Intake & Settlement Specialist

Job Title: Intake & Settlement Specialist [Term Contract]

Program: Settlement & Case Management

Position Class: Scale 2

Reports to: Settlement & Case Management Team Lead

Hours: 37.5 hrs / week, Monday-Friday (8:30-4:30)

Type: Term Contract – June 15, 2026 - Mar 31, 2027, Full Time

Wage Rate: $28.50/hr, eligible fully funded benefits after 3-month probation

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non‑profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language and community programs. We are client‑driven and committed to being accessible and responsive to, as well as reflective of, our diverse community.

The Intake & Settlement Specialist serves as the first point of contact for refugees and newcomers seeking settlement support within the central Vancouver Island region. This role is responsible for conducting client intakes, assessing immediate and long‑term needs, and connecting clients to relevant programs and services. The Specialist provides information, orientation, and referrals that empower newcomers to navigate their settlement journey successfully, fostering inclusion and promoting integration into Canadian society.

• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment during client interactions.
• Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with newcomers to collect required documentation and confirm eligibility for various programs and services at CVIMS.
• Gather background information to complete a needs assessment, establishing immediate settlement needs for clients. Prioritize urgent needs such as housing, legal aid, health services, and financial assistance during the intake process.
• Identify risk factors such as trauma, isolation, and mental health concerns, providing referrals to appropriate services.
• Evaluate and document client strengths, barriers, and goals to create settlement plans that empower personal and professional growth, supporting them in achieving their settlement goals.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to address systemic barriers and ensure equitable access to resources.

• Provide accurate and up‑to‑date information on topics such as:
  • Immigration and residency pathways
  • Health services, education, and childcare options
  • Housing resources and tenant rights
  • Employment services and credential recognition
  • Legal rights, government programs, and community resources
• Deliver orientation sessions and workshops that address settlement topics, promoting independence and self‑reliance.
• Develop and distribute informational materials to guide newcomers through their integration process.
• Support clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities in Canada, promoting informed decision‑making.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including social workers, case managers, and employment advisors, to provide wrap‑around support.
• Connect clients with CVIMS programs (language training, employment services, case management) and external supports such as legal clinics, shelters, schools, healthcare providers, and other community organizations.
• Build and maintain referral networks with community organizations and government agencies.
• Follow up with clients to ensure successful connections to services, addressing any barriers they encounter along their settlement journey.
• Assist in designing and updating intake tools, needs assessment forms, and resource guides to reflect evolving community needs.
• Participate in outreach initiatives to connect with underserved newcomer populations and raise awareness about settlement services.
• Represent the organization at community events, networking sessions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Facilitate access and referrals to peer support groups and community connections to reduce isolation and promote social engagement.

• Maintain detailed client records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational…