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March 17, 2023
Executive Director
Empower, The Disability Resource Centre
4 Escasoni Place, St. John’s, NL
The Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for the strategic vision of the organization and the implementation of related plans. In particular, they are flexible, demonstrate initiative, focus on strategy development, deliver the mission, objectives, and program goals, and provide the highest quality service to members, partners, and the staff/volunteer team of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre (Empower).
The Executive Director must demonstrate proven leadership success and have recent and significant experience supporting a Board of Directors in its governance role. The Executive Director will represent Empower and act as the principal liaison with various constituencies, including agencies, governments, donors, sponsors, employees, and volunteers.
While not essential, lived disability experience would be considered an asset.
Job Duties:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall operation of Empower in areas such as Strategic Leadership, Administration and Finance, Employee Relations, Fund Development, and Partnerships.
Strategic Leadership:
- Work with the Empower Board to support current and emerging organizational priorities.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of current and emerging community needs and the ongoing sustainability of current programs to meet those needs.
- Assist the Empower Board in operations, administration, planning, and information dissemination.
- Help build, sustain, and strengthen all Empower Board functions, including meetings, policy adherence, and committee work.
- Provide strategic advice and guidance on applying the accessibility standards within the Accessibility Act (https://www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/accessibility-act/).
Administration and Finance:
- Responsible for the annual budget cycle, including preparing the budget, expenditures, projections, reporting, and financial audit.
- As Financial Signing Authority, comply with relevant legislation and Empower bylaws and policies while exercising fiscal responsibility.
- Develop, analyze, and prepare reports, as required by the government, other funding organizations, and Empower Board.
Fund Development:
- Write and submit funding proposals.
- Manage funding contracts.
- Work with private sector organizations and other charitable foundations to develop fundraising opportunities.
- Identify and source alternative revenue streams.
Employee Relations:
- Responsible for implementing all aspects of the Empower Human Resources Policies.
- Recruit and hire staff and contractors, per Empower policies.
- Mentor and support staff development opportunities.
- Provide recommendations on changes to the Human Resources Policies.
Partnerships:
- Maintain Empower’s accreditation with Independent Living Canada.
- Collaborate, network, and engage Empower’s stakeholders.
- Partner with disability organizations to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the province.
- Maintain and expand partnerships with the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government.
Essential Qualifications:
Education:
- A degree in Social Sciences, Education, Business, or a related study area; or an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience:
- Recent and significant experience* in a leadership role within the not-for-profit sector, disability advocacy, or inclusion services.
- Experience in all the above areas, including, but not limited to:
- Strategic Leadership
- Administration and Finance
- Fund Development
- Employee Relations
- Partnerships
*Recent is defined as within the last five years; significant is defined as reporting to a director or a board of directors.
This will be a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position.
The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $85,000, plus benefits.
For more information about Empower, please visit https://empowernl.ca/
Candidates interested in applying should send a letter of interest and resume to hr@empowernl.ca no later than March 31, 2023. All applications and inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.
Empower, the Disability Resource Centre (Empower), is a provincial non-profit organization based in St. John’s, NL, with members throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We are an accredited member of Independent Living Canada, a nationwide network of independent living centres and community partners in building an inclusive and accessible Canada for persons with disabilities.
Empower is a consumer-controlled, non-profit organization that provides leadership in delivering cross-disability services and supports while promoting a more inclusive society within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Our vision for Newfoundland and Labrador is an inclusive community for all – a society that embraces diversity and the rights of all individuals to choice, self-determination, and independent living.
Empower supports the Government of Canada’s Employment Equity Act. We encourage applications from the four employment equity designated groups: women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. Empower also supports creating and sustaining a workplace that is equitable and inclusive of the LGBTQ2S+ community and other equity-seeking groups.
PDF (90 KB): Empower 2023 Job Posting Executive Director
January 10, 2023
*** COMPETITION CLOSED ***
Empower is hiring a Housing Support Worker in St. John’s. For further information, see the job ad below or download the PDF from the link at the bottom.
Position: Housing Support Worker
Reporting to: Manager of Advocacy Services
Contract: Until March 31, 2023 with possibility of extension, pending funding.
Description:
Empower, The Disability Resource Centre, is an organization committed to providing supports, resources, and opportunities for empowerment, which enable persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their lives. Empower, the Disability Resource Centre is hiring a Housing Support Worker (HSW) to provide support to people with disabilities identified through the End Homelessness St. John’s (EHSJ) Coordinated Access to Homes table. The HSW will support people with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness and assist them in securing safe, affordable, and accessible housing.
