Pre-Employment Supports Caseworker

Pre-Employment Supports Caseworker – Upper Nicola    
Okanagan Indian Band

K ʷ U K ʷ LIW ̓ T L ̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• Pro-rated Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Cultural Leave
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• Pro-rated Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work : 30 hours per week

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications : August 31, 2026

JOB SUMMARY
The Pre-Employment Supports Program Case Worker is responsible for liaising with Band Social Development Workers (BSDWs) to support the referral of eligible clients to the PES Program.  Case Workers will assist each client with the completion of an Individual Action Plan (IAP), create a personalized employment/training budget and maintain ongoing contact with clients to support program participation and enhance employability.

**The ideal candidate would reside in the Upper Nicola region**

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to Senior PESP Caseworker.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage an active case load of approximately 25 clients (aged 18-64); complete intake and assessment procedures, create personalized training plans, and monitor client progress
• Analyze demographics and labour market trends to guide training plans
• Coordinate client referral procedures with BSDWs, employment and training colleagues, of participating Bands of the Okanagan Nation according to the client referral process
• Create and maintain personalized employment/training budgets for each client and maintain an accurate log of client and program expenditures
• Maintain a confidential file on each client participating in the program including case notes, training/employment expenses and all required program documentation (Electronic/Hard Files)
• Maintain quarterly tracking form for all participating First Nations which will accurately reflect the numbers of PES participants.
• Organize and coordinate travel arrangements for PES participants on an as needed basis.  Ensure all payment vouchers and required documentation is submitted to the Finance Department as per the Finance Policy.
• Maintain continuous contact with assigned clients to ensure program eligibility is maintained and identify emerging barriers
• Interpret relevant Band Policies to assist in referrals for counseling for addictions, family violence and mental health when needed
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with OKIB staff, staff in participating in Bands of the Okanagan Nation, and representatives of other agencies and organizations.
• Maintain professional growth and development by participating in approved conferences and training opportunities when relevant to job duties and function.
• Attend all required meetings with Funding Agencies, ISET Holders, ONA and any other Chief and Council Meetings as required.
• All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services.  Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
• Perform other related duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Associate Certificate/Diploma/Degree level or equivalent experience
• Certified Career Development Practitioner Certificate would be an asset
• Social Development Training would be an asset
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence, Class 5 and reliable vehicle
• Must be willing to travel; local and non-local

Experience

• Experience working with Indigenous history, developmental challenges and opportunities’, cultural traditions and history is a necessary requirement
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills
• Experience in the Employment and Training sector
• Experience working with a database and reporting systems for governmental reporting
• Case Management experience would be an asset

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
• Excellent problem-solving skills, file management and case management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of local resources, employment support, and community services
• Conflict Resolution Training skills
• Knowledge of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development funding and reporting guidelines
• Ability to meet reporting deadlines
• Knowledge and skill in computers, specifically MS Word and MS Excel
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
• Ability to interpret policy and assess eligibility for all programs that fall within the social development funding area
• Ability to work within a team and individually

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$25.00 - $31.00 per hour dependant upon education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: View email address on civicjobs.ca
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4

If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ View phone number on civicjobs.ca

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.