Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Coordinator

Position Title: Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Coordinator
Start Date: August 2024
End Date: March 31, 2025
Hourly rate: $29.00 - $31.87
Reports To: Director of People and Culture
Hours: 35 hours/week
Location: Hybrid /NYCH sites

North York Community House (NYCH) is a dynamic community agency that has been working with residents of under-resourced and low-income neighbourhoods in northwest Toronto for over 30 years. We are committed to helping people move out of poverty in order to build strong, vibrant communities. We support new Canadians, children, youth and their families, seniors, and local residents in becoming active and engaged citizens, who are able to thrive and become leaders in their own lives and in their communities.

NYCH is committed to understanding the histories of systemic racism and discrimination that result in inequality for, and oppression of people who identify as Black, Indigenous and others who experience different/multiple forms of oppression. We are working towards removing systemic barriers to resources and opportunities, and to achieving equity for our staff and community.

NYCH has created a new position, an Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Coordinator that will help champion our ARAO work with the goal that our services, practices and staff reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We welcome all applicants, and strongly encourage individuals from groups who are marginalized and underrepresented to apply.

Main responsibilities include:

*Assist in creating, administering, and analyzing quantitative, qualitative and statistical data, and other assessments to track and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of ARAO and equity efforts
*Research best practices for Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression work; gather data and make recommendations to senior management on how to progress further on anti-Black racism, 2SLGBTQ+ and Disability Justice for newcomer clients and staff
*Assist in creating strategies to help staff to recognize the intersectionality and positionality of newcomer clients (e.g. 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, racialized, etc.) and how best to support them
*Assist with the planning, implementation, and advancement of the ARAO goals and objectives in NYCH’s Strategic Plan
*Assist in developing and implementing ARAO initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, such as recruiting initiatives aimed at attracting diverse candidates, creating affinity groups for underrepresented settlement staff, and helping to organize cultural/diversity events and celebrations.
*Organize and facilitate training sessions and workshops for settlement staff to raise awareness about issues related to racism, oppression, privilege, and unconscious bias. These sessions may include discussions on cultural competency, sensitivity training, and strategies for fostering an inclusive work environment.
*Support communications team to create awareness campaigns through social media and other communication channels.

Education and Experience

*Minimum level of education preferred is a degree in human resources, social work or related field
*Lived experience with racism, oppression and/or discrimination
*Or combination of relevant education and experience

Skills and Competencies

*Passion for this work and a strong understanding of power dynamics and privilege within an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework
*Knowledge of newcomers to Canada – ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences; deal appropriately with confidential data, strong understanding of common issues faced by refugees, newcomers and immigrants
*Ability to develop effective anti-racism anti-oppression strategies through research and analysis
*A deep commitment to dismantling systems of oppression, including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism.
*An understanding of intersectionality to recognize how multiple forms of oppression intersect and compound to create unique experiences of marginalization
*Demonstrated expertise in facilitation using a variety of tools and approaches and proven ability to develop and deliver training
*A commitment to ongoing learning and growth
*Strong written and verbal communications skills including the ability to communicate in a clear, concise and accurate manner for reports, plans and presentations to diverse stakeholder groups; able to effectively convey complex issues and support open discussion
*Critical thinking – ability to see big picture; observe and analyze emerging/changing needs, opportunities for new partnerships; problem solve effectively
*Effective time management – ability to plan, prioritize and organize tasks; juggle multiple responsibilities; attention to detail and ensure deadlines are met
*Change management – be open to and able to manage change, support stakeholders and peers, be flexible/adaptable, articulate needs to management
*Self-awareness – demonstrate self-development, self-control, accountability for actions; communicate and model this to others to increase their capacity
*Proven ability to create, build and maintain positive relationships with community members and residents as well as engage and create enthusiasm about learning with staff and community members
*Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills with proven ability to build and maintain relationships with different stakeholder groups
*Strong technology/online communication skills, including MS Office, online platforms and social media
*Teamwork – act as a support and resource for peers, maintain regular communication with manager and colleagues
*Risk management – problem solving, sound and ethical decision-making, application of policies

Additional Requirements:

*Candidates will be asked to declare their vaccination status during the recruitment process. Successful candidates will be required to provide proof before or directly upon the start of their employment.
*Documented proof of a valid police reference check is required for employment at NYCH, as well as an annual declaration.
*Mostly works regular hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional evening/weekend work, and some travel required within Toronto. Works primarily at NYCH locations and other community sites.