Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative and client-centered individual as part of our employment program. The Intellectual Disabilities Worker is an experienced specialist and professional supporting individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving greater independence. The successful applicant will be, committed to promoting sustainable employment and community well-being in Nanaimo. Nanaimo Foodshare is currently implementing life skill employment programs that support individuals with employment-barriers to improve their foundational life skills, address personal barriers and empowerment to increase employability. This role is filled by a professional and competent behavioral expert and project manager, working closely with the leadership team, to ensure efficient operation, growth and sustainability of Nanaimo Foodshare's employment programs.

The Intellectual Disabilities role combines project management, strategic implementation, personnel management, and budget oversight. Key duties are implementing leadership strategy to manage employment program coordination and program budgets. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, and supporting staff as needed for success. It also includes overseeing budgets under the direction of leadership, assessing program effectiveness and sustainability, and ensuring that the objectives and requirements of the funder are fully achieved.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

Training, Facilitation and Participant Support

Conduct assessments to identify strengths, needs, abilities, of program participants. Supervise employment coordinators and social service support worker practicum volunteers to maintain program expectations Oversee the inclusion and employability calendar and materials being adapted by team for all participants Coordinate regular team training to foster staff confidence and resilience Assess participants' relevant skill strengths and needs for appropriate and successful program completion Assist participants to identify options and develop plans of action Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits Monitor behavioral needs and implement behavior support strategies. Refer participants to other social services or assist participants in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance., employment, transportation, day care and other services Implement life skills workshops, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and community food access services Help participants develop healthy boundaries, routines, resilience, and self confidence Support the persons in all areas of personal growth directed towards their becoming as self-sufficient as possible Assist participants with self-care, budgeting and household management Ensure persons are fully involved in their community and to foster and promote personal relationships and involvement in community groups Promote networks and connections maintain liaison between members of the community, other agencies and staff Work in conjunction with the participants support workers to ensure adequate support and progress Be personable and relate with all persons with professionalism and a positive manner, which promotes feelings of personal worth and dignity

Advocacy and Case Management

Meet with participants to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with participants to provide information and obtain feedback on participants' overall progress Focus on the developmental potential which acknowledges each participants' rights to self advocacy, determination and empowerment Maintain detailed participant records, report, and track individual progress Advocate for clients' rights, inclusion, and access to appropriate services (e.g., education, healthcare, employment). Coordinate and monitor services such as housing, job coaching, counselling, and community programs.

Financial & Operational Oversight

Reports regularly to the Leadership Team on program performance and initiatives Participates in preparation of grant applications and funding reports for employment programs Maintains program statistics for purposes of evaluation and development Evaluates the effectiveness of program by tracking participant behavioural changes and responses to interventions Oversees budgets; Monitors program spending to optimize expenditures and ensure compliance with funders Oversee Coordinator team to ensure training, support and professional boundaries are maintained appropriately Engage employers on program benefits and partnership opportunities (long term networking) Build and maintain employer relationships that foster inclusive hiring practices, focus on accessibility education and participant empowerment Completes and submits written and oral reports as required in a timely manner

Qualifications and requirements

Bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, project management or in a related field, a master's degree is an asset 5 years' experience working with vulnerable populations or an equivalent combination of education and experience 5 years' experience managing government funded program budgets 5 years' experience assessing program effectiveness and reporting Crisis intervention Certification First Aid Level One Certification Food Safe Certification Inclusion and Diversity Training Facilitation Training (an asset) Counsellor Training (an asset) Class 5 Driver's License and own car ( an asset)

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed practices Ability to interact and communicate with a range of styles, both individually and in groups Ability to present and facilitate workshops and skills training Knowledge on behavioral Support Planning Knowledge on Crisis Intervention Techniques A learning and development orientation with the demonstrated ability to build skills in others, using a variety of methods to reach different individual Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively with others Ability to analyze and resolve problems Ability to establish and maintain rapport with participants Ability to network and build relationships with partner organizations and work placements/employers Strong computer skills, and high degree of comfort with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Suite Knowledge of food and nutrition security (an asset) Knowledge and experience in food related job skills and job market (an asset)
Since 1997, Nanaimo Foodshare has connected the community with resources, skills, and knowledge to increase healthy food access for all. We work with community partners to address hunger, build food skills, and create shared resources for better food security.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Nanaimo Foodshare is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

Please apply through this posting on the Indeed website.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $28.25-$36.75 per hour

Expected hours: 30 - 35 per week

Application question(s):

What examples of trauma-informed practice training/experience are you confident in applying to this position? What approach have you used in supporting persons with diverse behaviours and learning disabilities in a group setting. Do you have experience running Canadian Government funded projects?
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-08-15