Position: DIGITAL INCLUSION FACILITATOR (CAPE BRETON)
Organization: GEO Nova Scotia
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of the communities we serve, with a primary focus on low-income Nova Scotian communities. This role seeks candidates who are based in Cape Breton, and are cognizant of the digital barriers faced by rural and/or marginalized communities.
We encourage applications from Indigenous / Mi’kmaq, Black, 2SLGBTQ+, and racialized peoples, newcomers to Canada, and People with Disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns.
We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.
ABOUT GEO NOVA SCOTIA
GEO Nova Scotia is a new non-profit organization founded to support a collective approach to Digital Inclusion for low-income Nova Scotians.
In today’s world, the need to be online is undeniable. And yet, 20,000 Nova Scotians don’t have the Internet at home simply because they can’t afford it. Many more can’t afford a decent device and others don’t have the basic digital skills they need.
G-E-O stands for Getting Everyone Online, and that’s what we are doing. GEO Nova Scotia works with a wide variety of partners across the province, dedicated to ensuring everyone has what they need for digital inclusion.
Digital Inclusion means:
having good, affordable internet access;
a good, affordable device;
and the basic digital skills to use them confidently and safely.
History of GEO Nova Scotia
When the pandemic lockdown hit Nova Scotia in March 2020, having a computer and home internet access became more important than ever, and yet for many it was simply unaffordable.
The “GEO Project” began within weeks, as a new program of the Public Good Society of Dartmouth, with support from Between the Bridges and additional seed funding from United Way Halifax and Kiwanis Dartmouth.
By the end of the year, with a network of local partners, they distributed 50 refurbished computers including webcams and provided free home internet access to 40 households that couldn’t otherwise afford it.
In 2021, with investments from the Province of Nova Scotia and other funders, and generous support from strategic partners, the “GEO Project” became GEO Nova Scotia”, and 12-month pilot programs were established in HRM, Cape Breton, the Valley, and the South West Shore.
Together, through a network of over 75 Referral Partners, GEO Nova Scotia partners connected over 350 households with one year of free high-speed internet and distributed over 600 devices.
In March 2022, GEO Nova Scotia was formally registered as a non-profit society, and continues to grow in reach and impact.
This Moment, This Position
GEO Nova Scotia is hiring a Digital Inclusion Facilitator located in Cape Breton to help deliver Digital Inclusion support for Nova Scotians. This is an exciting new position, and the successful candidate will play an important part in developing and refining the role and responsibilities as the program matures.
This is emergent work that relies on positive contributions from a growing number of people and organizations with different priorities and perspectives. The Digital Inclusion Facilitator will encourage diversity of thought and perspective from partners and key stakeholders to help develop a truly community-informed program.
Position Responsibilities
Provide online Digital Inclusion training and support to front-line staff from a variety of partner organizations for our new “Digital Champions” program.
Work directly with program participants and/or volunteers with a thoughtful and human-centric approach.
Provide intake and support services for participants in our “GEO Connects” program, including establishing low-cost home internet accounts and managing the distribution of devices.
Foster trust and respect in all processes to help allow the greatest variety of perspectives to join and inform our collective success.
Education & Experience
Strong verbal and written communication skills are required
Strong digital skills are required
Experience teaching individuals and/or groups is strongly preferred
Experience in client or customer service is an asset
Experience with Google Workspace and Salesforce is an asset
Experience working in partnership with the non-profit sector is an asset
French language proficiency is an asset Knowledge of people who are disadvantaged or understanding of equity issues
Candidate Profile & Skills:
Interpersonal & cultural awareness
Embraces ambiguity
Justice and inclusion orientation
Customer service
Team & collaborative approach
Culturally sensitive
The Package
Salary $48,000 – $52,000 / year (commensurate with experience).
The compensation package includes three weeks of vacation, and cost-shared medical and dental benefits. The contributor will also be provided with a laptop and other equipment as needed.
Position Details
Digital Inclusion Facilitators work primarily from home, with the potential for opportunities in the future to spend some time working in the community, if desired.
This role requires access to high-speed internet and we recognize this may limit those who can apply, which is why we are so passionately working towards getting everyone equal access to the internet.
40 hours /week, generally Monday – Friday during business hours, however there may be some requirement for early evenings or occasional weekend time.
Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (Remote)
Candidates must live in the Cape Breton Area.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted until 12pm on December 30, 2022. Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality.
Don’t be generic, be yourself.
What to Expect
We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
If you’re selected as a top candidate, expect to hear from a Lead Placemaker from P4G (this is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally). We want to get to know what inspires you.
Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.