Employment Support Worker *Focus on Job Development - Full Time

Job Title: Employment Support Worker *Focus on Job Development

Classification: Supported Employment Worker

Grid/Pay Wage: Grid 34, $31.56 - $33.38

Union: BCGEU Collective Agreement: Community Sub-Sector

Program: Links to Employment

Shift Times: Monday - Friday 0900-1700, Flexible scheduling dependent on need

SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION

The Employment Support Worker provides the full continuum of support to clients seeking competitive, paid employment in an integrated community setting. Working alongside, and in liaison with, mental health team or other referring clinical staff, the Support Worker ensures the integration of vocational rehabilitation into treatment planning and case management.

Specific responsibilities include engagement, continuous assessment and the development and implementation of vocational rehabilitation plans. The Support Worker provides any, or all, of a full range of supports to individual clients including one-to-one counselling, direct job marketing to potential employers, independent job search support, liaison with employers and on-site job coaching. The Support Worker also facilitates ongoing one-to-one and group support sessions as required.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interviews clients and identifies interests, skills, suitability, and job readiness. Refers to other programs and services as required, and provides information regarding available community resources.
• Locates prospective employers in the community appropriate to clients’ work profiles by performing duties such as following up on referrals, making cold calls, networking, and developing partnerships with government recruiting bodies and employment programs. Markets supported employment program to prospective employers, and develops related promotional materials.
• Provides supportive guidance and behavioural management to assist clients in establishing goals, objectives, and career planning. Provides job and labour market information and identifies employment barriers.
• Evaluates available work experience placements and jobs, matches clients in accordance with client work profiles and abilities, and markets clients to employers to secure work experience placements and employment.
• Assists clients to become job-ready by performing duties such as arranging for education in accordance with rehabilitation and career goals, and providing coaching in employment-related areas such as work skills, job search skills, resume preparation, and interview skills.
• Assists clients in job search efforts by performing duties such as providing support and advocacy, facilitating job finding groups, and assisting in the preparation of resumes and cover letters.
• Facilitates the placement of clients by performing duties such as explaining wage subsidy information and placement terms to clients and employers.
• Maintains up to date information on labor market trends and job marketing techniques.
• Ensures that employment team colleagues are kept up-to-date on clients’ progress in order to facilitate support cover during staff absences.
• Maintains written and computerized vocational plans, progress notes, program information and records of communication with external mental health and personal supports.
• Follows up with employers to ensure work experience placements and employment agreements are established and maintained, and to monitor the quality of placements. Assists employers to work with clients by performing duties such as providing education and information, and advising on clients’ special needs.
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as reports on clients' skill levels and progress towards goals and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Education, Training, and Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Service
• Certificate in IPS training, or equivalent vocational certification
• Minimum 1 year vocational counselling or job marketing/development experience
• Minimum 1 year experience working with individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges
• Eligibility for registration as a rehabilitation professional with a recognized association is preferred
• Class V BC Driver’s License
• Computer skills - Google, iOS and mobile technology knowledge an asset
• Certificate in First Aid, CPR, Naloxone
• Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Training (or willing to obtain)
• Full COVID-19 Vaccination
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Typical Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Ability to operate related equipment
• Ability to effectively use technology, iOS, OS X, file sharing, web based collaboration
• Ability to organize and prioritize
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems
• Conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of the local labour market
• Knowledge of ‘Duty to Accommodate’ legal requirements as it pertains to the BC labour market
• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles
• Leadership and motivational skills