Skills Required:
- Knowledge of working with people with cross disabilities
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
- Ability to think quickly and creatively to solve problems
- Strong knowledge of community and government services and resources
- Ability to maintain professionalism including respecting personal and professional boundaries
- Strong crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy skills
Responsibilities:
- Assess individual needs and connect them to appropriate internal and external supports
- Liaise with landlords, community and government agencies to search for housing that meets individual’s specific needs
- Advocate with other service providers and maintain collaborative working relationships
- Conduct home visits to ensure individuals needs are being met
- Support people through the Residential Tenancies process to ensure successful tenancies
- Maintain case files and documentation including data collection and reports
- Maintain privacy and confidentiality
- Participate in meetings and professional development opportunities in collaboration with EHSJ
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree or diploma in social services, social work or equivalent experience
- Previous experience working with people with disabilities that are experiencing homelessness or who have challenges in obtaining and maintaining housing
- A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records check is required
- Vehicle is required. Ability to transport individuals in vehicle is required
- Mental Health First Aid and/or ASIST training would be considered an asset
Hours of Work:
This position will work 37.5 hours per week. This position may require flexibility in work hours and ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Compensation:
Annual salary of $50,000.
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to Joby Fleming, Manager of Advocacy Services at joby@empowernl.ca
Empower is an equal and equitable employer that promotes full inclusion in employment practices.
Housing Support Worker Job Ad January 2023 (182 KB)
December 21, 2022
We are hiring a Community Inclusion Facilitator in Western Newfoundland. For more information about this job opportunity and how to apply, check out the description below or click the link at the bottom to download a PDF version of this posting.
Employment Opportunity
Position: Community Inclusion Facilitator
Locations: Western Region
Hours: $16.00 hr – 35 hrs/wk until March 31, 2023 with possibility of extension pending funding
Eligibility: These positions are for people who identify as being a person with a disability.
Description:
This position is designed to support a person with a disability who has developed skills and is job ready but faces barriers to employment. The program provides opportunity for skills enhancements and avenues for a more permanent attachment to NL’s labour market. This is a work from home position; all tools for the job will be provided. Some travel to St. John’s will be required for training and meetings.
As a Community Inclusion Facilitator you will:
- Research gaps in services and resources and develop recommendations to address the needs of the community.
- Assist local organizations to reduce barriers at their events.
- Facilitate group meetings with community organizations and persons with disabilities.
- Research Peer Support Networks in the community
- Support persons with disabilities, deaf people and seniors in accessing online services. Provide information on resources and services available in the area.
- Provide information on adaptive technology and make referrals when necessary.
- Promote disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusion in your community.
- Maintain online contact with other facilitators and program staff.
- Provide regular reports and updates to the program manager (located in St. John’s).
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have:
- A keen interest in learning more about disability awareness, independent living, and inclusion.
- A working knowledge of internet, email, online chat systems, and programs such as Zoom, Basecamp and DropBox
- Proficient in MS Office Suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- A willingness to learn about adaptive technology, and to support others in learning about it.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills are an asset.
- Self identify as a person with a disability
Submit applications in electronic format only to: facilitators@empowernl.ca
Please state whether you identify as having a disability in your cover letter (you do not have to say which type, or any other personal information).
Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
For more information on Empower, check out our website: EmpowerNL.ca
Western NL Community Inclusion Facilitator Job Posting PDF (167K)
October 28, 2022
CBDC hosted their 25th Annual Awards Gala for Youth Ventures on October 25th. Two Youth Ventures participants at Empower had their hard work, creativity and dedication recognized.
Abrahim Derradji-Aoüat, owner of Shoreside Soaporium (website) was awarded Excellence in Financial Management.
Kyle Budgell, owner of ProKeebz (@ProKeebz on social media) was awarded Trailblazer of the Year.
Congratulations Abrahim and Kyle!
October 24, 2022
Do you have an idea for a business in rural Newfoundland and Labrador? Already running a rural business? We would greatly value your knowledge and experience!
Empower is working to address challenges faced by business owners in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. We would love to hear from entrepreneurs to better understand current challenges experienced when starting and operating a business in all areas of our beautiful province. We are especially interested in hearing from entrepreneurs from underserved or underrepresented communities. Additional support or accommodation to participate in this project is available if required.
If you would be open to sharing your experience with us, please contact Sherri Tucker at yourbiz@empowernl.ca.
This project is funded through a generous donation to Empower from the Northpine Foundation. The Northpine Foundation supports organizations that create sustainable and systemic change for underserved and underinvested groups for a healthy and resilient Canada. Empower provides supports, resources, and opportunity for persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their lives.
October 10, 2022
Join us for our annual Christmas Dinner and Dance!
Date: Friday, Dec 2, 2022
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: CLB Armoury, 82 Harvey Road
Tickets are $15.00 for Members; Non-Members are $25.00.
To purchase tickets, please EMT Amanda@EmpowerNL.ca
Please ensure to email Amanda with dietary needs and contact information.
The last date to purchase tickets is Wednesday, November 30th.
