Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to empowering individuals through employment and career development services. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Community Employment and Readiness Support Worker to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance employment and training opportunities for community members.

Under the direction of the Division Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Development the Community Employment and Readiness Support Worker is responsible for working with clients one-on-one and in small groups, assisting them in overcoming barriers that inhibit their ability to gain meaningful employment. This role provides education, information, and hands-on assistance on all aspects of employment, education, training, and life career planning. The Community Employment and Readiness Support Worker also builds relationships with potential employers and engages in community outreach to support both clients and the broader community in achieving long-term career success. Working closely with other Pre-Employment Supports staff members, Career Exploration and Development Practitioners, Employment Pathways and Programs Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Income Assistance team this position ensures a coordinated approach to client support and program delivery.

This is a one-year Full-Time Term Contract with an end date of March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

What You'll Do

Career Exploration and Employment Support:

• One-on-One Employment Counseling: Offer personalized employment support, helping clients identify their strengths, set goals, and overcome barriers.
• Referrals and Advocacy: Connect clients to literacy programs, academic upgrading, and other supportive services. Advocate for clients when working with public services and employers.
• Financial Assistance Support: Help clients access funding for employment-related activities, including vocational and skills development training.
• Outreach and Awareness: Ensure equal awareness of funding opportunities and resources across the catchment area, promoting vocational/skills development initiatives.
• Provide one-on-one employment counseling and career development support, helping clients identify strengths, skills, and interests.
• Develop customized career action plans tailored to each clients goals and needs.
• Support clients with resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
• Connect clients to training programs, educational opportunities, and certification courses like First Aid, WHMIS, and other essential qualifications.
• Offer ongoing follow-up and coaching to ensure successful job placement and retention.
• Collaborate with the Employment Pathways and Programs Coordinator to schedule and support workshops, training sessions, and employment readiness initiatives.
• Communicate regularly with the Pre-Employment Supports Program team and other Career Exploration and Development Practitioners to ensure seamless client service and accurate information sharing.

Employment Readiness and Skills Development:

• Facilitate engaging and culturally sensitive workshops on job readiness, career exploration, interview skills, and workplace expectations.
• Coordinate and deliver pre-employment training, including essential workplace certifications.
• Adapt training and workshop content to meet diverse learning styles and levels of job readiness.
• Support coordination of employment readiness and skills development initiatives alongside the Employment Pathways and Programs Coordinator.

Advocacy and Community Collaboration:

• Advocate for clients with employers, training institutions, and service providers to remove employment barriers and create opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local employers, community organizations, and educational institutions.
• Collaborate with other departments to address client needs holistically, including mental wellness, financial support, and skills development.

Labor Market Research and Networking:

• Stay current with labor market trends, employment opportunities, and skills-in-demand.
• Maintain a job bank and share timely, relevant employment opportunities with clients.
• Network with regional employers to promote hiring and long-term employment partnerships.

Administrative and Reporting Duties:

• Collaborate with the Administrative Coordinator to ensure the maintenance of detailed client records, including career action plans, progress notes, and employment outcomes.
• Prepare program reports for leadership and funding agencies, tracking client progress and service impact.
• Support the development of funding applications and program evaluations.

Outreach and Community Engagement:

• Promote employment and training services through community events, information sessions, and outreach activities.
• Distribute job postings and career development materials widely within the community.
• Foster positive relationships with community members and partner organizations, enhancing awareness and accessibility of employment services.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Career Development Practitioner (CDP) Certification is required.
• Diploma or degree in Career Development, Human Services, Education, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience within a First Nations community in employment counseling, career development, or community support services.
• Conflict Resolution or Mediation certification an asset.
• Experience in developing and delivering educational workshops or training sessions on employment, career planning, and life skills.
• Strong knowledge of local and regional employment opportunities, educational programs, and community resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients, employers, and community members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of professionalism and integrity.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client caseloads and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to assess client needs, create individualized action plans, and provide ongoing support to help clients achieve their career goals.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Demonstrated experience in providing one-on-one career guidance, training support, and job placement services.
• First Aid, WHMIS, and Mental Health First Aid trainer certifications are assets.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community, with a deep understanding of communitys unique needs and strengths.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries, with an emphasis on respectful and culturally aware communication
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences and ensure clarity and understanding.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community, with a deep understanding of communitys unique needs and strengths.
• Ability to navigate sensitive community matters with discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong employment coaching, and mentorship abilities rooted in respect and cultural humility.
• Excellent workshop facilitation, public speaking, and group engagement skills.
• Ability to develop individualized career plans and provide ongoing support.
• Knowledge of funding applications, program development, and labor market trends.
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities, and the ability to integrate this knowledge into client support, counseling, and service delivery.
• Commitment to cultural humility and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt to the evolving needs and traditions of Indigenous communities.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? [email protected].
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.