Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

Current Job openings:

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre is currently hiring for a full-time Communications and Events Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position primarily involves handling communications and marketing responsibilities for PLLC and the Settlement Program, in addition to coordinating events for newcomers alongside the Settlement Coordinator and other settlement staff and volunteers, as necessary.

Key responsibilities encompass:

• Collaborating closely with all settlement staff to aid in the planning, promotion, and execution of programs for newcomers, ensuring sufficient support (volunteers, resources, promotions, etc.) for the success of these programs and activities.

• Designing posters and various promotional materials for PLLC activities, primarily for settlement programming but also for other programs as required.

• Orchestrating a comprehensive promotions and marketing strategy for all PLLC and settlement programs and events, including regular updates on social media and the creation of a monthly newsletter via Mail Chimp.

• Working closely with the Settlement Coordinator to coordinate and implement plans for various large-scale community events for newcomers throughout the year, such as winter holiday celebrations and the summer multicultural festival, among others.

• Collaborating as a team to ensure the completion of all IRCC-funded activities that involve volunteers, including conversation circles, mentorships, seniors, youth, and women’s group programming, as listed in Schedule 1 of the Contribution Agreement, while meeting all associated targets.

• Recruiting and orienting new volunteers, as well as promoting training opportunities to both new and existing volunteers, with support from the Executive Director and other staff members as required.

• Cooperating with administrative staff to ensure all volunteers have completed necessary documents, including confidentiality agreements and background checks, and that all volunteer records are up-to-date and securely stored.

• Assisting in the planning of volunteer appreciation events, at a minimum of one per year, and coordinating various methods of showing appreciation to volunteers, such as certificates of appreciation and thank-you cards.

• Monitoring client attendance and services, and providing regular reports on this information to the Program Assistant for reporting purposes, contributing to monthly settlement program reports.

• Attending regular (weekly) settlement and (monthly) PLLC staff meetings, as well as participating in training and professional development events.

• Undertaking other duties as assigned.

This position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with extended health and dental benefits. Current starting wage range: $20-$20.65/hour, with potential increase April 1, 2024.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to cathy@pllc.ca by noon on Friday, February 9th.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants. However, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please also consider volunteering! It looks great on your resume, adds to your skills and experience, and it is definitely rewarding to help others.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members of the Board of Directors

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre is a not-for-profit organization providing individuals of the Central Plains region with opportunities to realize their literacy, educational, employment, and life goals through a positive and supportive environment. The affairs of the PLLC are governed by a Board of Directors.

Board members play a key role in setting the direction and priorities of the Centre—this is a great way to make a substantial contribution to the organization and the community.

The Board of Directors is the acknowledged final authority of PLLC.  Its objectives are as follows:  (1) To ensure that services provided are within the Objects of PLLC, Inc.;  (2) To ensure that the highest possible standards of service are offered and available to the community at reasonable cost; (3) To ensure the financial health of PLLC, Inc.

All interested individuals should apply to be a member of the Board of Directors by filling out our online volunteer application form found below.  If you prefer a paper copy or if you have any questions, please stop by our office at 110 Saskatchewan Ave. West, Portage la Prairie, or email volunteer@pllc.ca.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the PLLC. As a volunteer, you may choose options that are most suitable to your personality and your schedule. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to fill the following positions:

ESL Classroom Assistant is responsible for assisting the ESL Instructor with teaching English to newcomers in the classroom, as planned and directed by the ESL Instructor. ESL classes are currently offered as Stage 1 (CLB 1-4) and Stage 2 (CLB 5-8), with classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre.

Language Tutor meets individually or in a small group to help newcomers improve conversational English and gain confidence. The tutor will have access to a wealth of ESL resource materials through the PLLC to effectively conduct tutorial sessions based on the students’ needs.

Settlement Partner meets individually with newcomers to offer friendship, support, community tours, and an opportunity to practice English. Settlement partners are often matched based on mutual interests, but also experience in the community. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer who has been here a few years, we would love to have you volunteer with us to help our newest newcomers get settled in their new community.

Special Events Assistant provides support to our staff when organizing and implementing planned special events for newcomers to build connections in the community. In this position, you will work alongside staff to ensure the success of the event or activity. Tasks could include set-up, greetings, attendance tracking, cooking, serving, making tea or coffee, and cleaning, but also having fun while you do it.

Career Mentor is responsible for providing the opportunity for internationally trained people to practice in their respective careers. If you are a business owner, professional, or retired from your career, this is your opportunity to make a huge difference in someone’s life and helping them achieve their career goals in Canada.

Conversation Circle Facilitator leads a group discussion to allow newcomers to practice their English and learn about the community and all facets of living in Canada. We are looking for more volunteers to help with this group or to start another group with newcomers in communities outside of Portage la Prairie.

Literacy Classroom Support is responsible for assisting the instructor and students in the Literacy classroom during the daytime, Monday to Friday, and Tuesday evenings. Students often need help with basic Math and English, so if you have some time during the week, please sign up to help our Literacy students with their studies.

If you are interested in volunteering for us, please fill out and submit the application form below and we will follow up with you to discuss your interests and complete the following required documents:

  • Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
  • Waiver of Claims & Release of Liability
  • Child Abuse Registry Check
  • Criminal Record Check