is on or before August 17.

About the Role

The AFC is a registered charity that serves Canadian entertainment industry professionals working in film and TV, theatre, music, and dance. The AFC is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and detail-oriented Relief Program Worker to provide contractor services to our Program Team on an initial 90-day basis, with the possibility of renewal. This remote opportunity is well-suited to someone with strong frontline client service, intake, referral, and short-term case management experience who can offer steady, professional support to people experiencing urgent financial stress, housing instability, income disruption, or other immediate challenges. The contractor will provide services during regular shifts, support clients with Emergency Financial Aid applications, maintain accurate service records, and collaborate with AFC team members to help manage program demand and ensure timely service delivery.

Contractor Services and Key Responsibilities

• Provide phone intake and referral services during regular shifts, including responding professionally and compassionately to clients who may be in distress.
• Assess clients’ finances, circumstances, and immediate needs to help determine eligibility for available AFC services and supports.
• Support clients in completing Emergency Financial Aid applications, including helping them understand required information, documentation, timelines, and follow-up steps.
• Provide concurrent or follow-up assistance as needed, including short-term support, stabilization planning, practical problem-solving, and referrals to additional community or government resources.
• Prepare and present case summaries and assessments in group meetings.
• Work independently with direction and support from senior Program Team members.
• Collaborate with Program Team members to manage demand, prioritize urgent requests, share relevant updates, and help ensure timely and consistent service delivery.
• Maintain accurate client service notes and up-to-date database records, and conduct research, prepare reports, and perform administrative tasks as required.
• Provide such other related services as may be agreed upon between the contractor and The AFC from time to time.

Resources Provided

To support the delivery of contractor services, The AFC will provide access to the tools and resources required for the work, including an AFC Microsoft account, AFC-specific email and phone access through Teams, and access to relevant AFC systems and databases such as Slack, Airtable, and Blackbaud.

Qualifications and Assets

• Degree or diploma in social work, social service work, community services, or a related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in client service, social services, case management, crisis response, housing support, financial assistance programs, benefits navigation, or a related support role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain processes clearly, ask sensitive questions respectfully, and document information accurately.
• Ability to work with compassion, professionalism, discretion, and appropriate boundaries while supporting clients with complex or urgent needs.
• Strong attention to detail, reading comprehension, basic math skills, and comfort reviewing financial or application-related information.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office, Teams, email, online forms, and client databases; experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar systems is an asset.
• Knowledge of community resources, government benefits, housing supports, income assistance, or resources relevant to artists and entertainment workers is an asset.
• Experience or familiarity with arts and entertainment work is an asset.
• Bilingual French and English language skills are a strong asset but not required.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal contractor will be a steady, thoughtful communicator who can balance empathy with appropriate boundaries. They will be comfortable providing services independently during scheduled shifts while staying connected to a small, collaborative team. They will be able to prioritize urgent requests, make careful judgment calls, handle sensitive information with discretion, and remain organized while managing client information, applications, referrals, and follow-up tasks.

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

This posting is for a new contract position currently available at The AFC. We would like to thank all applicants; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

The AFC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work, including recruitment and hiring. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), The AFC will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact amy@afchelps.ca in confidence. All requests will be handled with respect and discretion.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, interest in providing contractor services to The AFC, and availability for the schedule listed above to amy@afchelps.ca. Applications will be reviewed as received, and only candidates selected for a conversation will be contacted.