Customized Employment Counsellor - Nelson Workbc Centre

Our team is expanding and we are currently seeking an on-site Customized Employment Counsellor (CEC) to join our WorkBC team in Nelson. An essential part of delivering the WorkBC program, the Customized Employment Counsellor's mission is to support clients with multiple barriers and/or disabilities in finding meaningful and suitable employment and/or volunteer experience.

The CEC demonstrates awareness and sensitivity with regards to client needs and provides inclusive and accessible services that support self-determination, autonomy and the strengths and abilities of each client.

Under the direction of the WorkBC Centre Manager, the Customized Employment Counsellor works with other Employment Counsellors, Clients, Employers, High Schools, and other Community Stakeholders to develop opportunities for paid and voluntary positions for clients.

Customized Employment Counsellors achieve this through:

• Using best practices to determine Client eligibility
• Assessing Client key interests and abilities
• Providing ongoing Client employment counseling in one-on-one and workshop environments
• Acting as ambassadors for WorkBC liaisons to the Customized Employment program in the communities we serve, including participating in and presenting at local events, networking in the employer community and outreach to individual employers
• Supporting both the Client and the Employer (business or organization) in successful attachment for the client, including identifying and supporting opportunities for job development, job maintenance, wage subsidies and more
• Administering and documenting all aspects of Client service in an accurate and timely manner
• Contributing to staff engagement/training, strategic planning and continuous improvement, development, reporting and other planning and coordination functions

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills; ability to develop and maintain a respectful, collaborative and productive relationship with clients and employers
• Ability to accurately assess Client characteristics (interests, aptitudes, values), learning styles, employment needs and career development needs
• Highly proficient with computers, equipment and technology used in presentations, MS Office programs, web-based assessment tools, social media platforms, web-based research tools, and web-based learning platforms
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population without judgment
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to accurately document client information, enter data and track statistics

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor (or Masters) degree in social work or related field and
• Minimum 3 years of experience
  • Assessing complex client needs in specialized areas such as physical limitations, developmental disabilities, mobility skills, and cognitive, social and emotional barriers
  • Interpreting clinical assessments
  • Delivering Customized Employment, job coaching and job development services

Additional requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in Canada
• Must consent to a Criminal Record Check as required
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends

Wage: $26 / hour, employer paid group benefits

Position Type: Permanent, full-time (35 hours/week)

How to apply: Please apply with a resume and cover letter by clicking the following application link: https://easyapply.co/a/3e203030-8846-4a30-9a28-a7394b71decf

We recommend to our clients that they include a cover letter as part of a job application to let employers better understand their transferable skills and strengths, particularly if they do not have any work experience or education that applies directly to the position they are applying for. Because we are an organization that provides employment services and helps others with their job search skills, your job application gives us our first glimpse into your skills when applying for jobs. We would appreciate it if you include a cover letter in your application.

About KCDS:

Kootenay Career Development Society provides employment and career development services in Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Salmo, Kaslo and Slocan. We deliver the WorkBC program and a full range of services in our areas as well as a range of programs and workshops that empower individuals, employers, and communities economically and socially through career development, employment counseling, and human resource planning. KCDS is a dynamic, diverse, and change-responsive centre of excellence.

KCDS is committed to diversity, inclusion and respect in the workplace and welcomes applicants from all groups who may contribute to the diversity of KCDS. For more information, please visit kcds.ca/about.

We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting amazing candidates like you, so please do not hesitate to apply, we would love to hear from you. We also know it is rare for someone to meet 100% of the qualifications. Please apply anyway!

We are working for a world where no one is powerless, and where creating change is a part of everyday life. We are just getting started and hope you'll join us!

We especially encourage applicants of different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. We are actively working to increase the diversity of experience and perspectives on our team and are looking for someone who can help continue to lead that process.