Employment and Life Skills Facilitator

Job Responsibility:

Position: Employment and Life Skills Facilitator

Accountability: Executive Director

Term: Contract - 1-year

Hours of Work: 28 hours (full time) (days and some afternoons)

Rate of Pay: Start rate $24.36 - Job rate $25.12

Location: 33 McGrigor St.

Start Date: April 21, 2025

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Employment and Life Skills Facilitator will provide one-on-one employment counselling to promote Job Readiness and Employment Maintenance and develop and facilitate Life Skills programming for women in our programs including 2nd Stage, VAW Shelter, Supportive and Interim Housing as well as the broader community. They will provide general case management support, and collaborate with other YWCA staff to residents through a Trauma-Informed Approach from a Feminist lens.

1. Support at-risk women in developing job readiness skills.

2. Develop relevant Life Skills programming based on assessed needs that cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to wellness, trauma & mental health, digital and financial literacy, and employment-centric topics.

3. Facilitate Life Skills programming across multiple YWCA sites, engaging residents and building rapport.

4. Participate in Case Management meetings alongside 2nd Stage and Interim Housing to help women establish goals and identify practical steps to meet them.

5. Assist residents with daily, weekly and monthly tasks and responsibilities to help build independence and further develop necessary skills

6. Maintain documentation of caseload for both employment clients and residents, communicating and sharing with program leads.

7. Develop effective community partnerships with agencies, companies, and Schools to secure employment opportunities, job placements, volunteer opportunities and job internships for clients.

8. Maintain and report monthly statistics, and prepare written, narrative and/or statistical reports as required.

9. Manage Demographic Tracking data for multiple YWCA Programs to monitor trends, assess needed services, and help the YWCA Durham apply for grants.

10. Respond in a positive manner to all relevant inquiries from residents, potential residents, outside contacts, staff etc.

11. Liaise with community partners to promote and maintain cross-sectoral relationships.

12. Promote public awareness and foster understanding of the organization and its purpose and philosophy.

13. Attend all staff meetings and training sessions as assigned, and participate in YWCA committees as appropriate/requested.

14. Provide backup and additional support where needed to 2nd Stage and Interim Housing staff.

15. Perform any other duties that may be assigned for the efficient and effective operation of YWCA Durham.

16. Perform all duties in keeping with the philosophical framework set out in the Mission Statement, values and objectives of the YWCA Durham.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Social Services or related work experience with a special expertise in Adult Education, Life Skills, and a strong understanding of Social Services.

2. Previous experience in program development on topics such as Employment Readiness, Mental Health, and Life skills.

3. Experience in Employment Counselling (either within EO or not) and assisting others to become job ready.

4. Thorough knowledge of casework and proper documentation, informal counselling, and advocacy principles and application.

5. Thorough knowledge of community agencies and resources within Durham Region.

6. Experience working from a Trauma-Informed Approach through a Feminist lens.

7. Experience working in Gender Based Violence and knowledgeable in the unique systemic and historic challenges women experience, specifically in Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, and Human Trafficking.

8. Experience working in the homeless sector with an understanding of the challenges faced by those who experience chronic homelessness and the systems they engage in.

9. Able to collect, analyze and report statistical data as required.

10. Able to write clear and concise reports.

11. Ability to work independently and as part of the YWCA staff team.

12. Understand and respect the confidentiality of the YWCA, partner agencies, and program participants.

13. Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential.

14. Demonstrate assertiveness, poise, tact and patience to deal productively with complex and sensitive issues.

15. Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

16. Current C.P.R. and First Aid training is an asset.

17. Must have a clear Criminal Reference Check

18. Second language is an asset

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contractContract length: 12 months

Pay: $24.36-$25.12 per hour

Expected hours: 28 per week

Application question(s):

• Do you possess a Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Social Services or do you have related work experience with a special expertise in Adult Education, Life Skills, and a strong understanding of Social Services?
• Do you have previous experience in program development on topics such as Employment Readiness, Mental Health, and Life skills?

Education:

• DCS / DEC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-03-25Expected start date: 2025-04-21