Career and Employment Counsellor

**Job Title: Career and Employment Counsellor**

**Location: Surrey Head Office**

**Hours: 35 hours/per week**

**Start Date: ASAP**

Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services. Our services assist new immigrants, seniors, women and youth.

To our regular (160+) employees, we provide a competitive wage, paid health and dental benefit plan, paid sick days, Municipal Pension Plan, an inclusive and friendly team-oriented work environment, and an opportunity to serve the community.

**Job Summary**: Under the direction of the Program Coordinator the successful incumbent of this position is responsible for assisting with delivery of the Youth Employment programs; including providing facilitation, job search assistance, counselling, coaching, mentoring, and job development services to program clients; and preparing program reports for management and Funders.

**Key duties and responsibilities**:

- deliver life skills and job search skills workshops in group settings, including but not limited to: time and stress management, self-esteem building, goal setting, career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, employment references preparation, interview techniques, tapping the hidden job market, researching information and statistics, job maintenance, communication, problem solving and workplace assertiveness, etc;
- monitor and coach participants’ attendance and progress in workshops; assist participants in networking with employers and monitor their progress;
- conduct appropriate assessment of participants’ assets, barriers, skills, education, experience, motivation, and employment readiness by using relevant assessment tools;
- develop action plans with each participant to facilitate the ongoing management of participant’s employment future;
- create a training plan and arrange short-term skills training for program participants;
- work with participants to determine their individual needs and skills to market to employers in the labour market;
- design, prepare, and update job search material - manuals, forms, exercises, PowerPoint for workshops and handouts;
- search and send job leads to participants;
- provide job development and work placement, related coaching and support; develop and maintain a network of resources and employer/industry contacts in support of job development and placement activities ;
- assist participants in typing, editing, correcting and making changes to all job search documents and update these in the participants’ files in the office;
- assist participants in the implementation of the financial supports component of the program.(including training allowances, and other program support payments);
- follow-up with participants after they exit the program in order to ensure employment;
- connect participants with appropriate community resources; and
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned from time to time.

**Education and Knowledge**:

- completed degree or diploma in Social Services or related discipline supplemented by two to three years’ experience in a employment or career counsellor and facilitator role; OR equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Career Development Practitioner Certificate and designation is an asset;
- experience working in an environment with a young adult client group is an asset;
- valid drivers’ license and access to suitable vehicle is required; and
- criminal record check is a must.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- able to established relationships/connections with various businesses/employers in the community;
- highly developed presentation / facilitation skills;
- ability to assist clients with typing, editing documents;
- excellent interpersonal skills and team building skills;
- fluency in English, effective verbal and listening communication skills;
- attention to detail;
- time management skills;
- excellent computer skills ;
- positive attitude; and
- critical thinking skills.
- (PICS is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all who apply, but only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.)_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $25.00-$27.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location