Digital Inclusion Facilitator (x4)

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.

We are currently seeing 4 candidates who are cognizant of the digital barriers faced by rural and/or marginalized communities.

We encourage applications from Indigenous / Mi’kmaq, Black, 2SLGBTQIAP+, and racialized peoples, newcomers to Canada, People with Disabilities and bilingual (French) applicants. Preference will be given to applicants who are Indigenous / Mi’kmaq and/or African Nova Scotian / Black, as well as those with lived experience or experience working with newcomers. 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 expanding the scope of their work and is eagerly seeking to hire four more Digital Inclusion Facilitators to help deliver Digital Inclusion support for Nova Scotians. This is an exciting opportunity, and the successful candidates 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. Digital Inclusion Facilitators 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
• Any combination of the following are preferred:
  Lived experience or experience working with newcomers to Canada 
  Fluently bilingual in French 
  Located in the Northern Region of the province 
  Located in the Western Region of the province 
  Located in Cape Breton

Candidate Profile & Skills:

Interpersonal & cultural awareness
Embraces ambiguity
Justice and inclusion orientation
Customer service
Team & collaborative approach
Culturally sensitive

The Package

Salary: $52,000 / year 

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.

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.

Application Details

Applications will be accepted until 12pm on May 1st.

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.