IRSA Employment Opportunity: Employment Specialist

Deadline to Apply: 12 April

Posted: 06/04/2023 | Updated: 06/04/2023

IRSA is hiring a full-time Employment Specialist in a term position. The Employment Specialist provides information and guidance to newly arrived immigrants, including refugees, on all aspects of job search and career planning.

Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI (IRSA) acknowledges that Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. The Epekwitnewaq Mi'kmaq have occupied this Island for over 12,000 years. We honour the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which recognized Mi'kmaq rights and established an ongoing relationship between nations. We are all Treaty People.

Position: Full-time
Term: Through 13 May 2023 with possibility of extension
Salary: $23.14 per hour, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Charlottetown

IRSA is seeking an Employment Specialist (Employment Assistance Services) to help us on our mission of building a welcoming and inclusive environment by bringing diverse communities together and empowering newcomers to build a future in PEI.

We help all newly landed immigrants and newcomers to Canada by providing vital support in the areas of short-term settlement services, long-term inclusion and community integration programs in the province of Prince Edward Island.

At IRSA, as an organization and as a team, we are guided by our core values of respect, empathy, diversity, integrity, accountability, innovation and teamwork in all that we do.

How You'll Spend Your Time

As an Employment Specialist, your primary area of focus will be providing information and guidance to newly arrived immigrants and refugees on all aspects of their job search and career planning. You will be:

  • Administering needs assessments for individual clients to assist in identifying employment outcomes and potential barriers;
  • Assisting newcomers in establishing goals and objectives leading to employment;
  • Facilitating various workshops on job preparation, resume building, job search, and interview skills;
  • Assisting clients with the development of their resumes and cover letters;
  • Researching and developing information and materials for presentations to businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders;
  • Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with businesses and business and community organizations, as well as seeking networking opportunities with potential employers;
  • Working with employers to assist in addressing their concerns and potential barriers in hiring immigrants;
  • Referring clients to internal and external programs and services as determined through needs assessments performed;
  • Ensuring up-to-date case notes are completed on client files in a fulsome manner within IRSA's client management system;
  • Evaluating service program delivery and providing regular reporting for funding partners; and
  • Participating in regularly scheduled internal meetings and professional development opportunities to understand the individual, team and organizational role in providing programming, supports and services for newcomers.

The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with availability required after hours and on weekends.

What You'll Bring

You:

  • Have a post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Sciences or related disciplines, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
  • Have experience in organizing and facilitating workshops or event planning;
  • Are an effective communicator in the English language, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, confident in public speaking and presentation settings;
  • Have demonstrated a high level of empathy coupled with a strong working knowledge of challenges and issues facing the newcomer population, networks and support organizations;
  • Have demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds;
  • Have strong organizational and time-management skills with demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize;
  • Are a team player who works well under pressure and with minimal supervision;
  • Are computer-proficient and have experience working with MS Office applications, social media and Google applications,
  • Have a valid PEI driver's license with access to reliable transportation

Additionally:

  • Previous experience in employment, career or business counselling would be an asset.
  • The ability to communicate in languages other than English would be considered a strong asset.
  • Experience working with the immigrant or refugee population would be beneficial.
  • Experience working in a non-profit and/or non-government organization would be an asset.
  • Experience working with a Client Management System (CMS) would be considered an asset.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter by 12 April at 4:00 pm by email to careers@irsapei.ca or drop your application off in person at IRSA PEI, 49 Water Street, Charlottetown, PE

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

IRSA PEI is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, members of visible minority groups, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and IRSA to apply.