We're Hiring: Community Engagement Specialist (Vancouver Island)

Community Engagement Specialist | 
Access RDSP Program  

Post Open: November 10, 2022 

Post Closes: November 25, 2022, 4:30pm 

Location: Vancouver Island, BC 

Category: Community and Social Services 

Job Type: Contractor (3days/week)  

Term: Two years, with possibility of extension 

Salary:  $28.00/hr  

Report to:  Director-Access RDSP Program, Disability Alliance BC 

Who We Are 

Disability Alliance BC 

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications. Our mission: to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. 

DABC works in partnership with Plan Institute, and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) on the Access RDSP partnership to promote the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) across BC. 

Project Background 

Through a new RDSP initiative, Access RDSP partners are working to reduce poverty and barriers to long-term financial stability for children and youth with disabilities living on Vancouver Island. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help people with disabilities access significant financial savings for their future. The successful candidate will help to increase access to the RDSP by raising awareness about the program and supporting people across Vancouver Island communities to navigate through the application process.  

Duties & Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of Disability Alliance BC’s Access RDSP Program Director, the Community Engagement Specialist will: 

• Develop and lead the community awareness and outreach strategies for the project using a variety of means including the development of educational materials, delivery of virtual and in-person workshops, and establishment of new community partnerships to improve RDSP uptake for children and youth with disabilities on Vancouver Island 
• Provide one-on-one support (remote and in person) for people with disabilities to apply for the DTC and learn about the RDSP. Direct services will include facilitating mobile clinics across Vancouver Island and will require access to a motor vehicle to travel across Vancouver Island 
• Create and deliver training modules to community service providers as well as health, educational, and financial professionals on the DTC/RDSP to build capacity for sustained support within local communities 
• Work closely with Access RDSP program partners, the Island Health Authority (IHA), and community partners by:
  – Attending regular meetings with DABC 
  – Attending and facilitating meetings with IHA team leads
  – Attending outreach and quarterly meetings with Access RDSP partners 

The successful applicant must:  

• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities  
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language  
• Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software including the Microsoft Office Suite  
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team  
• Have excellent organizational skills  
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive client information  
• Have a driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle 
• Have a laptop  
• Be able to pass a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.  

The following are strong assets for this position:  

• Experience with disability benefits, including the DTC and RDSP  
• Experience in the non-profit sector  
• Experience with community outreach or program planning  
• Experience with presenting complex information to diverse audiences  
• Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite  
• Strong knowledge of social media  
• Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities  
• Access to a printer  

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: 

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter addressed to Cynthia Minh (Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP) cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org using the subject heading “Job Application: Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist”. No phone calls or faxes please. 

Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 25, 2022. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be conducted in September and the position start date will be as soon as possible. 

We're Hiring: Finance Manager for DABC

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.

Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Finance Manager will be responsible for all day-to-day bookkeeping/accounting functions including performing all bookkeeping, payroll calculations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reviewing and assessing budgets and maintaining all accounts while ensuring that DABC is remaining financially compliant. In essence, the Finance Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that DABC is financially healthy and compliant with all relevant provincial and federal financial regulations.

This position is based in DABC’s office in downtown Vancouver and with the right candidate, we can offer a part-time or full-time position with a salary range of $60,000-$67,000.

The Finance Manager must have strong working knowledge of full cycle bookkeeping/accounting, a high ability to take initiative in carrying out in-depth analysis of accounts, a keen attention to detail, and excellent organizational and record-keeping skills. The Finance Manager also plays a key role as a member of DABC’s leadership committee, contributing to the direction and leadership of the organization as a whole.

Responsibilities:

