Workplace Trainer

at  Vancouver Island University

WORKPLACE TRAINER (2 OF 2)

The Workplace Essential Skills Training (WEST) Program serves adults with disabilities, focusing on: vocational planning; employment preparation; personal management skills for life and work; and job skills for work in the service sector. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on training in work sites.
Employment Group

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Disability Studies, Social Work, Human Services or related field from an appropriately accredited institution. Minimum five years of recent direct experience working with neurodivergent adults. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated ability to implement skills-training programs and to deliver effective hands-on vocational training. Demonstrated ability to positively manage challenging behaviors. Proven interpersonal and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing. Excelling planning and organizational skills. Experience and proven success in job development, working with employers and community organizations, in acquiring work experience/training placements. Creativity and flexibility in problem-solving. Ability to modify and develop individualized work placements. Ability to develop increasing and appropriate levels of independence with students. Working knowledge of principles of normalizations, inclusion and issues in the workplace for neurodivergent persons. Solid understanding of service-industry employment and skills necessary for employability and success. Ability to establish and maintain effective professional role and boundaries in working with students, colleagues and employers. Ability to represent VIU in the community in a professional manner. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Physical ability to do various tasks, including lifting up to 23 kg (50 lb).
Must be able to accompany students on BC Transit busses and facilitate student learning of bus schedules relevant to their needs.
Must have Foodsafe Level 1.
Upon offer of employment, successful applicant(s) must complete and sign a Consent to a Criminal Record Check form as per the Criminal Records Review Act.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Serving It Right, First Aid, Indigenous Cultural Safety.
VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

NOTE:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

The Workplace Trainer for the WEST program will secure, obtain, schedule, sequence and supervise hands-on workplace training experiences for neurodivergent students in a variety of workplaces, supporting the transfer and application of classroom learning to the workplace.
Duties include: seek and secure employer placements and mentors to support group and individual student practicums; coordinate practicums and support students in those practicums; teach group and individual students job tasks at various worksites; accommodate student needs and learning styles for optimum success at worksites; support students to identify and change habits and behaviors that will increase suitability for the workplace; follow evaluation of student progress in employment readiness and suitability, which includes meetings with Chair and caregivers; transport students to workplace and/or ride and mentor students on using public transit; follow WorkSafeBC and VIU protocol.
Under the direction of WEST Faculty, implement skills training plans and adapt plans to individual student needs, including related monitoring of skill development and providing ongoing feedback and support to students performing work tasks/applying skills in the workplace. The successful incumbent will be required to provide information, support and direction to WEST students, various employers, community support staff, and practicum students in relation to WEST training. Under the direction of WEST Faculty, the successful incumbent will assist in student performance reviews (including meeting with caregivers), resolve student workplace issues (including addressing safety concerns, managing group dynamics in stressful situations, creating safety plans, and attending to emergency events), participate in exit transition planning to facilitate successful outcomes for students, and participate in staff meetings and other Faculty or institutional meetings.