Employment Support Worker

Position Type: Casual Part-time (hours: may range from 4 to 30 hours a week)

Hours & Schedule: Hours are dependent on number of shifts available. Shift times may vary and take place on weekdays or weekends, between mornings, afternoons and evenings with a maximum of 6 hours per day.

Location: Various locations around the central Okanagan (Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland)

Compensation: $25/hr + 10% in lieu of benefits ($27.50/hr)

Position Purpose

The Employment Support Worker will be responsible for overseeing the skills development of Autistic participants enrolled in CAN-STEP during their work experience placements. A Employment Support Worker may be supporting between 1-3 participants at a time and will report to the Work Experience Coordinator. 

CAN-STEP Program

The CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) is funded by the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program through the Government of Canada. CAN-STEP is designed to support Autistic youth by providing training and work experience in growing industries. The program is delivered in a group based cohort model, with a strong focus on providing participants with the skills and certification necessary to achieve employment.  The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in partnership with 11 federal departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help Canadian youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market.

About Canucks Autism Network

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC. Our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces.

Key Functions

• Providing direct supports to CAN-STEP participants during their work experience placements at the employers' worksites 
• Adapting job duties to suit the participants' capabilities in the workplace by implementing strategies such as using visual supports and hands on demonstrations, with the intention of participants achieving mastery over their work tasks
• Providing guidance to participants in navigating the workplace culture, interacting with their employer/co-workers, asking for help when needed, and successfully completing job tasks and duties
• Implementing long term supports and strategies to help participants transition to working independently over time
• Follow recommendations and teaching strategies provided by the Work Experience Coordinator
• Communicate with the Work Experience Coordinator for any participant and employer needs and supports
• Provide onsite support and training to employers on how to best support participants in their job duties
• Provide positive and constructive feedback to participants 
• Reporting on participants' progress in daily communication logs  

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with youth with disabilities 
• Education in related field or knowledge in career counselling, social services, or adult learning an asset 
• Experience supporting Autistic individuals in employment settings is an asset 
• Valid BC Driver's license and access to a vehicle preferred  
• Obtain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check 

Key Skills & Abilities

• An understanding of employment barriers Autistic individuals and other vulnerable populations may face 
• Ability manage a varied client load 
• Ability to engage and motivate clients toward achieving their employment goals 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Strong coaching skills. Ability to teach skills in various formats (e.g. verbal, written, visual) and provide feedback  
• Ability to work co-operatively in a team environment
• Proficient with technology, including: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends 
• Willingness to travel around the central Okanagan (Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland)
• Passionate about Canucks Autism Network and its values and vision

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