2019 Membership Development Trainee (MDT) Program

The Member Education Unit is excited to announce the upcoming Membership Development Trainee (MDT) program.  The MDT program is authorized by the Executive Board and was approved at Convention 2019.  The program will be delivered in the fall of 2019.

If you are a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, you are eligible to apply for this training opportunity that will develop your knowledge and skills of the trade union movement in a variety of union-related professions at OPSEU.

Applications for a limited number of member training positions will be accepted from July 8th to July 19th at 4:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Membership Development Trainee Program?

The MDT (Membership Development Trainee) program was created to provide opportunities for OPSEU members from all sectors to experience what working with OPSEU would be like. It is designed to develop a pool of qualified and experienced applicants for a variety of staff vacancies that come up from time to time at OPSEU. 

Why is OPSEU offering these training opportunities?

As is the case with most organizations, OPSEU may be experiencing a number of staff retirements over the next few years. The program will help improve the skills of activists to apply for these jobs. This program assists OPSEU in training potential staff members from its membership. 

Who is eligible to participate?

Any OPSEU member in good standing who will like to develop their skills may apply for one of the MDT positions. 

What can I expect the training to be about?

All successful applicants will receive on the job training in the knowledge and skills required to work in positions at OPSEU, such as a Staff Representative (7 MDT positions), Web Designer (1 MDT position) or as an Education Officer (1 MDT position).

How is the leave from my regular work arranged?

If you are selected, OPSEU will contact your employer and seek a leave of absence for you. 

When does the program start?

All MDTs are expected to start September 9, 2019 and the program will continue for 12 weeks until November 29, 2019. During that time, it will not be possible to approve vacations other than the use of compensating days for time off from the training program. Therefore, applicants need to ensure that they are available for the entire planned time for the training. 

How do I apply for the MDT program?

You can apply by sending a short cover letter and resume by email to competitions@opseu.org from July 8th to July 19th quoting MDT application in the subject line. In addition you must complete the survey which can be found here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y8PTMHW. Applications will only be accepted until 4 PM (Toronto time) on July 19th, 2019.  In your application be sure to indicate which position you are applying for (Staff Representative, Web Designer or Education Officer).

I’ve never done a resume before, what are you looking for?

There are many kinds of resumes. What we are looking for is information about your skills and experiences that will indicate how you could contribute within OPSEU as a workplace. Below is a sample of a simple resume format which would be acceptable.

OPSEU supports employment equity.  Racialized workers, women, people with disabilities, workers of colour, Indigenous workers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex, asexual, queer, questioning and two spirited (LGBTTIAQQ2S) workers, francophones and young workers are encouraged to apply.  For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify.

Please advise via email should you require an accommodation to participate in this posting. 

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22 Union Road, Mytown ON  P2B 3C4, 456-302-2345, jdoe@hotmail.com

Jordan Doe – Sample Resume

Objective:

To obtain a position as an MDT Staff Rep within OPSEU

Union and Work Experience

2008 to current
OPSEU Local 123, Smith College, Mytown ON

Union Steward

• Prepared, investigated and represented members on over 20 grievances
• Member of the Local Executive Committee, presented members’ concerns as required, never missed a meeting in nine years
• Communicate general union information to members, always ensuring that information is delivered in a timely manner
• Written numerous articles for the Local 123 newsletter
• Currently working on a local social media campaign to be launched in the fall of 2019
• Attended various regional educational courses, such as Stewardship, Basic and Advanced Grievance Handling, and Duty to Accommodate

2008 to current
Smith College, Mytown ON

Administrative Assistant

• Prepare various correspondence for two managers
• Prioritize schedules and manage time efficiently
• Answer all departmental phone calls and respond to email inquiries
• Create and maintain the electronic filing system for the office

2000 to 2008
ABC Publishing Co., Vancouver BC

Clerk

• Filed daily orders using manual filing system
• Delivered mail to all departments
• Filled in on reception desk as required

Education

1997 to 1999
Mountain Community College, Kelowna BC

• Diploma in office administration

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Job Descriptions

Job Title : Staff Representative

Division: Local Services/Operations

Job Summary Description

Represent members, units and locals as Bargaining Agent in bargaining or dispute resolution forums in a resource, advocacy or spokesperson role. Represent members in grievance handling and deliver educational programs

