Employment and Assistance Workers (EAW) Information Sheet for Applicants1479.10 – 1878.77 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 need to become EAWs.
The Employment and Assistance Worker JobThe mission of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development is to focus on the customer by transforming the way we deliver services in employment and assistance, using effective and outcome based practices, and working in collaboration with ministries, other levels of government and service agencies. The ministry is committed to providing a fair, caring and sustainable income assistance system for British Columbians most in need. Many individuals and families in BC and across Canada are having a hard time getting ahead and staying ahead. As an Employment and Assistance Worker (EAW) you have an opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives! EAWs determine the eligibility of applicants for BC Employment and Assistance and authorize those payments and they play an important role in assisting clients to become financially independent through continued employment. EAWs 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 have mental health or substance abuse problems that affect their behaviour. EAWs are required to demonstrate active listening skills and cross-cultural 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. EAWs must have effective interviewing skills in order to ask appropriate questions to ensure they 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 high volume of work. Ability to adapt to a variety of situations and individuals and to changing priorities and deadlines is required. As EAWs use their computers while simultaneously conducting client interviews, experience with computers and excellent keyboarding skills are 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 Assistant Supervisors, Supervisors, Family Maintenance Workers, and Investigative Officers. QualificationsAre you suitable? In order to succeed in this rewarding, challenging position, you must possess all of the following qualifications: 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. We ask all applicants to complete a web-based workplace skills assessment 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 quarterly 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. Selection ProcessFor the initial step, candidates will be required to pass the basic screening criteria (this includes a web-based workplace skills assessment, behavioural event interview, and past work performance review). Candidates that are successfully placed in the applicant pool for future vacancies may be given further preference based on “asset qualifications” (qualifications that are considered beneficial for the job that relate to education, experience, knowledge and abilities). Examples of “asset qualifications” include related post-secondary education, fluency in a second language, call centre experience, or a background working with those in low-income circumstances, etc. This is a great opportunity to make us aware of additional skills you possess which will strengthen your application, and increase your chance for selection. Any specific experience or training you have had that enables you to better address the challenges inherent in serving the public is valuable. Successful applicants will be appointed at the entry (trainee) level. Newly appointed EAWs in this growth position will progress through an eight level pay grid as they acquire practical experience. The Professional Values of the BC Public ServiceThe BC Public Service has introduced six Professional Values that we feel truly describe the qualities we value in our colleagues and in our organization. These values will be incorporated in a number of areas - from learning and training to rewards and recognition. Although our hiring practices remain the same, you may be asked to demonstrate these values when pursuing a career with us. The Professional Values of the BC Public Service are: Courage, Teamwork, Passion, Service, Accountability, and Curiosity. These values are all included under the overarching value of Integrity. For more information on the Professional Values of the BC Public Service, please visit: http://employment.gov.bc.ca/index.php?p=Values
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