Family & School Liaison Worker
Job Summary
Are you a changemaker Come on INN!
Who Are We
Were an amazing team doing amazing things every day. Inn from the Cold is the largest organization in the Calgary region dedicated to supporting families experiencing a housing crisis.
At Inn from the Cold we offer more than a job; we provide an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of families in need. Our values guide us compassion accountability respect inclusivity courage and innovation. We are driven by our vision of a thriving community where every child and family has a safe and stable place to call home.
We prioritize people recognizing the uniqueness and worth of everyone who walks through our doors. Our commitment to reconciliation and equity is not just a statement; its a journey were dedicated to actively working alongside Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities to dismantle oppressive structures. As a trauma informed organization we create a safe and supportive environment promoting healing and resilience.
We are a multidisciplinary team united by a shared vision mission and values. Collaboration is at the heart of our work and we believe that diverse perspectives drive our success. It is this diversity and the respect and value we have for each other and our community that makes us stronger.
If this sounds like a place where you would want to work please review the position below to see if theres a fit with your skills and experience.
What Are We Looking For
- Position Title Family & School Liaison Worker
- Job Type Full Time
- Department Programs
- Reports to Manager Integrated Support Services
Position Overview
The Family & School Liaison Worker supports children youth and families experiencing homelessness by promoting educational stability and reducing school-related barriers. Working within Inn from the Colds Child & Youth Development (CYD) framework this role serves as the primary contact for school registration verification educational advocacy and school-based resource navigation.
Using a trauma-informed strengths-based culturally responsive and family-centered approach the Family & School Liaison Worker collaborates with families schools community agencies and internal teams to help children maintain educational continuity and access appropriate educational supports while residing in shelter.
The Family & School Liaison Worker plays a critical role in ensuring children have access to educational opportunities that promote stability belonging and long-term success.
What Youll Do
- Engage families identified through intake where school registration has not been verified or where no educational placement has been confirmed.
- Verify school registration status for school-aged children including public separate alternative and home education arrangements.
- Support families through school registration processes and assist with documentation requirements.
- Complete school support assessment for children who are not currently registered in school.
- Identify immediate educational barriers impacting school attendance participation or enrollment.
- Introduce families to Child & Youth Development services and programming opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Child & Youth Program Facilitator and Child & Youth Engagement & Outreach Worker to promote integrated CYD supports.
- Assist with the coordination and promotion of CYD activities programs and family engagement opportunities.
- Maintain accurate timely and confidential documentation of family interactions educational assessments school registration status referrals and outcomes.
- Utilize HOMES Program Drive folders Microsoft Teams and other agency systems to document services.
- Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with co-workers shelter staff school personnel and community partners.
- Participate in supervision team meetings training organization-wide events and professional development opportunities.
This position description reflects the general duties of the position but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. The Family & School Liaison Worker will be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.
What You Bring to Our Mission
- Diploma or degree in Education Social Work Child & Youth Care Human Services or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with children youth and families facing complex social or educational barriers.
- Knowledge of school systems educational supports and registration processes.
- Understanding of homelessness and its impact on educational engagement and child development.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed strengths-based and family-centered practice.
- Strong advocacy assessment problem-solving and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with schools community agencies and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong documentation organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Teams and client information systems.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
- Police Information Check and Child Intervention Check required.
What We Offer
- We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable benefits and total compensation to all staff including:
Competitive salary where all employees are paid a living wage at minimum - Focus on health and wellbeing including access to employer paid extended health benefits dental benefits annual health spending account and employer matched RRSP contributions
- Commitment to your mental wellbeing with free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
- Work life balance including paid vacation starting at three weeks wellness days and 12 paid statutory holidays
- Supportive and flexible work environment with ongoing training and development opportunities
- Potlucks celebrations employee engagement initiatives and plenty of fun
- Strong commitment to advancing reconciliation aligning with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Recognition that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength in diversity creating a rich and inclusive workplace.
Our Commitment
Join us in a workplace where your actions contribute to breaking down barriers fostering equity and creating a truly inclusive and antiracist space. At Inn from the Cold youre not just an employee but a crucial part of a community making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
The INN is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued and prioritized. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about our mission and can contribute to our team we encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every qualification listed. We value unique perspectives and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of talents and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race colour religious beliefs gender gender identity or expression family status marital status sexual orientation place of origin source of income mental and physical disability age or veteran status.
Join Our Team
We are excited to hear from you! We invite you to join our movement to end family homelessness in our city. If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the qualifications above please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply Now.
The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and a Child Intervention Record Check.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate is found.
Inn from the Cold is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process. To request an accommodation please contact us at before your interview.
Required Experience:
IC