Settlement Practitioner, LGBTQ+

Entreinstitute; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Edmonton Newcomer Centre is seeking a Settlement Practitioner for Rainbow Refuge, a program supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers in Edmonton. The role focuses on trauma-informed, client-centred settlement work, building trust, and navigating complex systems to connect clients with housing, healthcare, immigration, and community resources.

The position is on-site with some travel; it emphasizes outreach, group activities, and collaboration with local partners to create safe, affirming spaces for

Qualifications

• Experience providing trauma-informed, client-centred support.
• Strong assessment and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Build trust and professional relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop individualized settlement plans.
• Provide practical information, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniment to access services.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Culturally responsive

Advocacy

System navigation

Education

Diploma/degree in Social Sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Teams

Zoom

Databases/e-case management

Job description

Settlement Practitioner, LGBTQ+

One-Year Parental Leave Coverage, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) | Hybrid – Edmonton

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Program

Settlement and Integration Services supports newcomers in building meaningful lives in Canada through information and referrals, skill development, case management, and personalized settlement support.

The service area includes four core programs:

• Core Settlement One-on-One Support and Group Workshops
• Complex Case Management
• Enhanced Settlement Worker in Schools (ESWIS)
• Rainbow Refuge (LGBTQIA+ Supports)

Rainbow Refuge provides specialized, affirming settlement support for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees navigating barriers related to settlement, identity, safety, immigration status, housing, family and community relationships, health and wellbeing, and social isolation.

Through individualized support, system navigation, advocacy, community connection, and group programming, Rainbow Refuge helps clients build safety, stability, belonging, and greater independence in Canada.

About the Role

The Settlement Practitioner, LGBTQ+ provides specialized settlement and case support to 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees through the Rainbow Refuge Program.

At the heart of this role is the ability to build trust. You will work alongside clients to understand their circumstances, identify priorities, develop individualized plans, navigate complex systems, and connect with appropriate services and resources.

Depending on each client’s needs, support may include advocacy, coordinated referrals, accompaniment, practical problem-solving, crisis response, and collaboration with internal teams and community service providers.

You will also contribute to group programming, outreach, partnerships, and the creation of safe and affirming spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers can build connections, community, and a sense of belonging.

This is a primarily on-site, client-facing position requiring occasional travel within Edmonton and occasional evening or weekend work.

What You’ll Do

• Build trusting, respectful, and professional relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and work with clients to identify their priorities, goals, strengths, and appropriate next steps.
• Develop and follow individualized settlement and support plans based on each client’s circumstances and level of need.
• Provide trauma-informed, strengths-based, culturally responsive, and client-centred support.
• Help clients navigate systems related to housing, healthcare, income and financial supports, employment, immigration, legal services, food security, and other essential needs.
• Provide practical information, advocacy, referrals, warm connections, and accompaniment when needed to reduce barriers to accessing services.
• Recognize situations requiring immediate or specialized intervention and work with appropriate internal and external supports.
• Follow up with clients and service providers to support continuity of care and access to needed services.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, group discussions, community activities, and other opportunities responsive to participant needs and interests.
• Welcome new participants and help create affirming and safer spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers can connect and participate meaningfully.
• Contribute to outreach, presentations, community events, and engagement initiatives that increase awareness of Rainbow Refuge and available supports.
• Work with other Edmonton Newcomer Centre programs to coordinate support and facilitate seamless internal referrals.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers.
• Participate in case consultations, team discussions, and collaborative problem-solving for clients with complex or intersecting needs.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records, case notes, referrals, outreach records, and program documentation.
• Support program reporting and data-collection requirements.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold organizational policies, privacy requirements, ethical practices, and strict confidentiality.

What It Takes

• A strong understanding of the experiences and barriers affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees, including those related to identity, culture, migration, family and community relationships, housing, employment, healthcare, discrimination, safety, and social inclusion.
• The ability to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong assessment, problem-solving, advocacy, and system-navigation skills.
• Strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with people of diverse cultural, linguistic, religious, gender, and sexual identities.
• The ability to facilitate conversations and group activities involving sensitive or complex topics.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build productive relationships with community partners and service providers.
• Sound judgment, adaptability, organization, and the ability to prioritize effectively when supporting clients with multiple needs.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality, privacy, professional ethics, and responsible information-sharing.

What You Bring

• A diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Human Services, Community Development, Settlement Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience providing direct support to newcomers, refugees, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, or other equity-deserving populations.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing complex or intersecting barriers.
• Strong understanding of settlement services, community resources, and systems available to newcomers in Edmonton and Alberta.
• Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed, client-centred, strengths-based, and culturally responsive support.
• Comfort using Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, databases, and electronic case-management systems.

About Edmonton Newcomer Centre

Since 1981, Edmonton Newcomer Centre has supported newcomers in building meaningful lives in Edmonton and across Alberta. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Guided by our core values of compassion, empowerment, accountability, and interconnectedness, we are committed to driving meaningful change in everything we do.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Edmonton Newcomer Centre is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.

We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, including newcomers, refugees, Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.