by Heidi Riley
The provincial government’s Diversity Employment Program (DEP) was created to provide casual and temporary positions to qualified candidates from diversity groups who are registered with the Public Service Commission (PSC) Diversity Talent Pool.
The DEP also encourages departments to identify short-term summer job opportunities for students from diversity groups.
The Diversity Program can also refer diversity applicants who meet job requirements to departments for term positions for which they are qualified, ensuring that the PEI Public Service is more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive.
“Our goal is to create a workplace which respects a wide variety of cultural and social identities, to create a safe workplace where everyone feels respected, recognized and has a sense of belonging,” says Thilak Tennekone, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant.
Newcomers, immigrants from different countries, international students, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, gender diverse groups, sexual orientation and other types of diversity members may register with the Diversity Talent pool.
To be eligible to register, you must be legally entitled to work in Canada, be a member of a diverse group, and have minimum grade 12 education.
“There are several objectives of the Diversity Talent Pool,” says Sarah Muthee, Diversity and Inclusion Program Intern with the PSC. “We maintain and update resumés from candidates, provide employment information to candidates about how the PSC hiring process works, and facilitate successful screening and hiring of candidates who have registered with the program.”
“We also provide job application and interview preparation materials and tips. For example, we can help you tailor your resumé to the specific job you are applying for. If you are invited for an interview and you don’t know how to prepare for it, we can guide you through that process.”
Government departments use the Talent Pool to identify potential employment opportunities for candidates registered with the pool and match qualified candidates to fill vacant positions, which are often casual or project based.
“Over the years, we have seen many Diversity Talent Pool members succeed in various employment opportunities,” says Thilak.
“We want to attract more diverse employees and talent, so we encourage people who self-identify as being part of a diversity group to register with the Diversity Talent pool. We can provide you with opportunities to get your foot in the door.” To register, start here
Selection process
Once candidates register with the Diversity Talent Pool, their resumés, applications, and some of their specific qualifications are shared with other provincial government departments and agencies. Staffing consultants, HR managers, and department managers have access to this information, and will select qualified candidates from the pool for opportunities.
If you meet the job requirements for casual or temporary vacant positions, you are contacted by the PSC and invited for an interview or written test. If you are the selected candidate for the job, you are notified and offered a casual or temporary position under the Diversity Employment Program.
“All jobs are usually advertised internally first as per our collective agreement,” says Thilak. “When qualified candidates cannot be found from within, departments often connect with us to refer someone from the Diversity Talent Pool. If you are hired through the diversity talent pool for casual positions and work for one year of continuous service, you are entitled to apply for internal positions.
“When applying, we encourage you to self-identify if you belong to any diversity group,” says Sarah. “Submit the application and attach all supporting documents required.
“If you have any questions or need assistance applying for a job, contact the PSC Diversity Office, and we will direct you to the right resources. We can connect you with other career opportunities and support you with a host of other services.”
For more information, visit www.princeedwardisland.ca and search diversity and inclusion.
Contact Thilak Tennekone, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, at 902-368-4184 or email ttennekone@gov.pe.ca
For more information about community resources that can help job seekers find work, click here