Pre-Employment Support Worker

Driftpile Cree Nation•Driftpile, AB

About The Position

DCN is seeking a compassionate and skilled Pre-Employment Support Worker to join our Supports Program. This program supports clients who face multiple and often interconnected barriers to employment, including limited work history, education gaps, literacy and numeracy challenges, housing or transportation instability, childcare responsibilities, and physical or mental health concerns. The Pre-Employment Support Worker provides individualized, client-centered supports to help participants build employment readiness, develop life skills, and progress toward sustainable employment. This role works closely with income assistance case workers, community service providers, and employers to deliver coordinated, effective pre-employment supports.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Employment Counseling, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment, including income assistance clients
Knowledge of employment readiness, life skills programming, and community resources
Strong assessment, case management, and documentation skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team and with community partners
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients and priorities
Culturally responsive, client-centered, and strengths-based approach
Criminal Record Check and Intervention Record Check is required.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with income assistance staff to identify employable clients for referral to the program
Build respectful, supportive relationships with clients to encourage participation and accountability
Participate in case coordination and regular communication with internal and external partners
Conduct comprehensive pre-employment assessments that evaluate work history and transferable skills, education, training, and upgrading needs, literacy and numeracy levels, job readiness and job-seeking skills, access to housing, transportation, phone, and internet services, childcare availability and family responsibilities, physical and mental health considerations, and anticipated duration of required pre-employment supports
Use a strengths-based, individualized approach to ensure supports reflect each client’s unique needs
Work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized action plans
Identify employment goals, barriers, required activities, timelines, and expectations
Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of clients, staff, and service providers
Review and update action plans as progress is made or circumstances change
Ensure plans and agreements are documented and signed
Plan, coordinate, and deliver structured pre-employment and life skills workshops (four times per year), including overcoming personal and systemic barriers to employment, resume and cover letter development, job search strategies and interview preparation, and workplace communication, time management, and expectations
Provide one-on-one coaching and encouragement to support employment readiness
Refer clients to appropriate training, education, health, wellness, cultural, or support services
Track client attendance, engagement, and progress toward action plan goals
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes and records
Provide consistent follow-up to identify emerging barriers and respond proactively
Communicate regularly with income assistance case workers regarding client progress
Build and maintain strong partnerships with service providers, training organizations, and employers
Coordinate referrals and support service standards related to reporting and outcomes
Assist with administrative duties, including scheduling workshops and maintaining program records
Contribute to program monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement