Who Is the Target?
To whom should we target the posting?
The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of position we are trying to fill and the time frame we are working under.
- If the skills are easily attained, time is not critical and we have the resources to train the individual then we should probably attempt to find someone with an interest in the organization and/ or service being offered.
- If the skills are not easily learned, time is critical, or we do not have the resources to train the individual then we should search for someone with the skills we need.
Step 1 Word of Mouth
A safe first step of active recruitment would be to make your staff, volunteers, clients and anyone else who has an interest in your organization and/ or service that you provide, aware of the available position and encourage them to pass this info on to anyone they think would be interested and able to complete the duties specified in the position description.
As noted earlier, people with an interest in the organization and/ or the service being provided will be more willing to commit to a Volunteer opportunity with that organization.
Step 2 Local Sphere of Influence
CAP sites
This may be the perfect opportunity to network and enter into partnerships with the CAP sites in your Cluster by location or by Interest Group. If you were to circulate the position description to these other sites they may be able to direct you to someone with the desired skills.
Community Papers
This is an opportunity to publicize and promote your services and events to your community. It also provides the opportunity to appeal to potential Volunteers on the basis of being a local organization helping local citizens. You may wish to try to get an article done on your organization at the same time making a higher profile statement.
Local schools(High Schools and Junior High Schools)
Current Students
Are there Organizations that teach these skills? Do these organizations require work terms for their students? Do they have Student Employment Centres on campus? Would High School or Junior High School students have the relevant skills? Contact the guidance counsellors at these schools to get your opportunity publicized.
Faculty
This is one avenue that is often overlooked. Ask if you can place a posting in the teacher's lounge. Even if you do not get a response from the teachers they will be aware and may pass the information on to students.
Partnerships
- Community Groups
- If the program would be in line with another Community group in the area, it may work well if you attempt to partner for the delivery of this program. This may reduce expenses and pressure for staffing and allow access to the expertise of members of the other group.
- Retirees
- Often overlooked, many retirees have attained particularly relevant skills in all areas of project management and delivery. Seniors' groups may also be interested in these opportunities.
Virtual Volunteers
This is a great way to involve those who are unable to commit to leaving their home due to child care expenses, disability, responsibilities for sick family members, etc.
Some possible programs currently running include:
- web site development where the information is passed to the Volunteer and the Volunteer then creates the web site from their home and forwards the material back to the site for the client.
- Technical support/ assistance where the client telephones or emails questions that are then answered via e-mail or telephone.
Note: This last example would require a routing system for e-mails and/ or the use of a telephone line specific to the service provided. For safety reasons the personal information of the Volunteer should not be made available to the public.
Step 3 Education/ Career Development Institutions
Universities/ Technical Schools
A tremendous source of knowledge and skilled labour are the students and recent graduates from Universities and Technical schools.
Most of these institutions have on-campus Student Employment Centres and many are looking for a way to showcase the students' knowledge or to provide practical experience. The Student Employment Centre is a high volume area where students actively seek opportunities for practical skill development and work experience.
Job Search Firms/ Career Colleges
Another opportunity is to link with job search firms and career development centres where many of the clients are looking to improve their skills to find better employment. Career development counsellors/ consultants may be able to recommend suitable candidates for Volunteer/ paid positions.
Step 4 Government
HRDC/ Job Creation Partnership
Another source of short term staffing is the Job Creation Partnership available through HRDC. Each HRDC office may have different application criteria. In this program the employer must submit a proposal to HRDC for approval. HRDC would then approve the position for a specified number of weeks. Once approved the employer may then post the position. The cost of the program is then supplemented by HRDC in that they cover the wage by continuing the employee's Employment Insurance claim until it finishes and topping it up to the maximum allowable wage. After the employee's claim has expired their wage is continued until the project is finished.
Note:
- Often the person hired must live in the area supported by the local HRDC office.
- HRDC views this program as "client based" meaning the experience and training the client receives is primary to the program and any benefit to the organization is viewed as secondary.
- The client must meet HRDC criteria and be approved for the partnership .Eligibility is assessed through a meeting with an HRDC employment officer.
- It is often helpful to have some funds or in-kind resources available to support the project although not always necessary.
- More information may be gathered by contacting your local HRDC office or by visiting http://www.hrdc.gc.ca/common/partners/cont_pg.shtml.
- For Assistance completing partnership applications you may contact HR C@P staff via the mailing list.
- Community Service
- Alternative Sentencing programs through the Restorative Justice for Youth and Adults in Conflict with the Law may also provide a source of Human Resources to your project.
Note:
- These would be defined short term assignments.
- Before entering into this arrangement you should consult your liability insurance policy to minimize the possibility of rate increase.
- Planning for a method of supervision would be necessary.
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