WHO WE ARE:

The Canadian Hearing Society is the largest agency of its kind serving culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people.  CHS provides direct service in four languages (English, French, ASL and LSQ) through a network of 27 offices throughout Ontario, and is a recognized leader in advancing the rights and services for culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people.  We offer our employees a supportive, innovative and dynamic culture, competitive salary & benefits, good vacation time, and opportunities for professional growth.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide direction for service operations of the Ottawa Office including public education, community development and regional office development according to the needs identified by, and accessible to, the culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing communities. 

Supervise and manage a regional office that currently provides 10 programs and services, employs 20 unionized employees and has a $2.3M annual budget.  The RD also liaises with local funders, provides leadership to the regional Community Council and serves on external committees.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Oversee the day-to-day operations and long term planning for client services of the regional office
•    Provide ongoing supervision and support to office staff
•    Provide crisis intervention with staff or clients as required
•    Provide or arrange for the provision of back up client services in the absence of counselling and other staff
•    Provide input into the development of, implement and maintain provincial CHS policies and procedures

Administration:

•    Initiate and maintain all regional correspondence between the regional office and the Community Council, community partners, funding sources, local, provincial and federal governments
•    Ensure program evaluation procedures are in place
•    Maintain accurate records and statistics
•    Plan for new programs through analysis, correspondence, budgetary projections
•    Actively seek new sources of funding to meet needs of the region
•    Liaise with, provide timely and accurate funding submissions and proposals to appropriate sources following variable policies and procedures of individual funding sources e.g.: United Way, Ministry offices
•    Approve all office space contracts and capital purchases
•    Plan for space alterations, repairs, expansions of space and related funding
•    Initiate and delegate responsibilities in special events/projects in relation to regional issues
•    Responsible for office maintenance and related emergencies

Financial: 

•    Develop, maintain and manage budgets for the region
•    Provide reports (financial and statistical) on client services and analysis of service delivery in co-operation with provincial program managers
•    Maintain budgets for the region and ensure ongoing balance of funds in relation to local services
•    Funder reports completed as needed

Supervision and Volunteer Coordination:

•    Oversee all regional programs – Audiology, Communication Devices Program, CONNECT Mental Health Services, Employment Services, General Social Services, Hearing Aid Program, Sign Language Services, Volunteers and Ontario Interpreting Services (ASL/English and LSQ/French)
•    Provide regular and ongoing supervision to all regional staff through regular meetings, performance reviews, appropriate feedback and active motivation of all staff as a team
•    problem solve internal conflicts on a daily basis
•    Ensure compliance with CHS policies and procedures and Union Collective Agreement
•    Recruit, supervise, discipline and terminate regional office staff
•    Provide leadership to staff in relation to program planning and development
•    Maintain and ensure adequate/appropriate staffing according to budgetary allowances
•    Supervise volunteers and student placements

Community Development:

1.    Community Development

•    Represent and promote CHS on external committees, community contacts and local government contacts
•    Provide presentations in relation to hearing loss, accessibility, Deaf culture, etc.
•    Promote and provide information to consumers and community in workshops and seminars about client services and CHS
•    Plan the promotion of CHS services and related issues
•    Meet, liaise and provide leadership with consumer groups and stakeholder groups
•    Plan and promote special events within the community e.g.:  Community forums, May month, etc.
•    Co-ordinate and manage other special projects as appropriate

2.    Community Council Development

•    Provide leadership for the Community Council
•    Initiate & attend regular meetings
•    Consult with and work with Council on a regular basis
•    Review and develop local policies in conjunction with provincial policies for regional development and program planning
•    Plan for annual forum and on-going regular meetings
•    Plan and coordinate the development and recruitment of volunteers and Council members
•    Work with the Council in the planning, development and implementation of programs and special projects including financial requirements and fundraising

Professional Development:

•    Liaise with other managers on a regular basis
•    Attend management workshops/seminars
•    Attend continuing education/professional development seminars
•    Attend internal regional meetings
•    Attend and participate in CHS management meetings and subsequent task groups
•    Acquire and maintain the ASL Proficiency requirement for the position (Advanced Plus)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to the Chief Operating Officer – Toronto

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Master’s Degree in Health or Social Services related field preferably combined with training in Business Administration
•    3-5 years managerial experience with 1-2 years at the senior management level, preferably in a unionized environment
•    Strong financial and budgetary skills required
•    Bilingual English and French required; fluent sign language skills or a willingness to learn (ASL and/or LSQ)
•    Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Internet
•    Experience in supervision of staff and inter-personal conflict resolution
•    Ability to balance workload, to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and respond to shifting priorities
•    Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
•    Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment; knowledge of issues related to hearing loss and Deaf Culture an asset
•    Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle in order to travel within the region; regular out of region travel e.g. provincial meetings, training, etc.