Community Inclusions Ltd. provides employment, residential, day and recreational services to adults with intellectual challenges in western PEI.
Kevin Porter, Executive Director, foresees continued growth. “With growth in any field or industry comes a demand for more positions and more hiring.”
The homes operated by Community Inclusions requires staff shifts up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Residential group home workers and community support workers are in demand,” says Kevin. “These positions are unionized and offer very competitive wages. Full-time employees also receive other benefits such as group medical insurance along with a pension plan.
“We as an industry have lobbied for a human services program to be offered in the western part of PEI, as we need this type of training to fill positions. The West Prince Campus of Holland College started a program in the fall of 2019, and many of their students filled our summer vacancies.” Kevin says he hopes Holland College sees the huge need for this program in western PEI and will continue to offer it.
“We also hire people from other programs of study such as RCW and Youth Care Worker programs, along with other related areas of education and work experience. Community Inclusions has 50 staff members from various fields of study.”
Wages and benefits
“Wages for unionized full-time positions for our front-line Community Support/Residential Group Home Workers range from $17.42 to $20.50 an hour, and will move to $17.94 to $21.11 in the new year,” says Kevin. “Our casual staff receive $16.41 an hour.
“Positions in our other departments, from the Maple House Bakery and Café to Employment Services, are not unionized. Although benefit packages are not offered, it is something we hope for the future,” says Kevin.
“Permanent staff in all departments start with three weeks vacation along with sick days and family sick days when required.”
Other hiring needs
“Just like others in the food service industry, sometimes we struggle with finding staff for Maple House Bakery and Café. We have a unique environment where staff work closely with our clients. Once someone tries it, they tend to love it.”
The Employment Services department has an Employment Councillor and an Employment Coach, and is currently seeking to hire an Employment Assistant. “The demands are growing in that area and in the drop-in program.”
Kevin says he takes pride in a wonderful unique work environment and workforce.
“Open positions are posted on a regular basis and I always welcome interested people to drop off resumés for casual work to create a pool.”
For more information, contact Kevin Porter at 902-726-3144.
Visit www.communityinclusions.com and www.facebook.com/MapleHouseBakeryandCafe/
Employment Unit is funded largely through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreements.
A look at COVID-19 Operational Plans at Community Inclusions Ltd.
The Employment Services Program at Community Inclusions Ltd. resumed service to its clients within three days of the closure in March. From March until May, staff continued to work in a combination of methods including their offices, from home, meeting with clients outside of their homes, and through Zoom.
Employment Counsellor Natalie Horne-Gallant says some changes have been made since March and their COVID-19 Operational Plan is in place.
“The Odd Jobs program is an Employment Services Program offering the public free quotes on work such as house cleaning and yard work,” says Natalie. “This program is now back in motion.”
The Drop-in Day program started back up in June. To keep numbers low, changes were needed. In July, the whole group was able to come back together while practicing social distancing. Participants now use the back door to reduce traffic at the main entrance. COVID-19 symptoms checks, temperature checks, sanitization, and enhanced cleaning are now mandatory.
Employment Services Program staff are able to meet with people in their offices, but appointments are recommended. When individuals arrive for meetings, they must fill in a contact tracing form and be screened before meeting with staff.
For more information about Employment Services Programs offered by Community Inclusions Ltd., contact Natalie Horne-Gallant or Talia Adams at 902-726-3144.
Employment Services is funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreements.