Support and Education Coordinator, First Link® - Central Island

Support and Education Coordinator, First Link® - Central Island

About the position

The Support and Education Coordinator, First Link® works independently and as part of a regional and provincial team providing direct client services to people affected by dementia. In this role you deliver First Link® programs and services, including facilitating formal and informal referrals to connect clients to support services and information, one-to-one phone support, facilitating support groups and delivering standardized workshops. Training, supervising and supporting service-delivery volunteers is also part of the role. Travel within the Central Island region is required. This hybrid role requires regular in-person presence to deliver programs, combined with the option to work from home 1-2 days per week.

In this role you report to the Manager, Community Services.

Title: Support & Education Coordinator, First Link®
Starting salary range (level 6): $53,000 to $58,000 per year
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week
Location: Nanaimo/Parksville region - Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• As part of a regional team and in collaboration with the Manager, Community Services, plan and deliver community programs and services, ensuring positive client outcomes consistent with the Society’s strategic goals are met, including:
• Conducting intakes for clients who come to the Society through formal referral pathways and as self-referrals.
• Providing one-to-one telephone support to people living with dementia and caregivers.
• Delivering standardized workshops for people living with dementia, caregivers and the public.
• Facilitating or supporting volunteers to facilitate support groups for people living with dementia and caregivers.
• Maintain and grow the formal referral network through outreach, delivering First Link® presentations and stewarding relationships with health care professionals, community organizations and other collaborators.
• Contribute to the region’s community presence initiatives to raise awareness about our programs and services and increase self-referrals.
• Support volunteer recruitment and training, and provide ongoing supervision, support and guidance for service-delivery volunteers.
• Maintain comprehensive and objective recordkeeping in the Raiser’s Edge database, ensuring data is accurate and in line with our scope and guidelines.
• Keep current with the Society’s services and resources, and relevant external programs to support people living with dementia and caregivers.
• Stay up to date on Society messaging and shared resources regarding Alzheimer's disease and dementia research.
• Other duties as required to meet organizational goals.

About you

You have a post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g. health, social services or related discipline), or an equivalent combination of education, practical experience, and lived experience that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for this role. You have experience in community programming and working with older adults, with a commitment to delivering programs with integrity, respect and courage. You bring a person-centred and collaborative approach to supporting individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and the broader community. You focus on inclusivity and respect diverse backgrounds. Having experience in a not-for-profit environment is considered an asset and will help you better understand the needs of our community.

Key Qualifications

• You have 1-3 years of experience in a health or social services-related setting.
• You have solid knowledge of and experience with dementia and issues faced by families affected by dementia in BC and/or Yukon
• You have solid knowledge of service delivery in a community-based social services environment, including skills and experience with some combination of providing one-to-one support, delivering adult education sessions, facilitating group peer support programs, managing volunteers, fostering relationships and public speaking
• You bring a strength-based mindset when working with clients, recognizing and building on their capabilities whenever possible
• You effectively prioritize tasks and manage a varied workload to meet deadlines and changing priorities.
• You confidently use existing technology and processes, and remain open to adopting new tools and skills.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully, seeking clarification when needed to ensure shared understanding.
• You actively collaborate with colleagues, share ideas openly, and welcome diverse perspectives to enhance team outcomes.
• You recognize and address routine challenges, using sound judgement to know when to consult others or seek input.

Technical competencies

• You have experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications, such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote and SharePoint.
• You have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle. Work-related travel expenses will get reimbursed.
• You will be provided with a laptop, monitor, and any other technical equipment needed to perform your role.
• You can work occasional evenings and weekends, as required. Flexibility with regards to scheduling is expected.

About Us

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• Flexible work options, including flex days and hybrid arrangements.
• 4 weeks vacation to start, 12 sick days, 2 personal days as part of a 35-hour work week.
• 13 paid holidays, with an option to switch days for a personal cultural preference.
• Full health and dental benefits, including a Health Care Spending Account, group RRSP and Employee Assistance Program for you and your dependents.
• Support for career growth and development.