Employment and Assistance Workers (EAW) Information Sheet for Applicants1414.73-1797.00 bi-weekly Employment and Assistance Workers (EAWs) are hired through a job competition process. This information sheet will answer some of the basic questions about our hiring procedures, and the qualifications applicants will need to become EAWs.
The Employment and Assistance Worker JobThe mandate of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development is a focus on employment, training for jobs and income assistance. The ministry mission and objectives are to provide temporary assistance and services leading to sustainable employment and providing assistance to individuals and families in need. Many individuals and families in B.C. and across Canada are having a hard time escaping poverty, getting ahead and staying ahead. For many low and modest income families, the struggle to make ends meet has become more difficult. As a Employment and Assistance Worker (EAW) you have an opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives! Not only do EAWs determine the eligibility of applicants for BC Employment and Assistance and authorize those payments, they play an important role in assisting program clients to become financially independent through continued employment. EAWs also provide clients with information on services that may be available to them such as childcare, housing, employment and services for people with disabilities. Resourcefulness is required to optimize the tools of legislation and policies that will benefit participants to the fullest extent possible. Sound judgement and good decision making skills are needed to match the needs of clients to the services available. EAWs must enjoy working with people from all walks of life in order to provide quality service to those in need. Naturally, people may be distraught when applying for income assistance. Some clients may have mental health or substance abuse problems that affect their behaviour. EAWs are required to demonstrate active listening skills and cross-culture sensitivity such as interpersonal understanding and empathy. EAWs must be able to work effectively in a cross-cultural context, meeting the needs of a diverse population. Interviewing applicants is a major part of the job function. You must have effective interviewing skills in order to ask appropriate questions to ensure you have complete and accurate information. Individuals who make the effort to go beyond surface assessments for information and do not accept situations at " face value " will do a better job of determining eligibility and matching clients' needs to available services. An ability to establish and maintain good working relationships is key to working collaboratively with team members and community services towards common goals. EAWs must read, comprehend, interpret and apply complex policies and procedures which requires good business English skills. A high degree of organizational ability is required to manage a large caseload. Ability to adapt to a variety of situations and individuals and to changing priorities and deadlines is required. As Employment and Assistance Workers use their computers while simultaneously conducting client interviews, experience with computers and keyboarding skills is required in order to provide effective service. Training and Career OpportunitiesNew employees receive on the job training to assist them in meeting the expectations of the position. EAWs have an opportunity, through the competition process, to advance to other positions in the ministry such as District Supervisors, Family Maintenance Workers, Eligibility Officers, Verification Officers, Training Consultants and Assistant Ministry Investigators. QualificationsAre you suitable? In order to succeed in this rewarding, challenging position, you must possess all of the following qualification requirements: Ability to:
Knowledge of:
Education and Experience:While many people who are hired as EAWs possess a post secondary education, an education credential is not required. Instead we ask all applicants to write a multiple choice pre-qualifying test to determine whether candidates possess the minimum qualifications. Experience is considered throughout the selection process as many of the required skills/abilities can be acquired in various positions through employment, volunteer or general life experiences. Police Record Check:Appointments are subject to a satisfactory police record check. Travel:Travel is a requirement of many EAW positions. You must have access to transportation arrangements that meet the operational requirements of the Ministry. These qualifications
will be thoroughly assessed in the selection process. If you think
you have what it takes to be a successful employment and assistance
worker, please read on... Application ProcedureRegular vacancies are advertised on the BC Government postings internet site at http://www.postings.gov.bc.ca. If you would like to apply on a posted competition, submit your resume/application by the closing date to the closing location indicated in the posting. Auxiliary, or on-call, EAWs are hired more frequently than regular (permanent) EAWs. Auxiliary employment may provide a good opportunity to eventually obtain a regular position. Auxiliary positions are filled locally. Auxiliary, or on-call, EAW opportunities may be advertised on the BC Government Postings Internet site under " Short Term (Auxiliary) Jobs " at http://www.bcpublicservice.ca/postings/short_term_jobs.htm. If you are interested in any of these posted temporary opportunities, please submit your application/resume by the closing date, if a date is specified, to the closing location indicated in the posting. Please contact the phone number provided in the posting notice if you have any questions. Selection ProcessSuccessful applicants will be appointed
at the entry (trainee) level. Newly appointed EAWs will enter a development
plan and will advance through up to three successive pay levels as
they acquire practical experience. An eligibility list may be established
for posted competitions. Service Code and Organizational Values
"Our values support the integrity of the ministry. How we deliver our services and demonstrate our ability to operate in a manner that reflects our values is fundamental to building confidence among staff, clients and the public."
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