Seeking Multiple Facilitators to work in Schools on Fixed-term Contracts

The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is seeking to identify a pool of interested and qualified Alberta-based facilitators to whom we can offer short-term contracts to facilitate one- to two-hour long workshops with high school students. The purpose is to enable students to apply for a place in postsecondary education and for student financial aid. This work supports the Alberta Postsecondary Options Project funded under an Alberta Advanced Education grant.

All facilitators will additionally be required to devote three to four days to becoming familiar with project materials and to attending two virtual training sessions: one in mid-September 2024 and another in January or February 2025. Facilitators will be paid to attend the training sessions.

Timing

Interviews will begin in August for workshop assignments that are currently scheduled to take place between October 1, 2024 and December 20, 2024 and again between February 3 and April 25, 2025 . Facilitators must be available to deliver workshops during regular school hours for both delivery periods. As much as possible, session schedules will be organized in advance, but these are developed in consultation with schools and so are not solely within SRDCs control. Precise estimates of time allocations cannot be made at the time of posting. Facilitators must be prepared to work up to seven hours on some days and thus up to a theoretical maximum of 35 hours weekly during busy periods. While part-time workdays are anticipated more frequently than full-time days, facilitators must be available to work and travel full-time for short periods.

Location

Contracts will be awarded with consideration given to consultants geographical coverage and preferences. The workshops will be held across six regions of Alberta: Northwest (Grande Prairie), Northeast (Lac La Biche, Kitscoty), Edmonton & Region, Calgary & Region, Central (Red Deer, Carstairs, Sundre, Drayton Valley) and Southern Alberta (Medicine Hat, Cardston, Coaldale). Within-region travel will be required, and between-region travel is possible, which will sometimes involve staying away from home. Every effort will be made to provide between 25 and 40 workshop sessions for each facilitator and to offer assignments that match each facilitators location and schedules.

Facilitator Role and Responsibilities Attend virtual training on program delivery

Study program materials to become familiar with the scope and content of each workshop

Liaise with SRDC staff regarding scheduling session times with schools

Travel to and from school sites within, and possibly between, regions of Alberta

Introduce and facilitate sessions with Grade 12 students in accordance with program training and the projects program manual

Support students to reach program milestones within workshop sessions (choosing program, applying for a program, starting financial aid application) using project resources

Identify and liaise with school personnel on non-project issues arising in sessions as required

Complete project paperwork to help audit sessions and claim remuneration and expenses

Knowledge and Skills Post-secondary education

Strong verbal communication skills in English

High level of familiarity and competency with using information technology (i.e., computers and visual aids)

Knowledge of the secondary and post-secondary education system in Alberta

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to engage with youth with a variety of interests and from diverse backgrounds experience guiding the learning of youth in secondary school classroom settings is highly desired

Willingness and ability to travel and stay away from home on occasion

A valid driving license and access to a vehicle and a cell phone with a data plan

Copy of police/criminal record check including Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) issued in the last six months (since January 1, 2024)Remuneration

All facilitators hired will be paid $1,500 for attending two virtual training sessions and studying program materials. Subsequently, facilitators will be paid according to the number of workshops delivered.

Each workshop is expected to take place over one class period (i.e., 60 to 80 minutes). Facilitators will be paid a flat fee of $150 per completed workshop session. Two or more workshop sessions may occur on the same day with facilitators paid the flat fee for each. Each flat fee is paid in anticipation of a minimum of two hours work for each workshop, which includes travel time, preparation time, liaison with SRDC and schools, and paperwork. Workshop-related work activities that exceed these time estimates will be paid at a rate of $35 per additional hour, subject to prior approval by SRDC staff. Out-of-town travel and accommodation expenses will also be reimbursed, subject to SRDC contractor guidelines.

Other Requirements

Award of contracts will be conditional upon execution of SRDCs Confidentiality Agreement and Affidavit of Nondisclosure and contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results from a criminal records check.

Who We Are

SRDC is a mission-driven, non-profit organization involved in the design, research, and evaluation of social programs and policies. Since 1991, through more than 450 research and evaluation projects, we have been building a base of knowledge and experience about what works in employment, education, health, and social policy, and we are recognized across Canada and internationally as a leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale demonstration projects. We are passionate about innovation and rigorously testing real-world solutions to some of Canadas most pressing challenges. For more information on SRDC, please visit http://www.srdc.org.

How to Apply

Apply through the link on SRDCs Web site at: https://www.srdc.org/latest-research/apop/. SRDC will recruit until all facilitators have been engaged. Please submit your applications as soon as possible. You will be asked some screening questions and to upload your resume and a cover letter. Please direct inquiries to: APOPfacilitation@srdc.org