Career Consultant, Diversity Programs

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Career Development Centre, reporting jointly to Student Affairs and Teaching & Learning, engages students and alumni in their career development as an integral part of the Laurier experience. This encompasses the delivery of comprehensive programs and services that support experiential learning, career decision-making, employment preparation, facilitation of connections with the employer community, and the pursuit of further education opportunities. Specific programs and services include: individual consultation and workshops on career planning, resumé writing, job search strategies, interview skills and further education; a Career Resource Centre; comprehensive employment services for full-time, summer and part-time opportunities for students and alumni; volunteerism; career-integrated learning in conjunction with campus partners; online resources; numerous events such as career panels, employment recruiting sessions, Job Fairs, Further Education Fair; and Laurier Experience Record. Through the co-ordination and facilitation of career development programs for students from diverse populations, the Career Consultant (Diversity Programs) focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the ongoing development and day-to-day operations of career development programs, including co-ordination, internal communications, project planning, as well as recruiting participants and building relationships with other stakeholders and external organizations (i.e., funding agencies, employer organizations and community programs). The incumbent will be responsible for researching and communicating relevant professional information and acting as a subject matter expert for Career Centre staff and student volunteers in their distinct portfolio area of expertise; be required to prepare resource materials for students on various topics related to career planning and job search and be involved in the strategic planning for this program, monitoring program outcomes, developing relevant training and educational materials and ensuring these programs meet the needs of students. The Career Consultant (Diversity Programs) must have knowledge of the range of issues related to the needs of a broad client population, including issues relevant to clients from different backgrounds (e.g., Black, Indigenous, racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, clients with varying beliefs, cultures and orientations). Specifically, the Career Consultant (Diversity Programs) is responsible for coordinating specialized programming for Black and racialized undergraduate students as they navigate career decision-making, gain an understanding of self, and develop, identify, and articulate employment-related skills to improve employability and career success. Successful candidates must belong to one or more of the ethno-cultural groups across the African diaspora and have lived experiences of being racialized/Black. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to join and benefit from the support of the newly established Black Academic and Staff Caucus. This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, Kitchener Campus, the Brantford Campus and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Requirements

Graduate degree (preferably with training in counselling, assessment, Human Resources and/or Education) with three years of related experience (career consulting).
Knowledge of career development theories/practices, educational programs, and job search strategies and techniques.
Experience and certification (as required) in the use and interpretation of standardized tests including interest and personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, CliftonStrengths, Strong Interest Inventory, CareerLeader).
A sound knowledge of Laurier’s institutional profile. strategic plan, faculties and departments.
Knowledge of employment standards, and labour market trends with the ability to interpret and communicate these trends to clients.
Awareness of job search resources, strategies and recruitment practices in the domestic and global context.
Strong facilitation and presentation skills in both formal and informal settings with experience in the development and delivery of programs, presentations, on-line modules, seminars, the facilitation of groups and organization, and management of events.
Excellent ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and in teams as well as the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Strong facilitation and presentation skills in both formal and informal settings with experience in the development and delivery of programs, presentations, on-line modules, seminars, the facilitation of groups and organization and management of events.
Expertise in transitional and career preparation services for students.
Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to provide guidance and detailed feedback using email and other web-based tools, the ability to compose effective resources, information articles, announcements, and promotional materials
Strong computer skills in MS office required, excellent IT literacy and web research skills, knowledge and experience in the use of social media, webinar and on-line learning technology.
Awareness of current issues in higher education, strategic enrollment management, retention and transition from post-secondary to employment or further education.

Nice To Haves

Successful candidates must belong to one or more of the ethno-cultural groups across the African diaspora and have lived experiences of being racialized/Black.

