In support of assisting clientele achieve their social and economic potential, the Employment & Education Planner is responsible for case management, job development and providing labour market and employment service information. In partnership with the program funding Ministry, community partners and campus staff, this position provides participants with advice and direction on how to access programs through the Ministry, WorkBC Centres, and other federal and provincial ministries; and reports on case management activities to these funders. This position will also facilitate the process of assisting clients toward employment, community attachment, and/or training. This role will assist clients, who typically are on income assistance or eligible for employment insurance benefits, in accessing and moving through external systems.

Providing individual employment and education advising services, which includes:
• providing effective case management to support eligible clients towards self-sufficiency and long-term employment
• ensuring clients meet eligibility requirements;
• collaborating with clients in assessing employability readiness by identifying strengths and central barriers to job readiness;
• performing comprehensive client needs assessments to assist clients in defining their employment/self-employment/academic goals to effectively address their employment needs;
• developing and managing action plans with clients which will lead to the achievement of their employment goals;
• assisting clients in assessing and selecting programs/services which will promote the achievement of their employment goals;
• arrange for and support clients in accessing community resources and funding sources to address needs affecting their employability;
• discussing coping strategies with clients (i.e.: time and stress management, child care arrangements, budgeting, dealing with the government);
• ensuring individually designed employment services and supports that a Client requires are in place, through the provision of job coaching, issue management, on-site accommodations, adaptive and learning aids etc., to assist in their success with the goal of client independence and long term job retention;
• navigating complex policy as it relates to employment services available for clients;
• utilizing integrated case management system to provide client with financial supports for job search, job starts, and short-term occupational skills training.

Responsible for data collection and reporting to ensure future financial viability of the program, including:
• utilizing and navigation of complex integrated case management system(ICM) to meet ministry requirements to meet quality assurance standards for case file documentation and meeting of Ministry prescribed key performance measures
• maintaining and/or developing appropriate systems for data collection, compilation and reporting;
• developing and preparing correspondence, database summaries, reports and other required documentation relating to case management activity for funding partners.

Disseminating information concerning services and local labour market conditions, which includes:
• explaining pertinent information about services in an individual or group setting;
• promoting Work BC services and supports available to employers;
• coaching and promoting the use of job search techniques with clients, or linking the client to programs/agencies which provide this service;
• providing occupational and labour market information to meet client needs;
• identifying additional opportunities available to clients;
• participating in workshops to keep up-to-date on labour market trends and conditions.

Maintaining contact with private and public organizations/agencies and educational/training institutions by:
• attending workshops, information sessions, and seminars for employers, industry representatives, and/or clients to exchange information on programs and services;
• assisting clients to make linkages with any agencies necessary to address the client’s employment barrier(s);
• developing effective and productive working relationships with hiring managers and employers in a variety of industries both local and regionally.

Providing employers with assistance with respect to staffing by:
• assisting employers in defining their staffing needs, and determining the skills required for different occupations;
• assisting employers in advertising positions;
• encouraging client hiring and assisting with their integration into the workplace, as needed;
• developing and maintaining a list of potential employers and their prospective needs;
• maintaining awareness of potential new job openings in the region.

Other expectations include:
• Being part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of our learners and communities.
• Promoting a positive work atmosphere and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned by Regional Director, Operations Manager or designate.

EDUCATION
• Recognized two (2 ) year diploma in Social Services, Social Sciences, or related field; a Bachelors’ degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE
• 2 years or more Experience in social services or related field.

SKILLS
• Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation required, or must be willing to attain within an appropriate amount of time as determined by the College
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Income Assistance/Employment Insurance resources, and systemic barriers
• Proven experience working with Income Assistance/Employment Insurance/marginalized client groups
• Excellent skills in problem solving
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must be computer literate and have the ability to maintain necessary database(s), and create/prepare own correspondence, reports, etc.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to adapt to changing situations quickly and work under pressure
• Extensive knowledge of community resources
• Understanding of BC’s post-secondary programs, systems and procedures, and systemic barriers
• College approved Criminal Records Check required
• Valid driver’s license and use of own vehicle, or access to transportation

This PR will remain active until filled including after the screen/close date.