Program Officer
Job Title: Program Officer
Company: John Howard Society of Victoria
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
Work hours: Mon – Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm, 40 hours per week
Work locations: In person
Salary: $32.00 - $34.00
Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match
About the organization:
The John Howard Society of Victoria is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
What We Offer:
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and a registered pension plan / RRSP
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee committees, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals:
Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:
Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
About the Role:
The Program Officer is a key member of the Programs team. Reporting to the Sr. Manager Programs, the Program Officer is responsible for the delivery of client supports within the program area. They are the primary point of contact between front-line workers and the program area manager. The Program Officer oversees caseworkers and is qualified to step in to support client supports and service delivery as necessary. They are also responsible for regular reporting and quality assurance audits of front-line service delivery.
Responsibilities:
As a key member of the Programs team overseeing front-line client support, the Program Officer will have the following responsibilities:
Program Development & Implementation
Support the design and delivery of program activities in accordance with goals and timelines
Coordinate daily operations of assigned programs, including scheduling, staffing, and logistics
Assist with intake, assessment, and referral processes for clients/participants
Ensure program compliance with funder requirements, policies, and standards (including development)
Monitoring & Evaluation
Track program performance indicators and outcomes
Collect and analyze data for reporting and evaluation purposes
Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, funders, and partners
Represent the organization in community meetings and collaborative initiatives
Administrative Support
Maintain accurate records and documentation
Contribute to grant proposals, funding applications, and reporting
Support budget tracking and resource planning for programs
Program management can use some expansion, here are my thoughts:
Output and outcome reporting: Track, compile, and analyze program data to measure effectiveness, identify trends, and support funding reports.
Client data management and case notes: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in alignment with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
Resource management and assessment within the program: Ensure appropriate allocation and tracking of program resources to meet client and operational needs.
Goal setting and prioritization: Support program planning by identifying key priorities, setting achievable goals, and aligning activities with strategic objectives.
Ensure consistency in resource management: Maintain existing processes for tracking and distributing program materials, staffing supports, and community resources in alignment with established practices.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, community development, or a related field
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within a community service or nonprofit organization
Experience in case management and client support services
Strong knowledge of program management principles and social services delivery
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management software
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Skills and Abilities:
Available to work outside of normal office hours.
Valid driver's licence and safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per John Howard policy.
Carry provided cell phone to facilitate your contact with clients.
Criminal Record Check.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and strong active listening skills to understand client needs and concerns.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases simultaneously and strong attention to detail in case documentation and reporting.
Capacity to evaluate client progress and outcomes effectively and the ability to analyze data for reporting and program improvement.
Skills in working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders and the ability to mentor and support front-line staff and caseworkers.
Competencies:
Cultural Competency: Understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and experiences and the ability to tailor support approaches to meet the needs of various populations.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions and a proactive approach to anticipating challenges and planning accordingly.
Resource Management: Competence in managing resources efficiently within the program area and the ability to optimize support services across different program sectors.
Outcome Orientation: Focused on achieving measurable results and continuous improvement with the ability to set and track goals for both clients and program performance.
Innovation: Ability to foster creativity and implement new ideas that enhance program effectiveness and improve service delivery.
Technology: Proficiency in utilizing technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve client services, and support data-driven decision-making.
Personal Characteristics:
Empathy: Genuine concern for the well-being of clients and a strong desire to support their growth.
Resilience: Ability to cope with the emotional demands of the role and maintain a positive outlook.
Accountability: Strong sense of responsibility for personal actions and program outcomes.
Integrity: Commitment to ethical practices and maintaining confidentiality.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing circumstances and client needs.
Passion for Community Service: A deep commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community through meaningful work.
Diversity and Inclusion at JHS Victoria:
At the John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We warmly welcome candidates who are racialized persons or persons of color, Indigenous Peoples, women, individuals with disabilities, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and anyone who brings unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodations during your interview, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to help!
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application through our portal. We’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, so don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!