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provides advice to temporary staff and members regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues etc.
• Negotiates contracts and other agreements
• Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
• Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
• Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for Collective Bargaining
• Provides servicing support to organizing/re-organizing campaigns
• Provides leadership and advice to members in strike preparation and strikes
• Provides leadership in development of strong active locals and positive links within the labour community
• Prepares for and facilitates educational programs
• Attends and assists in general membership meetings and elections and votes as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education/Qualifications

• Irregular working hours
• Extensive travel may be required

Physical Efforts

• Lifting up to 10 kg

Intellectual Efforts

• Requires mental focus, attention to detail, concentration, resilience and demonstrating metal acuity
• Multiple demands with time constraints, specific deadlines and changing priorities
• Can respond to questions or issues spontaneously and appropriately

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Job Title : Education Officer

Job Summary Description

Coordinates OPSEU’s educational programs and develops, prepares and delivers labour courses to members

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conducts research/data collection and analysis for course development, policy analysis and action planning
• Works with leadership groups (provincial and local) to develop and support strategic plans
• Builds the OPSEU Labour Educator’s Network through Train-the-Trainer programs
• Works with, and mentors, multi-disciplinary staff/member teams in the design, development and delivery of new
• labour courses and educational workshops that are instructor led, blended and/or web-based
• Participates in short and long-term educational planning for the union
• Leads design teams, develops and prepares facilitator and participant manuals for OPSEU educationals,
• meetings and conferences
• Occasionally facilitates at OPSEU educational programs, meetings and conferences
• Provides specialized advice on strategies and methods of delivering OPSEU’s educational programs and campaigns
• Liaises with affiliates, community organizations, and government agencies as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education/Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) and four years related work
• experience in adult education
• Formal training in adult education theory and techniques
• Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
• Tact and Diplomacy skills

Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge of instructional design and development software tools and methodologies
• Knowledge of instructor led course design and development and e-learning within the ADDIE framework, or
• similar
• Knowledge of OPSEU organization, structure and policies; knowledge of own Unit as well as familiarity of
• operations of other Units
• Understanding and commitment to Labour/Social Democratic Philosophy and Diversity

Competencies: Core Competency

Communication

Communicates ideas and information clearly and effectively using appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written language in an effort to be understood and to understand others. It includes using tact and diplomacy in all communications

Level 4:

• Communicating for maximum results
• Adapting language to the audience
• Establishing two way communication
• Paying attention to the communication of others

Member Focus

Providing service excellence to our members and/or clients.

Level 3:

• Provides added value
• Maintains member contac
• Responds to immediate member needs

Problem Solving

Ability to identify problems and take appropriate action(s).

Level 1:

• Identifies basic problems

Time Management

Organizes time, work and resources to accomplish objectives in the most efficient way.

Level 2:

• Affects work/projects
• Plans and organizes own time and work

Valuing Diversity

Building on one owns cultural values and knowledge to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds in a variety of work contexts.

Level 2:

• Adapts workplace behaviours based on an understanding of cultural diversity
• Recognizes diversity as a valuable assets and personal biases

Work Ethic Values

Demonstrating and supporting the organization’s ethics and values.

Level 3:

• Promotes the organization’s ethical and values
• Proactively identifies ethical implications
• Demonstrates the organization’s ethics and values

Competencies: Job Family/Job Specific Competency

Adaptability (Job Family)

Adapting in order to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations, and with diverse individuals and groups

Level 3:

• Adapts to widely varied needs
• Adapts to the situation
• Recognizes the need to adapt

Analytical Thinking (Job Family)

Analyzing and synthesizing to understand issues, identity options and support sound decision making

Level 3:

• Analyzes complex situations
• Identifies critical relationships in information
• Analyzes basic situations

Teamwork (Job Family)

Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals

Level 3:

• Fosters teamwork
• Proactively assists and involves others
• Collaborates with others

Impact and Influence Operations (Job Specific)

Influencing and gaining others’ support

Level 3:

• Capitalizes on success
• Appeals to others’ interests
• Appeals to reason

Learning and Development (Job Specific)

Creating supportive learning environment aligned with the organization’s goals and strategies by providing employees with tools and activities to promote their professional development

Level 3:

• Provides learning and development services to the organization
• Provides learning and development advice and services to individuals
• Provides basic information about learning and development
• Conducts Train the Trainer Sessions

Developing Others (Job Specific)

Fostering employee development by providing a supportive learning environment

Level 2:

