Career Exploration and Development Practitioner

Job Responsibility:

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to empowering individuals through employment and career development services. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Career Exploration and Development Practitioner to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance employment and training opportunities for community members.

Under the direction of the Division Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Development the Community Career Exploration and Development Practitioner is responsible for working with clients one-on-one and in small groups, assisting them in overcoming barriers that inhibit their ability to gain meaningful employment. This role provides education, information, and hands-on assistance on all aspects of employment, education, training, and life career planning. The Career Exploration and Development Practitioner also builds relationships with potential employers and engages in community outreach to support both clients and the broader community in achieving long-term career success. Working closely with other Pre-Employment Supports staff members, Career Exploration and Development Practitioners, Employment Pathways and Programs Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Income Assistance team this position ensures a coordinated approach to client support and program delivery.

This is a one-year Full-Time Term Contract with an end date of March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

What You'll Do

Community Employment and Readiness Support

• One-on-One Employment Counseling: Offer personalized employment support, helping clients identify their strengths, set goals, and overcome barriers.
• Referrals and Advocacy: Connect clients to literacy programs, academic upgrading, and other supportive services. Advocate for clients when working with public services and employers.
• Financial Assistance Support: Help clients access funding for employment-related activities, including vocational and skills development training.
• Outreach and Awareness: Ensure equal awareness of funding opportunities and resources across the catchment area, promoting vocational/skills development initiatives.

• Conduct client interviews to assess employment history, educational/training background, and career aspirations, developing a clear understanding of their needs.
• Identify and address barriers to employment, including personal challenges, skills gaps, and geographical constraints, developing tailored strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• Support clients in job readiness by offering guidance on resume writing, cover letter formatting, interview techniques, and soft skills like communication and time management.
• Provide emotional and motivational support, empowering clients to build confidence and resilience throughout their job search journey.
• Make culturally appropriate referrals to community services and programs, including those focused on healing, mental wellness, recovery, financial aid, or skills development training.
• Follow up regularly with clients to track progress, adjust plans as needed, and ensure continued engagement with programs and services.
• Offer guidance on job retention strategies, including workplace behavior, effective communication, and building positive relationships with employers.
• Communicate regularly with other Pre-Employment Supports Program staff and Career Exploration and Development Practitioners to ensure seamless client service and accurate information sharing.

Training

• Collaborate with the Employment services staff to schedule and support workshops, training sessions, employment readiness initiatives, and Driver's Training (if qualified).
• Design and deliver skills training workshops on job readiness, financial literacy, workplace safety, and other employment-related topics, ensuring content is culturally relevant and accessible.
• Create individualized and group-based training plans tailored to client needs and diverse learning styles.
• Collaborate with community partners and external trainers to offer specialized workshops and certification programs.
• Assist clients in identifying their transferable skills and exploring career pathways aligned with their strengths and interests.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions to create training and internship opportunities, strengthening the link between training and employment.

Employment Outreach

• Coordinate and schedule service delivery across participating communities to ensure broad access to employment services.
• Build and maintain a community job bank with up-to-date casual labor, part-time, and full-time job opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local employers, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and the value of Indigenous employees.
• Promote employment and training programs through community events, social media, job fairs, and other outreach efforts.
• Maintain accessible job posting boards and information resources in community spaces, ensuring timely updates and visibility.

Administrative Support

• Collaborate with the Administrative assistant to ensure the maintenance of accurate client records, documenting employment goals, services provided, and follow-up actions.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports for supervisors, funding agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with the coordination of community meetings and program events, ensuring effective planning and execution.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Career Development Practitioner (CDP) Certification is required.
• Diploma or degree in Career Development, Human Services, Education, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification to offer Drivers Training is an asset.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals facing employment barriers.
• Experience in facilitating workshops and training sessions, with the ability to adapt content to meet the needs of various learning styles.
• Familiarity with local labor market trends and understanding of employment opportunities within the region.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in employment counseling, career development, or a similar role, preferably within an Indigenous or community-focused organization.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community, with a deep understanding of community's unique needs and strengths.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries, with an emphasis on respectful and culturally aware communication.
• Experience working with First Nations communities and understanding of Indigenous values, traditions, and approaches to well-being and employment.
• Ability to navigate sensitive community matters with discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• Experience in employment counseling, case management, or career development.
• Ability to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops and training sessions.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients and administrative tasks efficiently.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office and client management databases.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences and ensure clarity and understanding.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive support.

Cultural Competency:

• Commitment to cultural safety and a decolonized approach to service delivery
• Ability to create a welcoming, respectful environment for all clients and staff.
• Respect for and understanding of First Nations traditions, teachings, and community dynamics.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email View email address on ca.edajobs.com.
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.