Employment Specialist, EVolve Skills Project (Pending Funding Approval)

Job Title: Employment Specialist, EVolve Skills Project (Pending Funding Approval) 

Status: Regular, full-time (Union position)

Number of Vacancies: 2

Wage: $27.54/hr - $31.61/hr (starting $27.54/hr)

Grid: 11

Hours: 35 Hours/Week

Schedule: Monday- Friday

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: March 31, 2028, 

Date Posted: April 17, 2025

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please note that internal applicants must apply by April 25, 2025. Internal applications received after this date will not be considered as internal and seniority will not apply. Position will remain open until filled.

The Opportunity:

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for a two Full-time positions for the role of Employment Specialists - EVolve Skills Project. Reporting to the Manager, Employment Programs, the Employment Specialists are responsible for activities that support the delivery of the EVolve Skills Project. The EVolve Skills Project is a federally funded Employment and Skills Development Canada (ESDC) pan-Canadian initiative, awarded to our partner and project contract holder Achev. The project is designed to help train the workforce of SMEs in the automotive industry to support Canada’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) with a focus on repairing and maintaining EV, and is delivered in Ontario, Nova Scotia and BC, with DIVERSEcity providing support to all BC participants in their journey toward employability skill enhancement and career success in the automotive industry.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Recruits clients by liaising with community services, agencies and training institutions, including partners identified in the project contract, as well as newly developed connections to ensure client referrals are sufficient to hit all program targets; specific outreach and engagement of Small and medium-sized enterprises/employers (SMEs) in the automotive sector will be conducted with staff providing key information on the project and benefits
• Interviews clients and prepares case histories and assesses eligibility for services. Coordinates with community and employment service providers (e.g. Work BC) and refers clients to more appropriate services as needed; 
• Conducts assessments to find each person’s skills, interests, employment history and career goals as well as their settlement needs, if applicable. This may include pre-employment assessments and needs assessments to identify barriers; 
• Conducts individual employment counselling sessions with clients to gather information, identify challenges, and initiate problem-solving. Assesses clients’ interests, skills, abilities and readiness as they relate to obtaining and retaining employment and identifies barriers to employment; 
• Prepares clients for, and supports them during the job search, selection and hiring process. This may include proving assistance with matters such as career development, job search strategies, job readiness and interview skills and connecting clients to settlement and career development related community services and resources; 
• Creates marketing materials such as brochures, posters, public service announcements etc.; 
• Prepares and manages case files for clients not eligible for other community or employment services;
• Conducts program promotion to community services, media sources and internal marketing;
• Provides referrals to short term crisis and mental health counselling;
• Plans, develops and facilitates employment workshop sessions;
• Develops and maintains a network of appropriate contacts with external service providers to support and follow up on client referrals based on needs and eligibility of client group. Maintains comprehensive inventories of community resources to make available to immigrant and/or refugee clients;
• Meets targets and deliverables as outlined in the contract;
• Maintains client files and records according to Society or program accreditation standards;
• Prepares reports and compiles program statistics;
• Prepares work placement contracts and process financial requisitions for wage subsidies and other financial allowances provided to clients and employers;
• Tracks and forecasts financial obligations within the program;
• Attends program planning/review meetings, team and all-staff meetings, and special meetings as required;
• Liaises with external stakeholders and attends external meetings, workshops or conferences related to employment and immigrant issues for networking, marketing, advocacy and/or professional development purposes;
• Assists with monitoring, development and implementation of quality assurance;
• Participates in annual performance appraisals with the Manager;
• Adheres to Policies and Procedures of the Society;
• Performs other duties as required by the Manager.

Qualified Candidates will possess:

• Diploma in Human Resources or related human services;
• One (1) year experience directly related to career development, human resources or recruitment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience; ideal candidate will also have experience and/or familiarly working within the trade sector to best support this automotive industry training program
• Demonstrated knowledge of the needs and issues of job seekers in Canada, with particular focus on the automotive industry within the trades sector;
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant community resources, programs and services;
• Knowledge of adult learning models, career decision making process, assessment of pre-employment barriers including English as a Second Language;
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and policies relevant to employment in Canada (Employment Standards Act, Work Safe BC, etc.);
• Knowledge of the post-secondary education system in Canada and existing employment services;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across all levels including the ability to present information to multi-cultural groups and employers and one on one career coaching to individuals;
• Demonstrated ability to provide support to the target service users in the event of workplace safety and employment standards violations, liaising with service providers such as employment Standard Branch, WorkSafe BC, and other relevant legal assistance;
• Verbal and written English proficiency at a professional level;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team setting, working effectively with inter-departmental teams and community service providers;
• Intermediate to advanced level user of MS Office, Internet and email applications;
• Experience safely and effectively utilizing social media as a method of client recruitment and communication/promotion.

A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of employment.

Please note that we currently have staff on the recall list. If an applicant on the recall list applies to this vacancy, the provisions under Article 13.5 "Recall" of the Collective Agreement will apply and we will not consider internal applications from those with less seniority.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments.  Please note that only Word or PDF formats can be accepted.   As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered. 

To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is based in our Surrey office and is a blend of remote and in-person services.  DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work, to view our safety plan, please visit www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-covid-19-safety-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.

A comprehensive job description will be provided to all candidates shortlisted for interviews. 

DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department at (recruitment@dcrs.ca). Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

About DIVERSEcity

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 40 years we have focused on providing specialized services newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centred organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity and compassion.  To learn more about DIVERSEcity visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.