Employment Specialist – 2024-22-06

JOB POSTING 2024-22-06

• INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
• Employing People in the Community (EPIC) Program
• Employment Specialist
• Wage: $27.54 to $31.61 per hour
• GRID LEVEL: 11, JJEP Wage Grid
• Full Time: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Permanent
• Location: Abbotsford

This position requires union membership.

Help Persons with Diverse Abilities find Employment 
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Location:  Abbotsford employees will be assigned to site locations in the Abbotsford area, based on program and client needs, and schedule requirements

On Site

Job Summary

This position provides individuals referred to our EPIC program with an opportunity to obtain and retain paid employment by enhancing their job skills, seeking a position which will enable them to work towards their vocational goals, and identify barriers to employment. The Employment Specialist will assist each individual to complete or update their resume, apply for positions, practice interview skills, and attend interviews, if requested. The Employment Specialist will initially act as a liaison between the individual and their prospective employer by providing on-site job coaching, until the individual is independent in their job duties.  

Your Role:

Archway’s Employment Specialist with the EPIC Program contributes by:

• Liaising with community service providers and other professionals to promote awareness of the EPIC Program at community meetings, events, and job fairs across the Fraser Valley
• Establishing and maintaining a network of community employers able to hire program participants for job and practicum placements.
• Assisting in promoting and marketing the EPIC Program to prospective employers.
• Scheduling intake appointments with new referrals and their family members.
• Conducting intake assessments, skill development activities, employment preparation, job search, job coaching, assistance with direct contact by individuals with potential employers, employment education, and advocacy support.
• Providing one-on-one support to individuals including follow-up career consulting appointments using case management principles such as vocational goal setting and barrier identification to create a plan and track progress. 

This position is ideal for someone who possesses a deep knowledge of current employment challenges, life and work skills, vocational training and apprenticeships, career planning, and the current job market. The ideal candidate will also excel in communication, organizational expertise, and analytical thinking. They will effectively liaise with community service providers and employers, promote the EPIC Program, and provide individualized support to participants. The candidate should demonstrate empathy, patience, and a proactive approach, which will be crucial in assisting individuals to overcome barriers, develop their resumes, practice interview skills, and achieve their vocational goals through on-site job coaching and other support services.

Our Offer

• Wage: $27.54 to $31.61 per hour.
• A permanent, full-time position, 35 hours per week, availability Mondays to Fridays, and occasional Saturdays.

Benefits include

• • Three weeks’ pro-rated vacation.
  • Employee health and welfare benefits
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes online access to wellness resources.
  • A great pension plan.
  • Great in-house training opportunities.
  • Rewarding work in a positive environment.
  • Work/Life balance.

Getting an Interview–you will be considered if you have:

• A diploma in a related human or social service field.
• Experience supporting people with diverse abilities with an employment focus an asset.
• A minimum of one-year work experience supporting people with diverse abilities, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Access to a personal reliable vehicle is required, with current business insurance coverage.
• Valid Class 5 Drivers’ License, clean driving record and a clean Driver’s Abstract.

The Job Requires you to have:

• Proficiency in using computers; able to use a variety of software including Office 365 and client databases.
• Ability to use virtual software programs including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WebEx.
• Knowledge of best practices in employment skills including resume and cover letter writing and formatting, networking, and interviewing.
• Ability to keep up to date on labour market information and industry trends as change occurs.
• Valid First Aid Certification with CPR.
• A satisfactory Criminal Records Check is a condition of employment.