Second Language Assessor (English)

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

Please note that the positions that will be staffed within the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be at the Gatineau and Montreal offices only.

Please also note that tests for this selection process will be administered in Gatineau and in Montreal.

The screening board cannot make assumptions about your experience. When responding to screening questions, please be sure to clearly demonstrate how you meet the education and experience criteria. In order for your application to be retained, you must provide concrete examples about your work experience and explain relevant responsibilities that you had and/or actions that you took.

Work environment

Do you have a passion for the English language? Do you enjoy working with clients and being attentive to clients’ needs?

Come join our vibrant and motivated team!

What is the Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP)?

The TOP is a staffing tool used by departments and agencies to assess employees' proficiency in their second official language. It is a key step in the hiring process within the federal government.

What do Second Language Assessors do?

Second Language Assessors administer the TOP approximately five (5) times a day on a fixed schedule. The job involves extensive interaction in person and over the phone with a wide spectrum of public servants and members of the general public, whether they be a judge, a military member, a policy analyst or a customer service agent. Your ability to use good judgement, to listen and to analyze will constantly be put to use. You will be called upon to foster a testing environment where candidates are at ease demonstrating their language proficiency.

Our Gatineau office...

A dynamic team of colleagues is waiting for you to join them at 22 Eddy Street, in the heart of downtown Gatineau. Our location is easily accessible and is located near Terrasses de la Chaudière, close to downtown Ottawa. Our employees have access to showers, changing rooms and reserved spaces for bicycles, which is ideal for those wishing to travel to work by bike, or simply go running or walking on the nearby bike paths.

Our Montreal office...

Join a dedicated and dynamic team downtown Montreal. Our location sits in the heart of the entertainment district, surrounded by hundreds of restaurants and cultural activities at any given time. Working here will give you the work-life balance you want. Conveniently connected by two subway lines and the largest underground city in the world, everything you want is only steps away.

Intent of the process

This process is anticipatory. A pool of qualified candidates will be established through this process to staff positions at the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Gatineau and in Montreal. It may also be used to staff identical or similar positions with various tenures in the future within other federal organizations in the National Capital and Montreal Regions.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION:

Graduation with a degree* from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in education, linguistics, translation, literature, communications, journalism, psychology, sociology or some other specialty relevant to the position.**

* Degree: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, as established by educational authorities.

**This may also be obtained through any Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years’ experience teaching English as a first or second language.

Degree equivalency

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Bilingual - Imperative (PPP/BBB)
*The PPP/BBB language profile for the position of Second Language Assessor requires the advanced professional level (P) in English in reading, writing and oral communication, and the command of French as a second official language at an intermediate level for the same skills.

The P proficiency levels in English will be assessed using job specific proficiency tests (written and oral). The test of the advanced P level in oral communication assesses individuals' ability to communicate effectively and in an accessible and understandable way to a broad range of second official language testing candidates.

Second official language proficiency will be assessed using the Public Service Commission (PSC)'s Second Language Evaluation tests.

Information on language requirements

ABILITY:

Ability to conduct structured interviews.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

Reliability
Judgement
Interpersonal skills
Client service orientation

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in the area of language or English as a Second Language (e.g. pedagogical advisor or teacher).

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

*Successfully passing the Second Language Assessor certification program.

*Candidates who have successfully completed all the steps in the selection process may be invited to participate in a 3-4 week full-time training session to obtain their certification. Candidates who obtain their certification will be offered either an indeterminate (permanent) or determinate (term) position at the PSC in Gatineau or in Montreal.

Maintenance of Second Language Assessor certification is essential for the position.

Tests

Applicants must successfully write PSEE - Test of Judgement (TOJ).

PSEE - Test of Judgement UIT

Applicants must complete the Public Service Entrance Exam: Test of Judgement Unsupervised Internet Test as part of the screening for this selection process. This test assesses the judgement required for solving problems in work-related situations. You will have 75 minutes to complete the test. You must complete the test before you submit your application for this position.

For more information, please consult: Public Service Entrance Exam - Test of Judgement Unsupervised Internet Test

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

A random selection may be used at certain stages of the assessment.

Please note that travel costs associated with participating in the various steps of the selection process will not be covered.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.