Create Employment Opportunities by Volunteering

In celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Canada, Canadians are encouraged to join the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge to promote Volunteerism in Canada and participate by engaging in volunteer hours in their community. Who has time to volunteer while doing an extensive job search?  Here are some benefits of volunteering that will help you with your job search and create employment opportunities:

Exercise your interpersonal skills – About two-thirds of volunteers benefit from improved interpersonal skills such as: verbal and non-verbal communication, listening skills, negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation, problem solving, decision making and communicating clear ideas in a team environment.  All of these skills will help you when working with your new employer and co-workers.

Networking opportunities – The more visible you are in your community the more you will be remembered. The additional people you meet increases your chances of someone telling you about a great job, or offering you a job after witnessing the work you’ve done at your volunteer position. The organization you volunteer for could give you a good professional reference.

Try out a new career possibility – Thinking about starting a new career?  Volunteering for a position in the field you’re interested in gives you the opportunity to try things out in a risk free environment.  By doing this you will receive a realistic picture of the career you think you want. For example:  Do you like the duties affiliated with the position?  What are the expectations of someone in that career? Will you need more training before accepting a job? The last question you may ask yourself is whether this the best fit for you.

Develop new skills – Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills and there is no better place to practice sometime new than in a volunteer position you’re interested in. Developing new skills will help you stay sharp and up-to-date with things like technology and/or machinery you haven’t had the chance to work on before. Your new skills will look great on your targeted resume.

Gain employment through volunteer work – the inside advantage. Employers respect an individual who gives to their community.  If the organization you are volunteering for has an employment opportunity open you can bet on them hiring a volunteer that has done a wonderful job for them already.  You have already been trained, demonstrated your enthusiasm, work ethic, productivity, and skills needed to do a great job. It just makes sense to hire you.

Have fun and enjoy – Volunteering can give you energy, excitement, fulfillment, a positive perspective on life and an up lifted spirit.  All qualities employers notice and are impressed with. If nothing else do it for the fun of it – it’s the Canadian way.

Volunteer Postings for Oceanside area http://www.oceansidevolunteer.org/our-programs

Volunteer Postings for Nanaimo http://www.volunteernanaimo.ca/volunteer-opportunities/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

Inclusion Parksville has been serving the community since 1959 by supporting adults with developmental disabilities through innovative programs. In the program participants set goals through person-centered planning and identify activities that support their interests.

We are long time employers in this community. We offer diversity, challenges and a supportive and fun working environment. No two days are the same! Inclusion Parksville Society (IPS) is also an accredited agency (check our website for more details).

How many employees do you have?

22

What do you look for in a new employee?

The ability to listen, encourage and support the people we offer our services to through person-centered planning. Our employees should have knowledge of the Community Inclusion movement, be progressive thinkers, team players and enjoy new challenges.

No certificate is necessarily needed but preference is given to CSW Certification and to people that have a background in a related field (we will look at education and experience as well).

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Apply! We are currently accepting applications for Casual Community Support Workers (CSW). Inclusion Parksville has a very extensive paid orientation. On-going training, workshops, and services are offered at regular intervals throughout the year.

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so for what types of positions?

Yes, we are currently accepting applications for Casual Community Support Workers (CSW). All CSW’s upon being hired are a part of the BCGEU union. The Union contract outlines four steps to the wage grid. Increases are given every 2000 hours along with cost of living increases annually.

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

Go to our website www.inclusionpv.org and click on the Employment Link. Open the job posting you are applying for and download our Application Form. Fill it out and email, mail or fax it in, along with your resume and a cover letter.

BC Corrections – Adult Custody Division is hiring at multiple locations.  The Adult Custody Division operates ten correctional centres located throughout British Columbia that employ approximately 1600 full time employees, including centres located in Nanaimo and Victoria. More information can be found on this week’s hot sheet.

Are you thinking about returning to school? On Thursday, November 23, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo connect with 40+ schools and employers at an Education and Career Fair.  More info on this week’s hot sheet.