October 10, 2022
Do you know an individual or a business that has been a rock star in the full inclusion of people with disabilities in your community? Tell us about them and all they do by nominating them for an award! Nominations for the 2022 Independent Living Awards of Newfoundland & Labrador are now open. Nominations close on Friday, November 4, 2022.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
2022 Independent Living Awards of Newfoundland & Labrador
Nomination Guidelines
If you have made, or know someone, or a group who has made a significant contribution to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in community either at a local, regional, provincial or national level, tell us about it by nominating them for the 2022 Independent Living Awards.
The IL Awards are presented at our International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration on Friday, December 2, 2022.
The awards are:
- The Cecilia Carroll Award for Independent Living for a person with a disability, who has demonstrated a long-term and extraordinary personal commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, locally or nationally. Minimum of 20 years commitment.
- The Independent Living Young Leader Award for a young person with a disability, under 30 years of age, who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in promoting full inclusion of people with disabilities in Newfoundland & Labrador. Minimum of 5 years.
- The Business Award for Independent Living for a business who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes in supporting full inclusion of people with disabilities in areas such as employment, transportation, housing, communication and technology.
- The Social Inclusion Award for Independent Living for a person, team, group of individuals who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in areas such as sports, the arts, education, recreation, and the wider community. This award is for someone/group that has gone above and beyond.
Conditions of Nominating
- To nominate yourself or another person/group, please complete the Nomination Form below and submit it to Empower, The Disability Resource Centre.
- Late nominations will not be considered
- Empower employees and their immediate family cannot be nominated for an award.
- To nominate a deceased person for an award, permission must be obtained from the deceased person’s next-of-kin.
- Information submitted may be used in promotion and publicity associated with the IL Awards of Newfoundland & Labrador.
Nominations
Please ensure you include the following in your nomination:
- Category under which the nomination is being made
- Name and contact information for the nominee
Privacy & Confidentiality
Personal information collected during the award process through nomination applications may be published on Empower, The Disability Resource Centre’s website or in social media promotional materials.
Nominations close on Friday, November 4, 2022
Link to Nomination Form
Call for Nominations 2022 PDF(161K)
August 31, 2022
***Competition Closed***
We are hiring a Community Inclusion Facilitator in the Grand Falls-Windsor/Gander area. For more information about this job opportunity and how to apply, check out the description below or click the link at the bottom to download a PDF version of this posting.
Employment Opportunity
Position: Community Inclusion Facilitator
Locations: Grand Falls-Windsor/Gander Area
Hours: $16.00/hr – 35 hrs/wk until March 31, 2023 with possibility of extension pending funding
Eligibility: These positions are for people who identify as being a person with a disability.
Description:
This position is designed to support a person with a disability who has developed skills and is job ready but faces barriers to employment. The program provides opportunity for skills enhancements and avenues for a more permanent attachment to NL’s labour market.
As a Community Inclusion Facilitator you will:
- Research gaps in services and resources and develop recommendations to address the needs of the community.
- Assist local organizations to reduce barriers at their events.
- Research Peer Support Networks in the community.
- Support persons with disabilities, deaf people and seniors in accessing online services. Provide information on resources and services available in the area.
- Provide information on adaptive technology and make referrals when necessary.
- Promote disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusion in your community.
- Maintain online contact with other facilitators and program staff.
- Provide regular reports and updates to the program manager (located in St. John’s).
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have:
- A keen interest in learning more about disability awareness, independent living, and inclusion.
- A working knowledge of internet, email, online chat systems, and programs such as Zoom, Basecamp and DropBox
- willingness to learn about adaptive technology, and to support others in learning about it.
- Effective communication skills, with some comfort in speaking in small groups. Good people skills are an asset.
Submit applications in electronic format only to: facilitators@empowernl.ca
Please state whether you identify as having a disability in your cover letter (you do not have to say which type, or any other personal information).
Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
For more information on Empower, check out our website: EmpowerNL.ca
Central NL Community Inclusion Facilitator Job Posting PDF(125K)
August 10, 2022
In advance of our AGM and BBQ this Saturday, our Annual Report for the fiscal year 2021-2022 has been placed on our website.
You can view the digital copy here. Other formats will be available at the AGM and afterwards by request.
Empower’s Annual Report 2021-2022 – PDF (1,467K)
Empower Annual Report 2021-2022 – Text (84kb)
Empower Annual Report 2021-2022 – Audio (26.2MB)
July 23, 2022
Have you received services from Empower, The Disability Resource Centre from April 2021 to March 2022?
We want to hear from you. We have created a survey so you can provide us with some feedback on the services you received from Empower. Please click on the link below to answer some questions about our services.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RDYTT8Q
If you would like someone to go through the survey with you please email Sierra at survey@empowernl.ca or call 722-4031 and ask to speak with Sierra to set up a time.