CAREER LINK/PREP
Job Description
Client Advisor/Computer Support
May 2008
Summary
Using the guidelines established by Career Link, this position is responsible for assisting self-directed job seekers in the Career Lab, conducting research, and analyzing labour market information (LMI). A second component of this position is to provide IT support to both clients and staff. This position supports Career Link employment counsellors, facilitators, and resource staff as assigned and on an as-needed basis.
The Client Advisor/Computer Support is primarily responsible for all the functions of the Career Lab and self-help areas. This includes the constant assessment of clients’ needs, ensuring the Career Lab is functioning at potential to best serve self-help clients. Client Advisor/Computer Support should be innovative and creative in providing resources, services and displays to enable Career Lab clients to become self-sufficient in their job search.
At its highest level, Client Advisor/Computer Support will identify industry best practices and develop creative and timely programming, facilitating an expeditious return to work or an informed career choice for Career Lab clients. Additionally, in the IT support role, this position will provide assistance with both software and programming difficulties to the 38 networked computer stations on the premises.
Terms of Reference
The Client Advisor/Computer Support adheres to Career Link’s Guiding Principles in performing her/his functions and participates in team project planning and vision meetings.
This position is responsible to the LMI Team.
This position reports to the Program Director through the LMI Team Coordinator.
As an employee of the PREP Society, this position is accountable to the PREP Board of Directors.
Qualifications
Core : Demonstrated professional and ethical standards, strong communication and interpersonal skills, effective research and writing skills.
Required : Knowledge of regional/provincial labour-market trends. Demonstrated success in information analysis in the form of reports, displays, newsletter, or other publications.
Up-to-date knowledge of BC Employment Standards. Ability to research, analyze, organize, and manage information. Ability to extract accurate information from statistical reports.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and to contribute effectively within a team structure. High level of motivation; ability to remain organized and focussed in a public area with competing demands. Willing to work a flexible schedule.
Technical proficiency and experience in the management of popular hardware and software programs, specifically a networked Microsoft Office environment. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, as well as an ability to work collaboratively. Direct customer-support experience is a must.
Completion of a related post-secondary program or equivalent in skills and experience.
Preferred : Familiarity with local employers and local labour market. Knowledge of career development. Experienced in desktop publishing and database development and maintenance.
Training in employment counselling or similar skills to function as a job coach to clients in the Career Lab: this includes strong knowledge of current job-search techniques, including effective resume and cover-letter composition. Experience and confidence with public speaking, facilitating workshops, or similar.
An asset : Experience in website design and maintenance. Experience/certification in conducting standardized and informal client assessments in an employment counselling setting.
Duties
include but are not limited to the following:
Client Advisor in Career Lab
Meets and assists job seekers in the Career Lab, provides information and assistance on resumes, cover letters, potential employers, training programs or other basic career decision-making options.
Assesses the needs of self-directed clients, makes referrals as necessary and creates services or workshops to help facilitate client job search or career plans.
Provides orientation to Career Lab and to Career Link services, and computer and technical support for people using the computers, printer, copier, etc.
Researches, organizes, and analyzes labour market information relevant to the agency’s programs as directed. Disseminates information to job seekers, agency staff (e.g. employment counsellors), and community at large in written and visual formats. Contributes to production of quarterly LMI newsletter.
In collaboration with LMI Team Coordinator, maintains a network and database of local employer and economic development-related contacts.
Conducts individual and group information sessions with employers, service providers, and centre clients, as required.
Maintains self-help area, Career Lab, and resource library including online and paper resources, and other media.
Recommends purchases for updated or new resources.
Computer Support
Troubleshoots and maintains desktop and laptop computers and related devices, fax machines and other technological equipment throughout the agency.
Identifies computer hardware and software problems and fixes minor problems. In consultation with the IT Coordinator, resolves more complex computer problems or arranges for an external supplier.
Creates and sets up new email accounts and connects new users to the office network. Provides training and orientation on agency software for new staff.
Consults with, and provides advice to staff on technical issues and provides recommendations on the viability or suitability of products, tools, techniques, and methodology to meet requirements.
General
Participates with Career Link team in program planning and evaluation as requested.
Keeps and maintains timely and accurate records and documentation, as required.
Provides backup assistance to the front desk, as required.
Works evening and weekends, as required.
Maintains confidentiality.
Performs other duties, as required.
