Program Manager, English Language & Multicultural Services (ELMS)

Date Posted: May 17, 2025

Closing Date:June 20, 2025

Hours per week:35

Salary Range: $63,700-$72,800 (Depending on Qualifications and Experience)

About Smithers Community Services Association:
Founded in 1973, Smithers Community Services Association is dedicated to provision of services which enhance the quality of life and promote equal opportunity for all people within our communities. Working in partnership with our staff, volunteers and clients, we strive for excellence in advocacy, service development and program delivery. We currently have a staff of about 70 people.

Over the last 50 years, SCSA has offered numerous services to the community that changed as the needs of Smithers and area change. Todays SCSA operates numerous programs in the community. We provide services for people with developmental disabilities, parenting programs, youth programs, public transit systems, and family housing sponsored by BC Housing.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The ELMS Program is dedicated to delivering client-centered, needs-based English Language & Settlement Services aimed at empowering newcomers to lead fulfilling lives in our community. Our comprehensive services encompass formal and informal English language learning, employment support, information & orientation services, and community connection initiatives for eligible individuals. Additionally, the program advocates for newcomer interests, fosters a welcoming environment through multicultural experiences, community education, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance integration and support.

POSISTION SUMMARY

The ELMS Program Manager leads the strategic development and implementation of the ELMS program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and policies. Responsible for overseeing program services and activities, the Director coordinates the ELMS team to deliver comprehensive English language and settlement services that meet the diverse needs of newcomers. This role emphasizes achieving program outcomes, maintaining compliance with SCSA and funder requirements, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders to advocate for newcomer interests and promote community integration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

1. Program Development and Strategic Leadership (30%)

• Develops a comprehensive ELMS program plan and leads its implementation in collaboration with ELMS Language & Settlement Services Leads and the Frontline Staff team.
• Ensures effective delivery of language and settlement services by developing and maintaining program service delivery processes and procedures.
• Facilitates teamwork with the Language and Settlement team to streamline program activities based on client needs assessments and settlement plans.
• Evaluates program effectiveness by establishing productivity expectations, monitoring activity input, output, and progress, addressing service delivery challenges, and clarifying project goals and objectives.
• Provides support to Program Leads and Frontline Staff in direct program delivery as needed, ensuring alignment with overall program goals and quality standards.

2. Program Administration and Financial Management (30%)

• Identifies program needs and actively seeks funding opportunities to secure continuity and enhancement of existing programs and services.
• Develops funding and grant proposals in collaboration with ELMS Leadership Team.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with funders.
• Forecasts and monitors program expense, prepares financial reports, and submits claims in line with Contribution and Grant agreements.
• Leads the preparation and implementation of the ELMS program budget.
• Supervises day-to-day program budget and expenditures, fostering budget awareness among program staff.
• Ensures program delivery aligns with contractual agreements, requirements, and goals, complying with organizational policies and processes.
• Creates and maintains comprehensive project documentation, meeting all reporting deadlines and funder requirements.

3. Personnel Management and Team Leadership (20%)

• Manages and leads staff in program delivery by providing advice, assistance, training, and general guidance.
• Leads ELMS staff and volunteer hiring, coaching, and evaluation processes.
• Assists with staff and volunteer onboarding, ensuring clear understanding of SCSAs policies, program procedures, and funding guidelines.
• Supervises and motivates teams, providing ongoing leadership and feedback through regular one-on-one meetings and annual performance evaluations.
• Supports Program Leads in coordinating staff duties and establishing flexible schedules to meet client needs and availabilities.
• Conducts regular team meetings to review program progress and act as a resource for the program team.
• Ensures staff and volunteers are well supported personally and professionally, identifying and removing obstacles to performance.
• Promotes coordinated and collaborative teamwork within the program, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Develops, uses, and maintains appropriate job descriptions for all ELMS team members.

4. Program Representation, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (20%)

• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments through participation in national, provincial, and regional meetings and committees, and ongoing professional education.
• Promotes SCSA and the ELMS program positively in the community, conveying a consistent message related to successful newcomer settlement.
• Develops and implements an outreach plan to increase program awareness and engage the community.
• Establishes relationships with community service providers, government agencies, and other organizations to develop local referral networks for clients.
• Identifies and responds to gaps in newcomer services, engaging stakeholders in developing new initiatives or enhancing ELMS programs and services.
• Cultivates networks and identifies partnership opportunities to collaborate effectively toward program goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

University Degree, or diploma and a minimum of 5 years of experience in immigration services, adult education, social services or a related discipline and/or combination of equivalent relevant education and experience.

In-depth knowledge of Canada and BCs government, public and community services as they relate to the settlement service sector in BC.

A demonstrated record of working well with diverse, vulnerable and/or marginalized populations and knowledge of the challenges that may be part of immigrant settlement in Canada.

Demonstrated administrative, leadership, and management abilities.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Organizational effectiveness and operations management: Knowledgeable in these areas with a track record of practical application in professional settings.

Business financial principles: Familiar with fundamental financial concepts relevant to business operations.

Budgeting and forecasting: Experienced in planning and projecting financial needs and expenditures.

Adaptability: Quick to adapt to standard corporate software platforms and utilize web-based learning tools effectively.

Positive interaction: Consistently demonstrates the ability to engage positively in professional contexts.

Active listening and problem-solving: Skilled in attentively understanding issues and devising effective solutions with residents, workers, and colleagues.

Communication and presentation: Excellent proficiency in written and verbal communication, along with the ability to deliver engaging presentations.

Cultural humility and sensitivity: Demonstrated experience in promoting understanding and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.

Microsoft software proficiency: Competent in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and other related software for productivity.

Organization and prioritization: Highly motivated and detail-oriented, with a strong aptitude for organizing tasks and prioritizing effectively.

Leadership: An approachable leader who fosters a flexible, diverse, and supportive workplace culture.

Coaching: Utilizes a collaborative coaching style to enhance the abilities of others and encourage their best performance.

Emotional intelligence: Possesses the ability to understand and manage personal emotions as well as empathize with others.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Be familiar with and adhere to the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the Association.
• Represent the Association positively and professionally at all times.
• Understand and uphold the principles of confidentiality; sign a confidentiality agreement as required.
• Undergo a Criminal Record Check as required by the Association.
• Actively participate in regular performance evaluations.
• Provide clear direction and guidance to staff, ensuring alignment with the SCSAs mission, vision, strategic plan, and goals.
• Set clear goals, objectives, and expectations for employees; regularly review performance and provide constructive feedback. Offer coaching and mentorship to support professional growth and, when necessary, administer disciplinary action.
• Lead by example in conduct, work ethic, and professionalism.
• Promote and enforce workplace health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.
• Address and mediate conflicts or disputes among employees fairly and respectfully.
• Make timely operational decisions that balance organizational needs with available resources.
• Ensure all activities and decisions align with the organization's ethical standards and legal obligations.
• Monitor workload distribution and adjust staffing levels as needed to maintain efficiency.
• Promote work-life balance, mental health awareness, and psychological safety in the workplace.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of new staff, ensuring diversity and alignment with organizational needs.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care including vision, dental, and counselling services with a coverage of up to $1,500.
• Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
• Wellness Day & Wellness Allowance

For a complete list of duties and desired qualifications, please consult the Job Description linked to this posting.

Smithers Community Services Association embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We value a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity support our mission to enhance the quality of life in our communities. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons.