Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Asset Building Programs (ABP) Manager, the Newcomer Driver Education Specialist (NDES) is a competent individual committed to IRCOM’s vision and mandate to empower newcomer families to integrate into the wider community through affordable transitional housing, programs, and services. This staff is a detail oriented, efficient and resourceful individual with strong interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills, able to meet the challenges of working with a culturally diverse group of community members with a positive outlook, welcoming attitude and asset-based approach. This staff is a ‘people person’ who is creative, and possesses exceptional facilitation, adult education and capacity building skills. The ideal candidate will be able to multi-task in a fast paced environment prioritizing tasks and executing them to a high degree of accuracy. The NDES is able to meet the challenges of working in a culturally diverse environment. The NDES will exhibit and uphold IRCOM’s core values of integration, inclusion, social justice and empowerment and they will work in a way that is people-centered, holistic and partnership based.

Background

IRCOM and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have partnered to provide newcomers with lower English fluency with an EAL (English as an Additional Language) format in-class driver’s education and in-car training program with the goal of helping newcomers obtain a full Class 5 driver’s license. The vision of the program looks beyond helping newcomers obtain a class 5 license; the ultimate aim of this program is to enhance the employability of newcomer community members through a capacity-building and skills development approach.  

Objective  

The NDES is responsible for the development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of IRCOM’s Newcomer Driver Education Program (NDEP) ensuring the successful completion of in-class and in-car driver training and securing of a class 5 driver’s license of all the newcomer participants. He/she works in collaboration with the Asset Building Programs team to address arising program challenges and provides meaningful input around problem solving. The NDES works within the guidelines, policies and mission of IRCOM and is accountable and responsible for the success of NDEP.

NDEP Development & Delivery

• Design the NDEP in accordance with IRCOM’s mission and MPI’s requirements
• In collaboration with IRCOM staff, adapt MPI’s in-class training materials into a culturally and linguistically appropriate EAL format
• With support from the ABP Manager, develop a policy and procedures manual for the NDEP
• Coordinate and monitor the effectiveness of the NDEP administrative procedures
• Develop outreach strategies to recruit qualified newcomer participants based on pre-set criteria
• Pilot an EAL adapted driver training program and make changes based on participant feedback
• Maintain accurate program records including participants’ attendance, registration data, waivers, etc.
• Develop monthly activity plans including: full activity descriptions, space bookings and use, computer access and learners testing, childcare, snack menus, in-class and in-car schedules, roles and responsibilities for volunteer in-car supervisors, etc.
• Communicate program plans with volunteers, participants and staff involved well in advance of program delivery
• Liaise with the Volunteer & Community Services Program to secure qualified volunteers as supervising drivers in accordance with MPI requirements
• Provide support and supervision to volunteers, interpreters, etc.  
• Assist participants with barriers to overcome hurdles (schedule conflict, ID issues, language, etc.)
• Facilitate all in-class training as well as the in-car training component
• Set up and take down equipment and other items used in the program
• Inspect vehicles and space/facilities for safety issues and seek corrective action according to procedures
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the driver training vehicle
• Ensure the NDEP meets IRCOM’s community economic development strategy
• Ensure accountability to the participants by setting clear expectations and being consistent in follow-through

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Administer the budget for the NDEP monitoring cash flow, coding and ensuring all expenses are in accordance with the approved budget
• Monitor the collection of registration fees in compliance with MPI requirements
• Purchase all supplies needed for the delivery of the program
• Work with the Asset Building Programs Manager to secure future funding for the NDEP

Communications & Reporting

• Work with the ABP Manager to develop strategic partnerships that will benefit both the NDEP participants and the wider community
• Communicate program progress, successes and challenges to the ABP Manager and MPI
• Ensure that MPI guidelines are being met and all monitoring and evaluation processes are in place
• Attend meetings with the ABP Manager as needed
• Compile and submit regular status reports including accurate statistics and partnership updates to ABP Manager
• Issue correspondence on behalf of IRCOM, acceptance letters, completion certificates, etc.
• Organize regular NDEP meetings with relevant staff and stakeholders
• Attend monthly staff meetings and other staff events, such as the IRCOM Strategic Planning as needed
• Compile program summary of activities for the IRCOM Annual Report and/or for public information
• Compile report to funders as per agreement
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director or designate

Qualifications (Please read MPI’s Driver Instructor’s Permit requirements attached)

• Undergraduate degree in relevant field or equivalent
• Ability to attend MPI’s Driver Instructors Permit beginning in late August 2014
• Demonstrated experience in community development or community economic development
• Proven program development, coordination, evaluation and financial management skills
• Exceptional facilitation, mentoring and capacity building skills
• Demonstrated experience organizing and facilitating workshops
• Excellent cross-cultural skills and ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrated problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Excellent organizational and computer skills
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral)
• Must be open-minded, resourceful, highly motivated, creative and independent
• Must have valid Class 5 driver’s license
• Valid Criminal Record Check, and clear Child Abuse Registry Check   
• Strong planning, leadership and communication skills
• Direct experience creating and maintaining accurate and detail orientated records
• Strong commitment to supporting and empowering the newcomer community
• Ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Must be open-minded, resourceful, highly motivated, creative and independent
• Flexibility to work varied shifts including evenings and weekends
• Experience working in community or the not-for-profit sector is an asset
• International education / experience is recognized
• Newcomer experience is an asset
• Experience in adult education is an asset
• Knowledge of a language other than English an asset

Hours of work

This is a full-time position for a maximum of 37.5 hours per week. The NDES’s hours will take place during IRCOM business hours, Monday to Friday including significant weekends and evenings.

Selected candidate must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Applicants must clearly indicate in their cover letter that all MPI requirements are met as per description attached.

Other

The starting salary for this position is $39,732.

Selected candidate must be available to attend MPI’s Driver Instructor’s Permit Training from August 22-24, 2014 or already be a MPI Driver Instructor’s Permit holder in good standing.

Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are from any of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with a disability.

To apply for this position please submit your resumé and cover letter by August 13^th, 2014 @ 5pm to:

Office Administrator
95 Ellen Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S8
Email: admin@ircom.ca
Fax: 204 - 943 - 4810

We thank all who apply. Please be advised that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.