Canada, Ontario, Kitchener

Applications due: 23 Jul, 2025

Job Synopsis

You know those moments in life where we realize that what people really need—like really need—isn’t just food or shelter (though those things are important), but to feel like they actually matter? That they’re seen, valued, and not just another name on some government form? That’s what this job is about.

The Walking with People in Poverty Associate is part of our Circle of Friends program (more information below). This isn’t just about helping people move from homelessness to housing. It’s about creating spaces where transformation happens in the sacred, ordinary moments—around a table, during a conversation, or through a shared experience. It’s about rebuilding what has been lost: trust, relationships, community, and hope
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You’ll play a key role in creating spaces where meaningful connections can take root and thrive. This includes coordinating small groups, known as Circles, where participants and volunteers journey together for a year—building trust, sharing stories, and fostering a sense of belonging. These Circles are places of mutual support, where everyone contributes and receives in meaningful ways. Beyond the Circles, you'll help bring people together through monthly community gatherings, creating opportunities for shared experiences and deeper connections. You’ll also be responsible for recruiting and equipping volunteers, providing training and ongoing support as they walk alongside participants in this journey.

As part of the Walking with People in Poverty Program, you’ll also contribute to other initiatives like the People’s Action Group, Community Safety and Outreach, and The Raw Carrot social enterprise. Each of these programs reflects the heart of MCC Ontario’s commitment to social inclusion—a belief that every person has inherent worth and a vital role to play in their community.

This is a 9 month contract role.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected to move forward in our hiring process will be contacted.

MCC is a charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations worldwide to walk with people who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living and alternatives to violence. As an internationally recognized NGO, MCC currently serves in more than 45 countries with over 475 partners, 1,000 staff and 40,000 volunteers.
Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada for the duration of their employment. Successful candidates will be required to provide a Police Background Check upon hire.

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Full Time at 1 FTE

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Core Competencies
Interpersonal Skills & Empathy

• Approaches individuals with empathy and a trauma-informed mindset.

• Embraces diverse perspectives and fosters supportive environments.

• Balances humor and resilience in challenging situations.

• Understands the importance of hospitality and fostering a welcoming environment.

Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership

• Builds partnerships with community organizations to enhance support.

• Facilitates inclusive group activities and empowers participants.

• Applies creative problem-solving and peace-building strategies.

Communication & Conflict Management

• Resolves conflicts with a focus on well-being.

• Maintains confidential records and uses virtual platforms for case tracking.

Required

• Knowledge of social issues: poverty, homelessness, trauma, mental health, and addiction.

• Willingness to work with sensitivity within a diverse cultural and theological milieu

• Relate well to a wide variety of people with a pleasant and professional demeanor

• Ability to work independently and within a team.

• Some availability for meetings and events outside of normal working hours.

• Ability to travel within Kitchener Waterloo regularly for Circles and partner visits

• Degree or diploma in social work or related field + 2-4 years of experience in an applicable human/social services field. An additional 5+ years experience will be considered in place of a bachelor’s degree.

Preferred

• Experience in volunteer recruitment, training, and supervision.
• Two years of experience in housing support or related fields.
• Experience planning events that promote community inclusion.
• Valid ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license

Key Responsibilities

Building Connections & Social Inclusion

• Facilitate Participant Circles to help a caseload of 10-15 participants set goals, build relationships, and strengthen community ties: fostering growth, independence, and belonging.

• Host monthly group gatherings to encourage meaningful engagement.

• Stay connected with participants and volunteers to maintain engagement and trust.

• Assist participants in accessing resources to reduce barriers to inclusion.

Volunteer & Partner Engagement

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers to enhance program activities.

• Build partnerships with agencies, businesses, and churches to promote social inclusion.

• Visit community partners to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration.

Program Monitoring & Reporting

• Ensure Participant Circles remain safe, respectful, and confidential spaces, always protecting participant and volunteer privacy.

• Track and report program activities, including attendance, outcomes, and risk management.

• Complete administrative tasks like case notes and evaluations to track progress and insights for program development, MCC Ontario, and funders.

• Assist with the bi-monthly newsletter by contributing stories and reporting

Other

• Assist with other Walking with People in Poverty programs, including the Raw Carrot Social Enterprise, People’s Action Group (PAG), Community Safety and Outreach, and advocacy efforts.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned
• Participate in a local faith community, being willing to use personal gifts within this community
• Model Nonviolent peacemaking through respectful daily interactions with staff and the public
• Maintain a high level of integrity, reflecting Christian respect and Christ's unconditional love to those with whom you work, including colleagues, partner agencies, the homeless and marginalized
• Serve as a brand advocate and ambassador for MCC’s mission and values in every interaction with partners and donors, being proactive in promoting positive public, staff, and volunteer relations.

Additional Information about Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends is a program that addresses the challenges faced by individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, with a special focus on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on their lives. Personal well-being is at the heart of Circle of Friends' approach, helping individuals maintain stable housing and a sense of belonging in the community. Rooted in the simple yet powerful concept of "holding space," Circle of Friends creates a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, healing, and a profound sense of belonging within the community.
Circle of Friends has been active in the Waterloo Region for over 25 years. Over that time, we have learned many lessons that have helped us to identify three key areas that foster social inclusion:

• Positive Social Relationships: The program places a strong emphasis on cultivating positive and supportive social connections among its participants. This pillar recognizes the importance of fostering friendships and relationships that promote a sense of belonging and well-being.
• Engaging in Meaningful Activities: Another crucial aspect of Circle of Friends is the encouragement of engaging in meaningful activities. This involves providing opportunities for participants to participate in activities that align with their interests and passions. Such engagement not only enriches their lives but also serves as a vehicle for forging connections with others who share similar interests.

Exploring New Social Roles: The program encourages participants to take on new social roles within their communities. This could involve volunteering, leadership roles, or other forms of active participation. By doing so, participants not only expand their social networks but also gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment through contributing to their communities.

Start Date

21 Aug, 2025

Term Length

9 months

Salary Details

Base salary: $56,821. The salary stated is an annual salary. This role is 9 months.This role starts on day 1 with a company paid benefit package

Benefits

Group benefits package is employer paid: supplemental medical/dental/vision, life insurance, AD&D, global medical assistance, EAP, and RRSP contributions matched - starts on day one.

LTD premiums are the responsibility of all permanent, salaried positions. These are the responsibility of the team member and are paid through salary deduction

Location Description

This role will work out of the MCC Ontario Office at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener Ontario.