Career Development Worker

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT); Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is seeking a dedicated Career Development Worker to support students with career and education pathways. This full-time position involves offering guidance, conducting workshops, and collaborating with educational institutions to enhance Indigenous students' engagement with post-secondary education. A minimum of three years of experience in a relevant field is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience is required.
• A certificate in Life Skills and experience in career development is an asset.
• Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide career services and support to students in their education pathways.
• Facilitate training, workshops and presentations for students.
• Conduct assessments and provide individual and group career coaching services.

Skills

Effective Communication

Relationship Building

Flexibility

Teamwork

Results Oriented

Education

Diploma in a social sciences discipline

Related post-secondary degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our ten Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

As an employee in the JobConnections unit, the Career Development Worker is accountable to provide career services and will support students with navigating career and education pathways and promote post secondary education programming, supports and services available at post secondary institutions in Saskatchewan. Job Connections (JC) is a mobile service delivery initiative, providing outreach employment services primarily to Indigenous communities. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

General Accountability

The Career Development Worker plays a pivotal role in helping students achieve their education and career goals by providing personalized support and guidance, answering questions, referral services and providing information and options to help them make informed decisions about their academic future and career aspirations. Working collaboratively with Oẏateki Partners and representatives from University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), this position will deliver services that will engage youth in their home communities before they exit high school. The services will provide awareness of post-secondary programming and personalized pathways for each personal situation and career choice. As the student transitions into post-secondary education, JobConnections will be the link to ongoing support.

Specific Accountabilities

The Career Development Worker is required to take a lead role in facilitating services that support the career development process of students through such means as assessment, coaching, workshop delivery, basic job preparation skill development, informed job search, referral, and promotion of post secondary programs, services and supports. All functions will occur in or near First Nation and Metis communities of Saskatchewan and will involve extensive travel. This position provides additional support as required and includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Administration, Coordination and Facilitation

• Develop, prepare, and facilitate training, workshops and presentations for students and stakeholders related to programs, supports and initiatives of each institution
• Work with various departments in the developing content for presentations and promotional materials
• Develop and implement virtual reality tours of each campus for each Institute that will highlight Indigenous student supports, services and programs
• Use appropriate methods of instruction, modeling, and coaching to facilitate learning
• Inform students about the content and structure of post-secondary programming
• Undertake activities that will help to ensure that program and service plans are aligned with emerging trends, comprehends the needs of key stakeholders and remains responsive to varied environments
• Participate in student orientations and other student engagement events as required
• Support the financial security of students by providing information regarding financial aid, awards and funding opportunities and connecting students with funding options
• Follow up with existing students and alumni, updating databases, generating reports and other administrative duties
• Develop a familiarity with the student support resources in each community and Institute
• Maintain knowledge of programs and supports by liaising with partners at each Institution
• Coordinate Institute events such as tours, high school visits, and applicant open houses, for potential students, applicants, and other initiatives in collaboration with other applicable staff and faculty
  
  

Student Services & Career Planning

• Assess students and provide individual and group career coaching services using a variety of methods and self-assessment tools
• Use various tools to assess employability, literacy, essential skills, current skills, and knowledge to determine service needs
• Identify individual barriers and assist students in developing achievable, realistic and meaningful life and career goals
• Provide job search support services such as resume development, cover letters, interview preparation and the job search processes
• Provide assistance, guidance, referrals, and information to students as required
• Help students to understand the complete requirements of their program(s) of interest, including admission requirements and prerequisites
• Provide information about alternatives, limitations and possible consequences of academic decisions
• Encourage students to develop self-planning and networking through the use of available Institute and community resources
• Discuss students' goals, career choices, alternative training as well as general financial aid information
• Advise and follow up with students who are seeking appropriate support services, refer student to internal or external resources as required
  
  

Research, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records and track student progress in order to evaluate and assess student success, monitor service levels, and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement
• Track event and participant attendance for presentations, training, workshops, and events
• Document and submit reports of outcomes and results as required
• Gather, prepare and organize student data into reports to share with partners and stakeholders
• Submit regular community reports and program/service delivery updates as required
• Maintain confidentiality at all times, ensuring that information is not released unless authorized by policy, required by law, or through written consent
• Utilize databases efficiently and effectively as required
• Continually monitor web-based information regarding post secondary programs
• Conduct database, literature and web searches to find information to respond to inquiries from student and community members
• Stay current with research and strategies relating to best practices in supporting applicants
• Recommend revisions and additions to program or service content and delivery
• Keep current with respect each program's entrance criteria and required qualifications
  
  

Relationship Management

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to coordinate various aspects of program and service delivery
• Engage with provincial labour force development agencies and community post secondary student support programs to promote SIIT, USask and GDI in Indigenous communities and agencies
• Represent the Institute in various committees/functions to establish working relationships and partnerships
• Maintain positive rapport with students, stakeholders, faculty and administration
• Respect, honour and acknowledge the uniqueness of each student including: their unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories and prior learning and life experiences
• Provide regular updates on activities to Manager, internal and external partners, and stakeholders as required
• Contribute to SIIT's strategic effectiveness by representing and participating on internal and external committees as required
  
  

Mobile Career Bus Requirements

• Operate and maintain the mobile career buses (i.e. Recreational Vehicles) in a safe and courteous manner at all times
• Perform cleaning duties on the buses as required
• Ensure safety checklist is utilized prior to operation of mobile career bus
• Notify supervisor of any and all safety hazards concerning the mobile career buses at all times
• Ensure buses are adequately stocked with supplies and equipped with relevant tools and technologies required for successful completion of career services
  
  

Required Qualifications and Experience: A diploma in a social sciences discipline, business, or a related post-secondary degree is preferred. A minimum of three (3) years of related experience is required. Experience in training and labour force is an asset. A certificate in Life Skills is an asset, in addition to, experience in career development, including assessment tools and testing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of programs is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations would be an asset. Incumbent must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation as extensive travel is required to various First Nation communities and events. SIIT reserves the right to request a driver's abstract.

As this position is considered safety sensitive, the incumbent will be subject to testing as per SIIT's Alcohol and Substances policy.

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Effective Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Teamwork, Partnering, Student Focus.

This is a full time, one year term position.