Community & Industry Engagement Specialist

SIIT; Meadow Lake; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to fostering career development and community engagement. As a Community & Industry Engagement Specialist, you'll play a vital role in connecting individuals with employment opportunities while supporting their transition into the workforce. This position offers the chance to work closely with diverse populations, build meaningful relationships with local businesses, and make a significant impact on Saskatchewan's economic future. If you are adaptable, client-focused, and passionate about empowering others, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in career counseling or employment services.
• Experience with diverse populations and understanding employment barriers.

Responsibilities

• Provide career planning, skills training, and employment support.
• Build relationships with local businesses and community organizations.
• Conduct workshops on job search skills and career planning.

Skills

Career Counseling

Job Search Assistance

Relationship Building

Coaching

Workshop Development

Client Progress Monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

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 annually into our urban and community programs and serves over 6000 clients through nine Career Centres across the province. The Institute plays a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future, offering opportunities for career development.

Nature and Scope

The Community & Industry Engagement Specialist promotes corporate citizenship by fostering relationships with local businesses and organizations to create employment opportunities and partnerships. The role requires understanding industry cultures, assisting clients in transitioning into new work environments, and helping employers understand the needs of new workers. The position supports SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate through positive engagement and community involvement.

General Accountability

The Specialist works with clients to provide career planning, skills training, and employment or educational support. Responsibilities include follow-up with clients and employers, collaboration with other departments, and extensive travel to communities for on-site services, workshops, and engagement activities. The role involves career and skill assessment, coaching, development, and support for job placement and retention. Administrative duties such as database updates and report generation are also part of the role.

Specific Accountabilities

Client Service

• Provide career counseling, job search assistance, and employment readiness support.
• Assist with resumes, cover letters, and job applications.
• Conduct mock interviews and guide interview techniques.
• Identify and address barriers to employment.
• Offer confidential coaching and career planning support.
• Monitor client progress and facilitate transitions into employment.
• Develop and deliver workshops on job search skills and career planning.
• Facilitate group sessions for peer support.
• Coordinate training and programming as needed.
• Assess individual skills, experience, and readiness for work.
• Refer clients to employers and training opportunities.
• Gather labor market information for clients.
• Advise on additional training and certification pathways.
• Support clients and graduates in transitioning and employment tracking.
• Collaborate with employers to support employment retention.
• Coordinate interviews, placements, and employer visits.
• Provide follow-up support to clients and employers.

Community Engagement and Corporate Citizenship

• Travel to communities to provide on-site services.
• Build relationships with community organizations, employers, and educational institutions.
• Develop partnerships with private, public, and First Nations organizations.
• Coordinate initiatives aligning with community needs and organizational goals.

Reporting, Compliance & Administration

• Maintain accurate client records and reports.
• Track and report on program outcomes and successes.
• Stay informed on labor market trends and employment laws.
• Participate in professional development.
• Support department reporting and administrative needs.
• Ensure confidentiality and data security.
• Research employment statistics and trends.
• Perform quality control of data entry.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Resources, or related field, with a minimum of three years' experience in career counseling or employment services. Experience with diverse populations, understanding employment barriers, and building employer/community relationships is preferred. Knowledge of First Nations cultures is an asset. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required due to extensive travel. Flexibility for evening and weekend work is necessary, and work may occur in office and community settings.

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing per SIIT policy.

Competencies

Flexible and adaptable, effective communication, relationship building, results-oriented, client focus, teamwork, problem solving, partnering.

This is a full-time, one-year term position.