Responsibilities

Support students in developing their career strategy by communicating various tools and frameworks to help them develop focus in terms of career goals and a feasible action plan.
Provide one-on-one career and employment consulting consistent with the needs of undergraduate and graduate students, and with the philosophy of the career consulting unit including the administering and interpretation of personality and interest inventories and incorporate these results into career consulting and job search. This role also includes providing same-day appointments, where students and alumni can have a shorter appointment concerning a career-related question.
Assist clients in developing effective employment/job search techniques including skills identification, employer research and networking, professional brand development, resumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation, salary negotiation and career management strategies. This would include the ability to identify information about global employment trends and job search strategies including working/volunteering abroad.
Support clients in making meaningful career choices through assessing their values, interests, personality and skills; and relating these to opportunities for employment, further education and/or training. The consultant assists clients in making informed decisions, develops strategies to carry out career plans and advises on how to present themselves effectively throughout the employment planning process.
Identification of individual client needs (including, but not limited to, students experiencing crisis, grief, potential barriers) and referral to appropriate student support services (i.e., Wellness Centre, Study Skills and Course Support, Accessible Learning, Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion).
Responsible for gathering and communicating relevant professional information and acting as a resource for other staff and student volunteers in their distinct portfolio area of expertise. The incumbent will be required to prepare resource materials for students on various topics related to career planning and job search, in hardcopy and electronic formats.
Research, develop and deliver presentations on career planning and employment preparation including topics related to the Canadian labour market, workplace culture, and job search practices utilizing a variety of media.
Co-ordinate career-related programs involving external speakers such as professionals in the field, co-ordinate mock interviews sessions with recruiters, host coffee chats and networking sessions.
Develop resource materials, including print and multimedia resources. This could include writing articles and creating (planning) materials such as brochures and career education and professional development handouts. This role requires extensive knowledge of diverse career-related information including, but not limited to industries, professional associations, regulations, and certifications; further education option, entrepreneurship and the possibilities of setting up a business. Regularly contribute postings to department's social media channels.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in defining the needs of undergraduate and graduate students and in the development of relevant programs; liaise, build and steward relationships with university departments and academic staff in order to integrate career development.
Advocate and advise for incorporation of career relevant integrated learning (experiential including strategic volunteerism, summer and part time employment opportunities, internships, appropriate projects).
Design career modules (or elements within them), deliver modules to classes; integrate career development into the student experience. Increasingly, career consultants work with academic colleagues to promote the employability of students, including career education within the curriculum.
Act as a resource for incorporation of relevant integrated learning (experiential including strategic volunteerism, internships, and relevant projects).
Research, design, co-ordinate and deliver career development and employment preparation programming for workshops and delivery in the classroom and virtually.
Responsible for gathering and communicating relevant professional information and acting as a resource and subject matter expert for other Career Centre and Laurier staff. The incumbent will be required to prepare resource materials for students on various topics related to career planning and job search, in hardcopy and electronic formats.
Build relationships with students and alumni in mid and senior level positions and facilitate networking opportunities among students and alumni/contacts in industry.
Proactively seek and research industry and career related resources to ensure that students have current information about specific job markets.
Make relevant recommendations on how best to leverage corporate partners, alumni, resources and peers within the department and the school to support program development and networking (i.e., panels and speakers).
Special knowledge requirements of the Career Consultant position encompass the following: familiarity with the use and interpretation of standardized testing procedures such as career interest surveys and personality assessments, knowledge of theory and practice in the field of career development; training in counselling theory and practice, knowledge of educational programs, knowledge of labour market trends and the interpretation and communication of these to individuals making career decisions, expertise in transitional and career preparation services and awareness of job search resources and strategies in the global context. The Career Consultant has an ongoing responsibility to keep current with emerging developments in the profession.
This role requires extensive knowledge of diverse career-related information including, but not limited to industries, professional associations, regulations, and certifications, further education options and entrepreneurship.
Ongoing knowledge acquisition through conferences, collegial networks and professional/academic literature on emerging theories and practices in the field of career development.
Contribute to the setting and attainment of departmental goals by participating as a team member, attending regular meetings and contributing professional information to other Career Centre staff.
Act as a subject matter expert in distinct portfolio providing knowledge to team members, colleagues, and other staff. Contribute professional knowledge for professional development within the Career Consulting unit.
Participate in departmental activities at the Career Centre, i.e., staff meetings, Convocation, Further Education and Job Fairs.
Participate as a team member within the department, e.g., assisting in other departmental areas as required, participating in departmental professional development activities and departmental special events.