Work Experience Coordinator

Wage: $50,000-$55,0000 per year
Hours: Monday to Friday - 37.5 hours per week
Location: Kelowna. Must be able to commit to working in the office
Position Type: Temporary Full-time
Contract Length: Minimum 2 years

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is looking to add a Work Experience Coordinator to our brand new Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) in Kelowna! 

The Work Experience Coordinator will be responsible for arranging work experience placements and overseeing the onsite development of Autistic participants enrolled in CAN-STEP. The Work Experience Coordinator will be responsible for engaging with employers and overseeing the skills development of the participants during their work experiences. The successful applicant will be supporting multiple participants at a time and will participate in weekly team meetings. 

Skills Training Employment Program:

The CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) is funded by the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program through the Government of Canada. This program is designed to support Autistic youth by providing training and work experience in growing industries. The program is delivered in a group based cohort model with a strong focus on providing participants with the skills and certification necessary to achieve employment.

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizonal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in partnership with 11 federal departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help Canadian you (15-30) develop skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market. 

About Canucks Autism Network:

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC. Our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces. 

Key Functions: 

Employer Sourcing & Engagement

• Arranging work experience and employment placement opportunities in Kelowna for participants in the CAN-STEP program
• Engage with local employers through various channels such as networking, attending career fairs, making cold calls, developing partnerships, and promoting through social media and other marketing initiatives
• Securing work experience and employment opportunities by matching clients’ experience, education, and abilities with the employer’s needs
• Supporting employers by advising on clients’ needs, and providing education and training on autism

Client Support

• Providing direct supports to participants as needed during their work experience placements at the employers’ worksites
• Adapting job duties to suit the participants’ capabilities in the workplace by implementing strategies such as using visual supports and hands on demonstrations, with the intention of participants achieving independence and mastery over their work tasks
• Providing guidance to participants in: navigating the workplace culture, interacting with their employer/co-workers, asking for help when needed, and successfully completing job tasks and duties
• Completing regular on-site and off-site check ins with participants throughout their work experiences
• Collaborate with CAN-STEP Employment Facilitators to develop strategies, supports, and goals for participants during their work experiences
• Training, leading, and coordinating a team of Employment Support Workers with CAN-STEP team members. Providing support strategies to Employment Support Workers who are working with participants on various job sites

Administration

• Setting up employer agreements for work experience placements
• Tracking participant work experience hours and submitting employer wage reimbursement requests
• Scheduling job coaches to work at employers worksites and submitting job coaches.       

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education in related field such as social work, disability studies, human resources or a combination of coursework and two or more years of experience in:
  • Working with Persons with Disabilities
  • Working in Marketing or Sales
• Experience supporting Autistic Individuals in employment settings is an asset
• Valid BC Driver's license and access to a vehicle preferred
• Obtain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check

Knowledge, Sills & Abilities:

• An understanding of employment barriers that Autistic individuals may face
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage a varied client load
• Experience building partnerships with community, agencies, employers, and other stakeholders
• Ability to engage and motivate clients toward achieving their employment goals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong coaching skills with the ability to teach skills in various formats (e.g. verbal, written, visual) and provide feedback
• Ability to work co-operatively in a team environment
• Highly proficient with technology, including: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Willingness to travel around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
• Passionate about Canucks Autism Network and its values and vision

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.