Mission Possible (DTES Employment Agency Back Office Volunteer)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Appropriate for court-ordered volunteers

About us
Tenacious. Empowering. Supportive. Humble. Compassionate. These are Mission Possible’s core values, and we’re searching for a Team Assistant (TA) who resonates with these values. Mission Possible is a non-profit organization and social enterprise located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. We support individuals challenged by homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental illness, and other barriers to employment to achieve a renewed sense of dignity and purpose through meaningful work. Through our employment readiness program, and our social enterprises, MP Maintenance & MP Neighbours, we equip our program participants with the skills, confidence, and support they need to rejoin the workforce and rebuild a self-sustainable livelihood for themselves. The TA will have a unique opportunity to work alongside the various teams of the entire organization of Mission Possible, gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a grassroots nonprofit.

About you

The TA will work alongside the Programming Team to support Mission Possible’s Employment Readiness Program (ERP), including coordinating weekly information sessions and our Employment Readiness Workshops. They will also engage in data entry to maintain the outcome and measurements of the ERP. When needed, the TA will also assist in researching, connecting, and liaising with social service agencies, social housing providers, substance use recovery programs, and employment centres to share the opportunities available at Mission Possible with potential clients. Additionally, they will plan and carry out engagement and community-building activities for participants and staff. The TA will also work with the Administration Team, the Development Team, and the MP Maintenance Team on various tasks and projects as needed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the facilitation of information sessions, Employment Readiness Workshops workshops, and coaching sessions.
• Research and connect with social service agencies, social housing providers, treatment centres, and employment centres to support the recruitment activities of the Employment Readiness Program.
• Assist in maintaining partnerships and relations as needed.
• Support with Employment Readiness Program data entry.
• Plan and execute engagement events for participants of the Employment Readiness Program and staff in order to build community, reconnect, and celebrate participants’ momentum.
• Develop and plan community-building activities for program participants to be implemented in the months following employment.
• Work on tasks assigned by the Administration Team,  the Development Team, and the MP Maintenance Team as needed.

Our ideal candidate has:

• Organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• A professional and outgoing manner and ability to interact respectfully with a wide variety of people.
• The ability to work within a team environment but also to work independently.
• Computer skills using Google Suite applications (docs, sheets, slides, forms).
• Familiarity with housing or IT support is an asset
• A background check that’s done in the last year (or be open to completing one prior to the start date.

Education and Experience:

• Previous experience working in engagement, outreach, and/or facilitation is an asset.
• Previous experience in a non-profit environment is an asset.

Supervision Plan & Mentoring Plan

The TA will be directly supervised by the Manager of Administration. The supervisor and mentoring plan included:

• Initial safety orientation and an orientation to the organization and its programming.
• A tour of the facility.
• A discussion and creation of goals and measurements for their projects and tasks.
• Participation in staff training events and celebrations.
• Hours are flexible. Ideally at least 2 – 10 hours each week with at least 6 month’s commitment.