Community Connector

Unison at Kerby Centre is a non-profit organization located in the west end of downtown Calgary. Dedicated to enhancing life for older Calgarians, Kerby Centre offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful community development and build a career in the charitable sector.

Position: Community Connector
Terms of Employment: Full-time, Fixed-Term Contract (1 year)
Salary: $56,100 per year with benefits
Location: Calgary

Job Purpose

The Community Connector provides frontline navigation, outreach, intake, assessment, referral coordination, and follow-up support for older adults aged 55+ living in the Bridgeland community. Using a strengths-based and person-centered approach, the Community Connector helps individuals identify and access non-medical home and community supports that enhance independence, social connection, quality of life, and aging in place.

The Community Connector supports older adults in overcoming barriers to accessing community services by facilitating connections to available programs, resources, transportation supports, and social opportunities. The role works collaboratively with housing organizations, transportation providers, municipal services, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), seniors-serving agencies, and community organizations to strengthen coordinated referral pathways and improve access to community-based supports.

The position contributes to the implementation and evaluation of a community-based Lodge-as-Hub model by collecting data, tracking outcomes, identifying service gaps, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that help older adults age safely, independently, and with dignity in their community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Intake, Assessment, Navigation and Referral Coordination

· Receive referrals and conduct intake conversations with older adults seeking support.

· Complete strengths-based assessments to identify client goals, needs, barriers, available supports, and opportunities to enhance quality of life and community connection.

· Develop individualized support plans that prioritize client choice, independence, and self-determination.

· Provide information, navigation, and referrals to appropriate community programs, resources, and services.

· Facilitate warm referrals and coordinated connections to community organizations and service providers.

· Support clients in accessing:

o Transportation and mobility services

o Home and community support services

o Housing-related community supports

o Recreation, educational, and social programs

o Food security resources

o Volunteer opportunities

o Community engagement activities

o Caregiver and family support resources

o Financial benefit information and referral services

o Municipal, cultural, and community-based programs and services

· Encourage and strengthen natural support systems, including family, friends, neighbours, and community networks.

· Conduct follow-up with clients to assess referral outcomes, address additional needs, and support successful service connections.

· Advocate on behalf of clients, as appropriate, to reduce barriers and improve access to community supports and services.

2. Outreach and Community Engagement

· Conduct proactive outreach to engage older adults who may be isolated, underserved, or unaware of available supports and services.

· Build trusting relationships with community members through one-on-one interactions, presentations, information sessions, and community events.

· Promote awareness of available programs, resources, and services that support independence, social connection, and community inclusion.

· Identify emerging needs, service gaps, and trends affecting older adults in the Bridgeland community.

· Support initiatives that reduce social isolation and strengthen community connectedness.

3. Program Evaluation, Data Collection and Reporting

· Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely client records and documentation.

· Track service utilization, referral activity, client outcomes, and follow-up results.

· Collect and report quantitative and qualitative data related to program performance, community needs, and client outcomes.

· Track outcomes related to successful service connections, client engagement, and access to community supports.

· Prepare reports, statistics, and summaries as required by funders and organizational leadership.

· Identify opportunities for program enhancement and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

· Minimum Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, Gerontology, Sociology, or a related field.

· Minimum four (4) years of experience in community outreach, community development, social services, seniors’ services, community navigation, or a related human services field. A post graduate degree with 2 years of experience will be considered.

· Experience working directly with older adults and a demonstrated understanding of the social and practical challenges and opportunities associated with aging.

· Experience conducting client intakes, assessments, service planning, and referral coordination.

· Knowledge of community navigation, social prescribing-informed approaches, and community-based supports for older adults is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Strong knowledge of community resources, programs, supports, and services available to older adults.

· Demonstrated ability to build trust and establish effective working relationships with clients, families, community partners, and stakeholders.

· Strong interviewing, assessment, problem-solving, and community navigation skills.

· Ability to coordinate services and referrals across multiple organizations and systems.

· Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

· Strong facilitation and community engagement skills.

· Ability to collect, analyze, and report program and outcome data.

· Demonstrated commitment to strengths-based, person-centered, and culturally responsive practice.

· Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills.

· Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a collaborative team.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Other Requirements

· Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and use of own vehicle required.

· Satisfactory Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search.

· Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support community outreach and engagement activities.

 

Working Conditions:

· Community-based position serving older adults living independently within the Bridgeland community.

· Requires flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing community needs and priorities.

· Combines independent work with collaborative, team-based service delivery.

 

To Apply: Please Send your resume to careers@unisonalberta.com stating the position title in the subject line.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.