• Coaches others
• Shares knowledge

Writing Skills Operations (Job Specific)

Communicating ideas and information in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact

Level 4:

• Conveys complex information
• Conveys in-depth information
• Selects and structures information
• Conveys basic information

Working Conditions (Environment)

• Work involves sedentary to light work in an office and classroom setting
• Some travel required

Physical Efforts

• Long hours sitting and using office equipment and computer
• Lifting up to 10 kg

Intellectual Efforts

• Requires mental focus, attention to detail, concentration, resilience and demonstrating metal acuity
• Multiple demands with time constraints, specific deadlines and changing priorities
• Can respond to questions or issues spontaneously and appropriately

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Job Title: Website Designer

Job Summary Description

Designs, develops and maintains OPSEU website structure in both official languages and coordinates website content

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Designs sample page layouts including text size and colours
• Designs custom graphics, manipulates digital photographs and converts images to web formats
• Meets relevant legal requirements (AODA, freedom of information and privacy)
• Designs the website’s visual imagery and ensures it is in line with OPSEU branding policy
• Debugs codes and re-designs web pages
• Provides advice to members on developing local websites
• Creates a variety of reports as requested
• Researches, recommends, tests and implements website tools, add-ons and software
• Incorporates input materials from all contributing sources
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education/Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in computer science/multimedia or web design (or equivalent combination of education
• and work experience) and four years of related work experience
• Advanced PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
• Tact and Diplomacy skills

Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge of HTML/CSS/PHP/JavaScript/MySQL
• Knowledge of webpage scripting, programming, digital imaging, multimedia design and web development
• Knowledge of common industry applications
• Knowledge of advances in computer technology
• Knowledge of OPSEU organization, structure and policies; knowledge of own Unit as well as familiarity of
• operations of other Units
• Understanding and commitment to Labour/Social Democratic Philosophy and Diversity

Competencies: Core Competency

Communication

Communicates ideas and information clearly and effectively using appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written language in an effort to be understood and to understand others. It includes using tact and diplomacy in all communications

Level 3:

• Adapting language to the audience
• Establishing two way communication
• Paying attention to the communication of others

Member Focus

Providing service excellence to our members and/or clients.

Level 3:

• Provides added value
• Maintains member contac
• Responds to immediate member needs

Problem Solving

Ability to identify problems and take appropriate action(s).

Level 3:

• Solves standard problems
• Solves basic problems
• Identifies basic problems

Time Management

Organizes time, work and resources to accomplish objectives in the most efficient way.

Level 2:

• Affects work/projects
• Plans and organizes own time and work

Valuing Diversity

Building on one owns cultural values and knowledge to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds in a variety of work contexts.

Level 2:

• Adapts workplace behaviours based on an understanding of cultural diversity
• Recognizes diversity as a valuable assets and personal biases

Work Ethic Values

Demonstrating and supporting the organization’s ethics and values.

Level 2:

• Proactively identifies ethical implications
• Demonstrates the organization’s ethics and values

Competencies: Job Family/Job Specific Competency

Adaptability (Job Family)

Adapting in order to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations, and with diverse individuals and groups

Level 2:

• Adapts to the situation
• Recognizes the need to adapt

Analytical Thinking (Job Family)

Analyzing and synthesizing to understand issues, identity options and support sound decision making

Level 3:

• Analyzes complex situations
• Identifies critical relationships in information
• Analyzes basic situations

Teamwork (Job Family)

Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals

Level 1:

• Collaborates with others

Continuous Learning (Job Specific)

Identifying and addressing learning and developmental needs to enhance own performance

Level 2:

• Seeks learning opportunities
• Learns from available opportunities

Information Management (Job Specific)

Using appropriate procedures to collect, organize, retrieve, maintain and disseminate information

Level 3:

• Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability, and can apply the competency, with minimal or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations. Would require guidance to handle novel or more complex situations
• Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability and, with guidance, can apply the competency in common
• situations that present limited difficulties
• Demonstrates introductory understanding and ability and, with guidance, applies the competency in a few, simple situations. Can direct people to the appropriate source for further information

Working Conditions (Environment)

• Work involves sedentary to light work in an office and classroom setting
• Works with a minimum of direction

Physical Efforts

• Long hours sitting and using office equipment and computer

Intellectual Efforts

• Requires mental focus, attention to detail, concentration and visual attention
• Changing priorities and tight deadlines