Employment & Counselor Trainee

Yellowknives Dene First Nation; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Northern Travel Allowance

Group insurance & pension benefits

Culturally diverse work environment

Job summary

Yellowknives Dene First Nation is seeking a Trainee to support employment services, program coordination, and client-facing activities within the Economic Development Directorate. The role will involve intake interviews, assisting with resumes and job searches, interview coaching, and facilitating career readiness while adhering to cultural safety principles.

As experience grows, the trainee will progressively take on more responsibilities, coordinate with the Career Counselor, and help organize

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent is required or an asset if post-secondary education is related.
• Post-secondary education in a related field is an asset; or a combination of education, training and relevant experience.
• Interest in employment services and community development is essential.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist members accessing employment services.
• Conduct intake interviews and gather employment history and goals.
• Assist with resumes, cover letters, applications, and online job searches.
• Provide interview preparation and mock interview coaching.
• Support workplace readiness and job retention skills.
• Refer members to training, certification, and funding opportunities.
• Maintain confidential client files and progress notes.
• Observe and gradually co-facilitate counselling sessions with the Career Counselor.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Independent & cooperative work

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Post-secondary education in related field (asset)

Education/experience combination

Job description

Description

Reporting to the Economic Development Director and/or Employment & Career Counselor, the Trainee provides program, administrative, and direct service support and progressively assumes greater responsibility as skills develop.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist members accessing employment services.
• Conduct intake interviews and gather employment history and goals.
• Assist with resumes, cover letters, applications, and online job searches.
• Provide interview preparation and mock interview coaching.
• Support workplace readiness and job retention skills.
• Refer members to training, certification, and funding opportunities.
• Maintain confidential client files and progress notes.
• Observe and gradually co-facilitate counselling sessions with the Career Counselor.

Career Development and Member Support

• Welcome and assist members accessing employment services.
• Conduct intake interviews and gather employment history and goals.
• Assist with resumes, cover letters, applications, and online job searches.
• Provide interview preparation and mock interview coaching.
• Support workplace readiness and job retention skills.
• Refer members to training, certification, and funding opportunities.
• Maintain confidential client files and progress notes.
• Observe and gradually co-facilitate counselling sessions with the Career Counselor.

Workshop Design And Delivery Support

• Prepare workshop materials, presentations, and handouts.
• Assist with scheduling, setup, and registration.
• Co-facilitate employment readiness workshops.
• Incorporate Dene culture and values into program delivery.
• Collect feedback and assist with evaluations.

Community Outreach, Employer Engagement, And Career Fairs

• Assist with organizing career fairs, job expos, and recruitment events.
• Support relationship-building with employers and partners.
• Identify job leads, internships, and placements.
• Promote YKDFN employment programs within the community.
• Represent the department at outreach activities when appropriate.

Program Coordination And Reporting

• Maintain databases, tracking tools, and client records.
• Enter participation and employment outcome data.
• Assist with preparing reports and summaries for funders and leadership.
• Support compliance with policies and funding agreements.
• Provide general administrative and clerical support.

Cultural Safety And Community Engagement

• Uphold YKDFN values, traditions, and protocols.
• Provide respectful and culturally safe services.
• Collaborate with Elders, leadership, and community members.
• Participate in community events and initiatives.

Professional Development

• Participate in mentorship, training, and certifications.
• Develop counseling, facilitation, and administrative competencies.
• Work toward increased independence and responsibility over time.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Post-secondary education in a related field is an asset; or
• Combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Interest in employment services and community development
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Organizational and computer skills
• Ability to maintain tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset
• Must undergo a criminal records check

What We Offer

YKDFN provides a competitive salary, Northern Travel Allowance, comprehensive group insurance and pension benefits, and a supportive, culturally diverse work environment.