Employment Advisor – Sooke

About The Society:

WorkLink has provided government-sponsored employment services to the residents of the Victoria Capital Region’s Westshore (Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal, and Metchosin) since 1978.  In 2008, our services expanded to include the communities of Sooke and surrounding areas including Jordan River and Port Renfrew. We are also pleased to provide Indigenous outreach services to the First Nations Communities of Beecher Bay, T’Souke, and Pacheedaht. Our non-profit organization is funded through both federal and provincial government initiatives. WorkLink is a registered charity in the Province of BC, which is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors chosen from leaders in the community.

We empower our employees to achieve great things and are proud to offer:

• Accelerated vacation entitlement.
• Competitive wage & comprehensive health benefits packages
• Group RRSP Match after 1 year
• Dogs in the workplace
• Positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Supported work/life balance options
• Fun team social events

About The Position:

The Employment Advisor will develop a positive and collaborative relationship with eligible clients, ensuring access to high quality services through WorkLink and WorkBC. Through their case management responsibilities, the Employment Advisor will encourage, motivate, and support clients to achieve appropriate employment outcomes and increase self-sufficiency. The Employment Advisor will help clients build confidence, become self-motivated, and recognize and build on their employment-related skills and abilities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Interview clients to obtain employment history, educational background, career goals, transferrable skills, personal and situational factors, and barriers to employment.
• Develop an Action Plan for clients based on results of the Client Needs Assessment.
• Develop and maintain assigned client files in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
• Use databases to process and schedule all applications for service and appointments.
• Determine client eligibility for financial support/relevant resources as required.
• Work collaboratively with other Employment Advisors to promote client needs, strengths, and employment goals, tying focuses directly to labour market demand and emerging needs.
• Support client self-employment and training applications.
• Direct and refer the client to other programs and resources as required.
• Maintain professional contact with the client to monitor progress.
• Occasionally participate in evening and weekend community events.

What We Are Looking For:

• A minimum 2 years of demonstrated experience in the delivery of employment support services (employment counseling, client needs assessments, coaching/mentoring).
• Proven experience assisting individuals with multiple barriers.
• Post-secondary degree/diploma directly related to career or employment development, vocational rehabilitation, social work, psychology, sociology, human services, counseling, or education is preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain a client-focused approach using active listening skills and effective coaching techniques.
• Excellent assessment skills and the ability to make clear decisions that are in the best interests of the client and organization.
• Able to adhere to professional standards of practice, including maintaining boundaries and upholding and maintaining confidentiality.
• Solid knowledge of the current local labour market, job search strategies, and resume and cover letter writing techniques.
• Comprehensive Knowledge of WorkBC Contract requirements an asset.
• Exemplary organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
• Positive and effective communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to share best practices that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Working knowledge of ICM or other complex information systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of the Sooke community and its employment opportunities is preferred.
• Current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
• Valid BC Driver’s license for work-related travel.
• Able to comfortably commute to Sooke every day.

We appreciate all applications, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WorkLink values the diversity of the people it hires and serves.  We foster a workplace where individual differences are recognized and respected while utilizing each person’s talents and strengths.

The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be!