Essential Skills Instructor

 PROJECT BACKGROUND:

This pilot project  leverages the expertise, facilities and resources of Potential Place Society, The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary and the Calgary Dream Centre. The participants that will take part in this training program are all presently living with a mental health issue and consequently may be at risk of homelessness.

The goal of Moving Forward is to improve the lives and raise their employability of all participants by offering them opportunities to increase their “Essential Skills” and also provide them with the necessary supports in order to assist them in finding permanent part time employment.  In addition to providing participants with the Essential and Life Skills necessary, this project will also provide “hands on” Warehouse Skills Training in order to adequately prepare participants for employment opportunities in the food warehousing industry.

 

PURPOSE:

 

The primary objective of the Essential Skills Instructor will be to provide ongoing instruction in the classroom; delivering  the Essential Skills and Life  Skills curriculum at the Calgary Dream Centre. The Instructor will work with a team of Mental Health professionals and other staff at the Centre who are committed to the delivery of responsive training for the Moving Forward participants. This position reports to the Project Manager.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

o      Work with the Project Manager and Support Worker to practice, prepare for and deliver lessons, activities, and other events

o      Adapt the developed Essential and Life Skills curriculum to meet the needs of the learners

o      Deliver the Essential and Life Skills curriculum for participants of the Moving Forward Program

o      Prepare individual lesson plans for learners based on the results of their Measure Up Scores

o      Maintain detailed case management reports on the participant’s progress, and adapt lessons as required

o      Maintain a high level of trust and comfort in the classroom

o      Maintain a positive atmosphere in the classroom

o      Liaise with other program staff on all matters related to learner success

o      Support guest instructors providing assistance where required

o      Develop meaningful lesson plans that respect various learning styles

o      Provide advice to curriculum developer on activities that require modification

o      Participate in staff meetings

o      Any other duties that will ensure whole program success

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

 

o      Office and classroom space at The Calgary Dream Centre

o      Non-Profit Full Time Employment

o      Preferred start date August 9th

o      Current Program funding until March 2011

o      Able to work Monday through Friday 8:30 – 4pm (Delivering lessons Monday through Thursday 10:00am to 3:00pm)

 

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:

 

o      Experience providing instruction

o      Demonstrated work with persons Living with Mental Health

o      Background working in the Mental Health and/or the Education Industry

o      Understanding Essential Skills concepts

o      Math, English and Document instruction experience an asset

o      Ability to establish a comfortable rapport with each learner

o      Extremely flexible and able to adapt the environment to the needs of the learners

o      Highly creative and dedicated to creating an environment that fosters

                  learning and self-confidence

o      Strong communication and use of language skills

o      Excellent reading and writing skills

o      Ability to weave Essential Skills and Life Skills  into the classroom learning culture

o      Experience providing one to one assistance within a group class setting

o      Ability to manage and support various skills levels

o      Experience working with diverse learners who may have multiple barriers

o      Ability to assess, monitor and evaluate success

 

 

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Compensation and benefits based on education and experience.

 

HOW TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter

Attention: Amanda Osborne , Project Manager

Fax:            403 – 451- 1836 Email: amanda.osborne@potentialplace.org

Closing Date:            July 27th  2010 at 4:30 p.m. late submissions will not be accepted.

For more information regarding the Moving Forward Program please visit our website at www.calgarydreamcentre.com/main.htm