INCLUSION POWELL RIVER JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 INCLUSION POWELL RIVER JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLOR Job Contribution: The Employment Services Counsellor is committed to employment equity. He/she provides services and supports to individuals seeking or involved in competitive community employment. The Employment Services Counsellor also participates in creating work and pre-employment opportunities and the development of all the supports required for success. The Employment Services Counsellor will work extensively with the families and support staff involved with each individual to develop and support a customized employment plan. In addition, he/she teaches life skills as they relate to getting and keeping employment successfully. The Employment Services Counsellor is a dedicated and knowledgeable member of a comprehensive organization wide support team. As such, when deemed qualified with appropriate skills and abilities, he/she may provide services to individuals in related programs, when required. The Employment Services Counsellor participates in ensuring that the strategic goals of the agency are met. Division: Reporting Relationships: Employment, Advocacy and Innovation Typically, the Employment Services Counsellor reports to the Employment Services Manager. Grid Level: 11 Classification: Vocational Counsellor KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Maintains an up-to-date and practical knowledge of all safety and emergency procedures as outlined in INCLUSION POWELL RIVER policies and procedures and in WCB regulations. Is knowledgeable of Risk Assessments, follows correct body mechanics Page 1 of 7

2 procedures and accident record policy. Implements safety and emergency procedures as outlined. 2. Teaches about, arranges and/or provides safe transportation. 3. Participates in the Personal Employment Planning process for each individual. Involves each person in his or her planning and ensures that the individual's interests, wishes and needs are kept central to all employment activities. 4. Ensures that the Personal Employment Plan is central to service planning and delivery. Works with each individual to develop short term goals to support his/her vision identified as part of the Individual Service Plan. Plans service hours to support these goals. Reviews progress on these short term goals quarterly with the individual and supports him/her to identify and celebrate progress, refine and adapt goals where progress has not been made, and develop new goals to support continued movement forward towards long term vision. 5. Facilitates and/or participates in specific client centred team meetings for planning and review. 6. Advocates for and assists individuals to seek out and/or participate in creative, individualized employment opportunities for persons not typically viewed as employable. Minimum wage and the individuals desire to work are key factors in planning. 7. Plans and implements marketing and job development strategies in cooperation with the Emloyment Services Manager. Uses a variety of approaches including a customized approach. Maintains a network of employer contacts and documents these on Sharevision so they are available to all staff in the program.. 8. Provides opportunities to assist individuals with job search skills and employment planning when appropriate for the individual. Engages in a Discovery Assessment process as appropriate. 9. Provides on-the-job mentoring and coaching as required by the individual, employer and co-workers to meet the expectations of the employer. 10. Supports clients as required by developing a weekly work plan/schedule. Liaises with other support workers to develop the plan if necessary. 11. Evaluates safety at each new job-site and ensures safety-related procedures are implemented. Teaches the client safety procedures at each job-site, with regular followup. Page 2 of 7

3 12. Assists individuals in the development of personal networks in the employment situation. Uses group and individual facilitation skills to encourage natural connections. Teaches conflict resolution skills and provides counselling support as required. 13. Considers income needs and clients personal budgets when arranging for employment. Supports individuals to report all income according to the rules of the Ministry or any other government authority. Assists clients in maintaining financial records. Prepares accounts for participants. Ie. Timesheets, billing, reporting income, etc. 14. Provides lay counselling and life skills training as it relates to finding and keeping employment. 15. Supports clients with personal and health care on an intermittent or regular basis if relevant to employment goals. 16. Assists the Employment Services Manager in the development of work and preemployment opportunities and the supports required for success in response to individual or group employment goals. 17. Assesses and interprets behaviour and provides appropriate support. Follows any behaviour protocols developed and Non Violent Crisis Intervention Practices as appropriate. 18. Recommends and advocates for, and/or refers to professional services. Liaises with other agencies. 19. Maintains records and statistics as required by the program and the Community Living BC (CLBC), Employment Program of BC (EPBC) or other funders or as requested by the Manager or Administration office. Ensures all required documentation is accurate, complete and timely and in keeping with INCLUSION POWELL RIVER standards. Uses Sharevision and the Integrated Case Management System (ICM) proficiently to maintain the records of persons served, to keep others involved with the individual up to date and to stay current with agency and program updates reported in Sharevision Announcements and on the program home page. Checks regularly. Adheres to INCLUSION POWELL RIVER technology policy and policy related to records of persons served. 20. Is familiar with the performance improvement outcomes for this program and engages with the team in action planning and follow through to support these outcomes. 21. Responds immediately to emergencies in accordance with INCLUSION POWELL RIVER policies and procedures using common sense and good judgement at all times. Page 3 of 7

