Derek Christensen
Edmonton,AB
Summary
To secure the position of Disability Supports Specialist with Advanced Education, Job Requisition ID: 30218 by utilizing my skills, experience, and knowledge as it relates to the responsibilities and qualifications required. I have excellent communication skills, able to prioritize tasks as delegated, proven people skills, very computer literate with Windows and Google platforms. Proven ability to build effective collaborative environments, networking with external stakeholders and excellent customer service and professional etiquette is an attribute that I possess.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Facilitator
EmployAbilities Society of Alberta
Vegreville, AB
01.2009 - Current
- Perform employability assessment to analyze client skills, their work preferences and to assist client generate realistic work options
- Create and manage client service plans using the Government of Alberta MOBIUS database
- Monitor client progress to ensure they stay on track and adjust service plans as needed
- Provide pre-employment training that focuses on the development of social and personal skills to prepare client for employment based on individual needs, and provide employment supports for clients such as job searching techniques, resume writing, interview skills and problem solving
- Refer clients to other community agencies such as Mental Health, Veg Al-Drug (AADAC), AADL, Suicide Crisis Line
- Identify potential local employers and job vacancies using the database of employers, business networks, in-house job board (Alberta Works), online job board
- Visit worksites to learn about employer’s businesses and types of qualifications and attitudes they are looking for
- Use tools to help break down a job by essential and non-essential competencies and assess the physical and communication needs of the position
- Assist clients and employers by making a connection between the two, to match client’s skills and abilities with an employer who is able to provide them with viable employment and who is committed to making the job placement succeed
- Identify areas where client lacks the complete skill set a potential employer requires and propose options such as training, job carving or job redesign
- Work closely with employers to identify training gaps
- Provide ongoing support to both client and employer to ensure employer satisfaction and employee job retention
- Promote awareness of people with disabilities factually, by building connections with employers and the general public
- Promote hiring of individuals with disabilities who add value to the Alberta workforce through disability workshops through the Chamber of Commerce, Interagency meetings and using local media outlets
- Document and maintain physical and electronic client files, as well as, prepare monthly reports and statistical data to be shared with regional contract manager.
Service Delivery Agent
Department of Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Vegreville, AB
11.1998 - 11.2008
- Analyze information to determine acceptability (obtain all information required) and interpret, apply and administer legislation to determine eligibility and admissibility
- Decision-making to approve or refuse the application, issuing the appropriate documentation
- Identify clients in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, and refer to the appropriate authority
- Communicate effectively with clients who often have limited English skills
- Provide advice, counsel, and respond to enquiries and requests from clients, their representatives, other departments and non-governmental agencies and consultants.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - First year program
Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, ABCertificate - Broadcast Announcing and Copy-Writing
Columbia Academy of Radio and Television Arts
Edmonton, ABDiploma - Auctioneering
Auctioneering College of Canada
Edmonton, AB01.2017
Certificate - Teacher’s Aid
Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, AB01.1992
High School Diploma -
Jasper Place Composite High School
Edmonton, AB01.1985
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, problem-solving, time-management, decision-making, organized
- Excellent presentation/training facilitation and public speaking skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Ability to set priorities, analyze, evaluate and assess information to arrive at appropriate conclusions/decisions with emphasis on accuracy and efficiency
- Strong work ethic comprised of leadership, flexibility, integrity, confidentiality, dependability and reliability; professional and confident
- Excellent computer skills including MS environments and Google platforms
- Employer Engagement
- Client Advocacy
- Labor Market Knowledge
- Interview coaching
- Career advising
- Career Event Planning
Workplaceandcommunityinvolvement
- 2015 – 2018 Past Chair – VegMin Learning Society
- 2012 – 2018 Past Chair – Kid Sport Vegreville Chapter
- 2009 – Current Member – Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities (committee w/GoA)
- 2009 – 2018 Chair (2015) – Vegreville Interagency Committee
Training
- Freedom of Information and Privacy (update), Edmonton, AB, 12/2020
- Employment First-Customized Employment, St. Paul, AB, 02/2015
- True Colors (Keys To Successful Teambuilding), Edmonton, AB, 08/2015
- Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP), Vegreville, AB, 10/2014
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), Vegreville, AB, 11/2013
- MOBIUS Training (update), Lac La Biche, AB, 04/2012
- Mental Health First Aid, Vegreville, AB, 12/2010
- Financial Literacy Training, Edmonton, AB, 08/2010
- MOBIUS Training, Edmonton, AB, 02/2009
- Personality Dimensions Facilitator Training, Ft. Sask., AB, 09/2009
Timeline
Employment Facilitator
EmployAbilities Society of Alberta
01.2009 - Current
Service Delivery Agent
Department of Citizenship & Immigration Canada
11.1998 - 11.2008
Bachelor of Arts - First year program
Grant MacEwan Community College
Certificate - Broadcast Announcing and Copy-Writing
Columbia Academy of Radio and Television Arts
Diploma - Auctioneering
Auctioneering College of Canada
Certificate - Teacher’s Aid
Grant MacEwan Community College
High School Diploma -
Jasper Place Composite High School