Work with the CMWR NS!

Since 2021, the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia (CMWR-NS) has reached over 6,000 migrant workers through support services, outreach, community events and rights-based education. As an organization, we are guided by the principles of mutual aid, solidarity, anti-racism and anti-oppression. We are currently seeking a Migrant Support Worker to join our team from June to December 2024 on a part-time basis (15 hours/week). Read the job description below for more details.

To apply, send a brief cover letter and CV in one document to migrantworkerrights.ns (at) gmail.com by Wednesday, June 5 at 11:59pm Atlantic time. Please indicate the position title in your subject line, and let us know where you heard about this opportunity in your cover letter.

We encourage applications from candidates who have lived experience of migration, xenophobia, and racism, including applications from those who are BIPOC (Black people, Indigenous peoples, and People of Colour). 

Job Description: Migrant Support Worker, Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia (15 hours/week) 

We are currently seeking a Migrant Support Worker to join our team from June to December 2024 on a part-time basis (15 hours/week). This role will assist migrant workers with free and confidential support services for workplace-related problems or issues, with training, direction and support from the CMWR NS Executive Director. The candidate can be based anywhere in Nova Scotia. Priority will be given to a candidate based in a key region where migrant workers live/work, such as the Annapolis Valley, and who is bilingual in Spanish/English. 

Support services: 

• Providing individualized support for migrant workers to access workplace-related rights and benefits, including claims with the provincial Workers Compensation Board (WCB), labour standards complaints, human rights complaints, employment insurance claims, and healthcare access, as well as ongoing accompaniment in these cases, if needed

• Providing assistance to migrant workers in their applications for Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permits (VWOWPs) and, if needed, coordinating emergency support such as finding short-term housing 

Volunteer coordination: 

• Recruiting, training, coordinating and/or supervising volunteers who will support in areas such as interpretation, translation and form-filling for workplace-related complaints, claims and applications 

Interpretation / translation:

• Providing migrant workers with Spanish/English interpretation and/or translation of documents

General program support:

• Support the CMWR NS team with other tasks as time permits, including but not limited to the following: creation of educational materials; undertaking in-person outreach activities; and coordination of organizing meetings with migrant workers 

• Work in collaboration with and provide regular updates to CMWR NS members and staff

Administrative tasks: 

• Keep track of work hours

• Manage budget for areas of responsibility 

• Submit expense forms in a timely manner 

• Project tracking and report writing

Qualifications & relevant experience: 

• Priority will be given to candidates based in a region where migrant workers live/work, such as the Annapolis Valley

• Priority will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish/English 

• Priority will be given to candidates with a driver's license –access to a car is an asset

• Knowledge of the immigration system and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program through studies or lived experience is strongly desired 

• Previous experience working with marginalized communities, including immigrants, racialized people, people with low literacy, etc. is strongly desired. Knowledge and experience working with migrant workers would be an asset

• Previous experience providing support services to marginalized communities such as supporting them in filling out applications, accompanying them with processes noted above, etc. is strongly desired. 

• Previous experience in labour organizing, food justice, mutual aid or related social justice movements and/or groups operating from an anti-oppression and solidarity framework is strongly desired

• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and take initiative 

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills  

• Experience working with volunteer-based teams and skilled in volunteer recruitment and coordination

• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to communicate using different platforms and programs, including WhatsApp, Google Workspace, etc.

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team 

Conditions of employment:

• Contract from early June to December 2024 for 15 hours/week at a rate of $26/hour

• The Migrant Support Worker will work under the supervision and direction of CMWR NS’ Executive Director

• This position requires a combination of remote and in-person work 

• This position requires flexible work hours, as well as regular work during evenings and weekends to accommodate migrant worker schedules