Receptionist

Community Development Council Durham; Ajax; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is seeking a Receptionist for a 6-month contract in Ajax. The role is the first point of contact for visitors and clients, handling inquiries by phone and in person and providing information about services.

Responsibilities include clerical and administrative tasks, data entry, and maintaining filing and database systems to support efficient service delivery. Strong English communication and MS Office skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and/or post-secondary education.
• Three years related experience in non-profit sector/Employment Resource Centre/community services.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets, E-mail, Internet and Marketing & Newsletter publication.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-desk reception and respond to visitors and inquiries.
• Assist with administrative tasks to support the Welcome Centre and CDCD.
• Maintain centralized filing and database management system.
• Draft and format correspondence and memos; assist with minutes.
• Coordinate equipment and meeting room setups for workshops and meetings.
• Support client intake processes and data entry; track statistics.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

MS Teams

Zoom

Job description

Job title: Receptionist - 6 Months Contract

Department: Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax

Reports to: Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax

Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Job purpose

The Receptionist will be the first point of contact responsible for attending to visitors and dealing with client inquiries both on the phone and face-to-face. In this position you will be required to provide information to clients regarding the organization's services. The successful incumbent will be required to perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks in order to support and ensure that services are provided in an effective and efficient manner.

Company Overview

The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 50 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

Duties and responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Ensure established service standards and customer service excellence is maintained
• Assist with Centre Marketing
• Communicate and liaise with Centre partners and community agencies regarding programs and client records
• Assist with developing and implementing administrative practices to increase efficiency and enhance customer service
• Assist the Centre Manager with the update and maintenance of a centralized Welcome Centre filing and database management system
• Compile statistical reports, information on intake, service activity, and provide to Centre Manager on a monthly basis or when requested
• Draft and format correspondence and memos
• Assist with producing and maintaining form templates for Centre use as required
• Assist with coordinating use of special equipment (e.g. laptops, projectors, etc.)
• Assist to ensure the onsite Welcome Centre's promotional materials and virtual platforms are maintained and updated
• Set up meeting rooms and offices for workshops, meetings, etc. ensuring all required equipment and meeting supplies are available
• Prepare and maintain client appointments on behalf of Centre partners
• Assist with minute taking at meetings as requested by Centre Management
• Participate in promoting positive workplace culture through committee membership and agency activities

Client Service Support

• Assist with training and support to ensure a welcoming environment at the Welcome Centreand CDCD.
• Conduct data entry, client tracking, database maintenance, and overall statistics collection.
• Respond to service users’ and volunteer inquiries via telephone, email and in-person and forward to appropriate staff.
• Provide information on agency services, schedule appointments, and keep accurate intake records.
• Conduct initial screening and direct clients to appropriate internal and external services.
• Coordinate the smooth flow and collection of initial client contact details.
• Client Service Support

Skills and Abilities

• Superior communication skills, oral and written proficiency in English.
• Working knowledge of French would be a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal/customer service skills including excellent telephone manner.
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Access, Internet.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Excellent organizational and time-management ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of energy and a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate a non-judgmental and positive approach to challenges.
• Ability to take initiative and be a strong self-starter who takes responsibility and is accountable for actions/decisions.
• Results oriented, proactive, and resourceful with a quality-standards approach.
• The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant will need to be flexible regarding assigned work hours and location
• This role may include a rotation of schedule; timings could include: 8am to 4pm / 8:30am to 4:30pm / 10:30am to 6:30pm / 1:00pm - 9:00pm

Core Competencies

Valuing Diversity and Social Change

Supports and promotes an environment that holds opportunities for all, regardless of race, ancestry, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status, or disability; fosters a climate of inclusion, where diverse thoughts are freely shared and integrated. Understands social justice; all groups and individuals receive fair treatment and an equitable share of the benefits of society.

Culturally-Sensitive

Recognizes, understands, and applies attitudes and practices that are sensitive to and appropriate for people with diverse cultural socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and persons of all ages, genders, health status, sexual orientations and abilities.

Job Specific Competencies

Customer Focus

Commits to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; acts with stakeholders in mind; values importance of providing high-quality customer service.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to deal cooperatively with other staff, volunteers, funder agencies and other government and community organizations. Actively listens to the client’s and employee needs.

Oral and Written Communication Skills

Demonstrates proficient abilities to develop high-quality written reports and expresses excellent communication skills when dealing with clients and employees.

Organization and Time Management

Capable of organizing files and printed reports in an effective manner that allows easy access and to obtain. Plans effective ways to use time in order to accomplish job duties in a timely behavior.

Problem Solving

Ability to address a problem and facilitate ways in which to solve the issue. Potential to assist people with problems they may have and plan ways in which to help solve the concern.

Accountability

Takes responsibility for actions and mistakes; reliable; accomplishes goals, completes tasks, and meets deadlines or gives reasonable notice and explanation; is productive while maintaining accuracy and quality; acts in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner; is punctual; follows through on commitments made.

Ability to work in a team environment and independently

Has a strong capability to work in a team environment, as well as work on individual tasks that support that overall Centre.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and/or post-secondary education.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures.
• Three years related experience in non-profit sector/Employment Resource Centre/community services.
• Experience working with people from various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in the use of computer programs for: Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets, E-mail, Internet and Marketing & Newsletter publication.
• Strong proficiency in the use of virtual platforms such as MS Teams and Zoom
• Ability to take initiative and be a strong self-starter who takes responsibility and is accountable for actions/decisions
• Results oriented, proactive, and resourceful with a quality-standards approach
• Able to create and navigate excel spreadsheets and Access Database
• Good organization skills
• Proficiency in additional languages other than English would be a definite asset.

Special Conditions

The Receptionist will need to be flexible to attend to the Welcome Centre’s evening and weekend extended hours as required.

The Receptionist will work out of an office environment and will be required to lift up to 20 lbs. Prolonged sitting is required.

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.

CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.