Essential Skills Upgrading (ESU) Program Officer

No.:  SCH II- 23-0067NFE

POSTED:  March 9, 2023

DEADLINE: 12:00 noon:  March 23, 2023

Essential Skills Upgrading (ESU) Program Officer

1 – Permanent Position

Business Development and Community Services

Business Services

  Schedule II, Level 5

(Non-Union – 12 Month)

$69,741 - $83,688

        The Toronto District School Board adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices.

Reporting to the ESU Coordinator, the ESU Program Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of a designated number of Essential Skills Upgrading program sites/classes, to be managed in accordance with program guidelines and direction set by the ESU Coordinator.  

 The Program Officer will also provide support to enable instructors and administration to implement the five services included in the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) Literacy and Basic Skills Program Guidelines: information and referral, literacy assessment, training plan development, training and follow-up.

Summary of Duties:

Ø Oversee the day-to-day operation of a designated number of ESU program sites and classes, including data entry on the information management system

Ø Oversee the implementation of  Program Guidelines by instructors, ensuring ideas and resources among programs are shared, and supports the development of learner-centred curricula based on learner goals;

Ø Bring creative initiatives developed by instructors to the attention of Coordinator, for possible implementation throughout the program;

Ø Ensure instructional program development adheres to the goal-directed learning outcomes approach required in ESU;

Ø Ensure that the principles of adult education and MAESD Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF) are evident in the classroom;

Ø Monitor class size and support Assessors in the placement of learners;

Ø Maintain ongoing liaison with other Program Officers;

Ø Create curriculum supports and instructors’ program supports in order to implement the learning outcome approach in ESU;

Ø Model aspects of program implementation in the classroom as needed;

Ø Review the program with the participants and instructors on a regular basis in order to assess whether it is meeting learner needs;

Ø Establish procedures for lending from instructor and learner libraries located in portfolio sites;

Ø Facilitate volunteer placement in accordance with TDSB policy and procedures (including police reference checks);

Ø Visit classrooms regularly to informally interact with individual learners;

Ø Meet with learners who have attendance or performance problems, when referred by instructors

Ø Convey information regarding serious learner issues to Coordinator;

Ø Mediate/resolve disputes, including those pertaining to Training Support when referred by instructors;

Ø Implement the policies of TDSB directly related to learner behavioural issues; documents and reports as required to the Program Manager;

Ø Monitor classroom lesson plans, learner portfolios, and registers;

Ø Shortlist, interview, and recommend for hiring new instructors and administrative staff for sites in their portfolio in accordance with TDSB HR policy;

Ø Provide standardized orientation for new staff;

Ø Conduct regular classroom observations and performance evaluations of instructors, and provide ongoing coaching and support with respect to current teaching methodologies and curriculum, incorporating best practices for adult instruction;

Ø Ensure that training plans and progress reports are completed for every learner in accordance with Program Guidelines;

Ø Supervise and conduct performance evaluations of administrative staff;

Ø Resolve performance problems, document culpable behaviour, and discipline as appropriate, in accordance with TDSB Employee Services procedures;

Ø Determine staff assignments in accordance with collective agreement for all sites in portfolio;

Ø Identify and, when appropriate, deliver or help organize, professional development activities for instructors, liaising with Coordinator and other Program Officers, as needed;

Ø Organize staff meetings;

Ø Monitor class enrolment and attendance and reports figures to Coordinator;

Ø Provide consistent information to all sites in their portfolio;

Ø Identify potential locations for new classes in Board, community or commercial space and notify the Coordinator;

Ø Resolve plant issues through communication with landlord(s) and care taking, and refer unresolved items to Coordinator;

Ø Ensure compliance with health and safety laws and policies; prepare for inspections and implement recommendations;

Ø Collect and compile reporting and statistical information as required;

Ø Research, order and distribute appropriate curriculum resources;

Ø Provide staff payroll adjustments regularly as required;

Ø Provide sick leave data to regularly as required;

Ø Manage materials and resources budget for sites in portfolio;

Ø Oversee the training support budget;

Ø Approve purchases of resource material (books, classroom supplies);

Ø Contribute to the development of the business plan and vision;

Ø Participate in the wider literacy community (e.g. Local Literacy Committees) for opportunities to share successful strategies, learn from others and plan for community needs;

Ø  Provide exceptional customer service to all internal and external clients;

Ø Participate in projects that enhance the Board’s ESU program;  and

Ø Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Ø  Three year community college diploma in a related field (e.g. Social Services) with two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

Ø  Adult Education Certification

Ø  Proficient computer skills including databases, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, Financial Management and HR/Payroll systems, information management systems;

Ø  Knowledge and understanding of adult education, literacy and numeracy  trends;

Ø  Successful supervisory experience with strong leadership and team building skills;

Ø  Demonstrated skills in program delivery for students with a variety of needs;

Ø  Experience working with a variety of communities, community groups, committees and government agencies;

Ø  Ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff, a diverse multicultural client group and the general public.

Ø  Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills including presentation skills; 

Ø  Demonstrated communication, project management, interpersonal and mediation/conflict management experience;  and

Ø  Demonstrated skills in the management of a safe work and learning environment.

Assets

Ø  Special Education

Special Requirements: 

Ø  Provision of own vehicle for Board Business.

Ø  Requires travel to sites.

Location:  Bickford Centre - 777 Bloor Street West

Work Year: 12 Months

Benefits:   Employee benefit entitlement is in accordance with the provisions for non-union Externally Funded Programs.

Work Term:  Subject to cancellation by funder with two weeks’ notice.

Please note:

Applications must be submitted:

1. in résumé form with a covering letter in a single document to: application.submission@tdsb.on.ca

2. with competition # SCH II- 23-0067NFE in the subject line

3. Apply no later than 12:00 noon on March 23, 2023.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.

The Toronto District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Truth, Reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous peoples, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at TDSB.

 We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities.

 Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.