Employment Counsellor - 034-2025

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced, energetic and professional Employment Counsellor to join the Fort McKay First Nation Team! The Employment Counsellor will be responsible for assisting Fort McKay Community Members in obtaining and maintaining long-term sustainable employment. This includes conducting and reviewing client assessment reports to identify employment barriers and goals; providing career and employment counselling; and developing and facilitating action plans and referral supports to overcome the identified employment barriers and achieve the identified goals. This is a permanent full-time position, based in Fort McKay, AB, and is based on seventy-five (75) hours bi-weekly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer interviews and assessments designed to determine the interests, aptitudes, and abilities of Fort McKay community members.


• Meet with clients after assessments are completed and review the assessment reports with the client.


• Identify the types of careers and jobs for which the client may be suited and what skills upgrading they may need to be successful.


• Counsel clients on career possibilities, set career goals and provide information and referrals to help the clients attain their career goal(s).


• Identify barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment and assist clients with such matters as job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing resumes and preparing for job interviews.


• Identify the need for other types of counselling that may be required such as drug and alcohol, crisis management, life skills, family, financial management, and refer clients to appropriate support services.


• Pursue opportunities for training and apprenticeship for participants.


• Work with HR department to arrange for training courses or upgrading and financial support as required.


• Maintain confidential client files, ensuring all the proper documentation is complete, and assist in maintaining a database of client’s personal and assessment related information.


• Undergo ongoing upgrading to be able to provide better service to clients. Areas of training may include but not limited to cultural awareness training and counselling training.


• Other related duties as assigned.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma or degree in career or employment development, vocational rehabilitation, social work, psychology, sociology, human services, counselling, education, or human resources management.


• Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in the employment services, counselling, or other support services industry.


• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered


• Experience working with Myers Briggs, Birkman, and other assessment tools.


• Ability to develop creative, productive, and collaborative working relationships with diverse and/or multi-barriered clients in both one-to-one and group settings.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong ability to identify potential partners and develop/strengthen existing relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, both verbally and in writing is preferred.


• Experience working in an Indigenous community including knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions and values is considered an asset


• Must be able to provide a clean driver’s abstract with a class 5 license as some travel is required


• Clean criminal record is required

WHY APPLY?

At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following;  

• Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage


• An employer matched Pension Plan


• A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre


• Transportation to and from work


• The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands
  
  

ABOUT FORT MCKAY

The Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is composed of over 800 band members, including those of Cree and Dene heritage, with approximately 400 members residing in the hamlet of Fort McKay — a community located approximately 65 km north of Fort McMurray. Fort McKay offers the best of both worlds: remote northern life for the nature lover and proximity to a large city of about 70,000 people with all the amenities you need.

HOW
TO APPLY:

ONLINE: https://www.fortmckay.com/job-board/

You can also check us out on social media -> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please ensure you indicate the Competition #034-2025

*Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision, please declare your Indigenous status in your application.