4 22. Manages flexible hours to stay within allotted hours. 23. Fosters positive working relationships with fellow team members and other staff of INCLUSION POWELL RIVER. Develops and maintains a positive relationship with Manager and INCLUSION POWELL RIVER leadership. Maintains positive liaison with members of the business community. 24. Strives to maintain an up-to-date knowledge in the field and participates actively in the evaluation process and in training opportunities. Contributes to a learning organization by self reflecting on his/her practice, sharing ideas and contributing to planning and discussions about service, and seeking input and support when concerns or questions arise. 25. Adheres to INCLUSION POWELL RIVER policies and procedures. Understands the Service Principles, and the appropriate Ministry for Children and Families Guidelines and ensures that all of these important documents form the basis for all work performed. Understands and applies the Employment Standards Act, the Human Rights Act and the BC Benefits Act. 26. Review the Cultural Diversity Plan annually and participate in training provided by INCLUSION POWELL RIVER. 27. Routinely promote INCLUSION POWELL RIVER s commitment to diversity and respect for cultural diversity in how we interact with clients and colleagues. 28. Performs other duties as assigned including participation in community initiatives and committees as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Diploma in a business, marketing or social sciences field. A Community Support Worker certificate. - Education or experience in community development, career development, employment counselling or marketing skills. - Completion of the Employment Specialist or Customized Employment Training Programs is preferred. - A minimum of one year experience supporting individuals who have a developmental disability is required. Page 4 of 7

5 REQUIRED ABILILITIES: Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to articulate equity issues positively and enthusiastically to the business community. Proven ability to use personal computer and appropriate software effectively to complete the positions work on time. This includes at a minimum file management, e- mail, internet search, and word processing skills. Excellent interpersonal behaviour and communication skills. Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of the community living sector. Proven ability to provide and/or assist in emergencies. Demonstrated ability to involve people who have a developmental disability in competitive community employment regardless of medical or behavioural barriers. Job development skills. Good organization, time and general management skills. Excellent teaching skills especially as they relate to task analysis and job coaching. Ability to participate as a member of a community based program team. Willingness to try new activities in public places and in employment situations. Comfortable and confident providing support in the community. Excellent problem solving skills Highly motivated, creative and proactive in developing community connections and employment REQUIREMENTS FOR ONGOING EMPLOYMENT: Continued approval for access to ICM by Ministry A valid Work Safe BC Level I approved First Aid Certificate A valid unrestricted Class 4 BC Driver s License An approved Criminal Record Search Medical doctor's letter of good physical and mental health TB test Access to a safe, well-maintained vehicle with appropriate insurance is required The ability to motivate and encourage individuals in a positive and respectful manner is an expectation of this position. In addition, strong connections to and knowledge of the business community and employment related issues and resources are necessary. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure while managing the needs of several individuals and emergency situations is an ongoing expectation. Direct program activities require a moderate to high level of physical fitness to effectively carry out duties. This position is required to schedule hours of work independently and flexibly in response to individual needs and employment opportunities. Page 5 of 7

6 ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS: In the execution of duties, the Employment Services Worker is required to use proper body mechanics and refer to INCLUSION POWELL RIVER policies and procedures including the Risk Assessments, Risk Analysis and other instructions in the program. He/she will execute the following physical activities: Motions specific to support individuals in a variety of workplace settings which may require additional motions to those already listed: - lifting or reaching overhead - lifting heavy objects - pushing or pulling heavy objects - bending or stooping - kneeling or crawling - operating equipment ie weed eater Assist with supporting mobility - Wheelchairs: - lifting and transferring - repositioning - shifting body weight - pushing chair height of handgrips - loading in van / using lift - tiedowns in van (bending / limited headroom) - accessing buildings (sometimes 1 or 2 stairs or a lip) - Walkers/Canes/Crutches: - assisting with use - supporting body weight - slowing movement - assisting on uneven surfaces or changes in levels or grade - walking individuals without mechanical support: - supporting some weight while walking Unexpected movement of individual being supported: - pulling away - resisting - grabbing railing while being repositioned - dropping or falling to the ground while being assisted to walk Client Behaviour such as: - Hitting or striking out, biting, pinching, pushing, pulling at hair, eyeglasses, ear rings, throwing objects, shoving, etc. - May need to respond to behaviour by dodging, blocking, fleeing, etc. Page 6 of 7

7 Complete office work/paper work sitting at desk, chair, and computer station, using telephone, etc. Work with cleaning agents and chemicals. Staff will adhere to safety procedures to minimize exposure (inhaling, topic exposure, etc.) when handling or working with toxic chemicals and agents. Staff will receive instruction in WHMIS. Page 7 of 7