• Preparing DABC’s annual budget and program budgets for grant applications and reports, and entry into Sage accounting software
• Preparing all financial records for year-end audits
• Preparing, administering and reconciliating of balance sheet accounts including deferred revenue, prepaid expenses, accrued liability, restricted assets, various banks working schedules on monthly basis
• Allocating costs / revenues to programs and correct budget lines and maintaining records of supporting documentation in compliance with auditing trails and funder requirements
• Work with the ED to update DABC’s Accounting Policy as needed
• Preparing internal monthly report on finances and cash flow. Assess and advise on current program budgets and global financial position
• Preparing charity tax returns, bi-annual GST rebates, annual WSIB reports, and all funder reports
• Maintaining compliance with CRA requirements on tax receipts and charitable gifts
• Monitoring accounts payable and receivable, and working with contractors and vendors
• Calculating / adjusting payroll / reviewing / allocating bi-monthly Ceridian reports, filing annual T4A reports and ensuring compliance
• Advising the Executive Director and Leadership team on budget expenditure and financial reporting requirements for all funders
• Preparing yearly Community Gaming Grant summary reports and monitoring Gaming accounts
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive staff and organizational information
• Attend meetings with funders and senior staff, and present on budget expenditures
• Preparing cheques and processing cheque requisitions
• Other bookkeeping/accounting related duties as required

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

• 12 days of paid vacation annually
• 14 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care premiums
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a similar role
• Sound knowledge of program accounting and two years’ year-end closing experience with external auditors
• Demonstrated high degree of skill in adjusting general ledger and making journal entries
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Extensive knowledge of BC non profit accounting standards
• Knowledge of CRA requirements for registered charities
• Direct experience using Sage accounting software
• Experience with Microsoft Office, proficiency required in Excel
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high ethical integrity of confidential information
• The ability to explain complex financial concepts to laypeople
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Be able to take initiative by identifying room for improvement with regards to the financial practices of the organization

The following are strong assets for this position:

• Lived experience with a disability
• Lived experience as a member of an equity-deserving group
• Full or partial relevant accounting accreditation

The position is located in Vancouver, on the Unceded Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Due to the configuration of our accounting system, the successful candidate will be required to work at our office located in downtown Vancouver.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to assist people with disabilities as well as further the impact of our organization.

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Helaine Boyd, Executive Director at helaine@disabilityalliancebc.org No phone calls or faxes please.

DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be conducted in November and the position start date will be as soon as possible.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – apply today!

Application deadline for HR and Admin Manager position extended to October 10th!

Want to join our team? The application deadline for the HR and Admin Manager position has been extended to October 10th!

The full job posting is below:

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Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.

Job Description

DABC is seeking a full-time HR and Admin Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the HR and Admin Manager will provide oversight on all HR policies and processes, financial and operational administrative processes, and will demonstrate leadership in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the organization.

The HR and Admin Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that HR processes are being handled respectfully and appropriately in the organization, and alongside this, supports the ED in ensuring that financial and operational aspects of administration are running smoothly. The HR and Admin Manager also plays a key role as a member of DABC’s leadership committee, contributing to the direction and leadership of the organization as a whole.

Responsibilities

HR:

• Oversee all personnel files
• Manage and update all HR policies and practices
• Advance the principles of EDI in the organization, including streamlining within HR policies and practices
• Coordinate extended health insurance
• Work with senior staff to oversee recruitment, training and performance assessment of all staff
• Be a resource for all staff on all human resources-related issues.
• Oversee and monitor any professional development opportunities for staff

Admin:

• In liaison with other admin staff, coordinate and maintain a record of all supplier, insurance and lease contracts
• Support ED and senior staff on budget allocation, cheque requisition, invoicing and cheque processing
• Support Financial Coordinator and ED with annual audit
• Oversee compliance and due diligence obligations

Working hours:

This is a full-time, permanent, salaried position at $60,000 per year.

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

• 15 days of paid vacation annually
• 18 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefits
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years applicable work experience
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment to anti-oppression principles
• Knowledge of BC labour laws and other relevant legislative requirements
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to address conflict with empathy and kindness
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and other online sharing platforms
• Be able to take initiative by identifying and addressing rooms for improvement in the organization

The following are strong assets for this position:

• Lived experience with a disability
• Lived experience as a member of an equity-deserving group
• Training in trauma-informed practice
• Training related to mental health support in the workplace
• Certification/professional training in human resources
• Understanding and demonstrated experience in change management strategies

The position is located in Vancouver, on the Unceded Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

This position offers a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may wish to work at the office (located in downtown Vancouver) a few days a week and at home the rest of the time.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to assist people with disabilities as well as further the impact of our organization.

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Helaine Boyd, Executive Director at helaine@disabilityalliancebc.org. No phone calls or faxes please.

DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be conducted in September and the position start date will be as soon as possible.