Employment Specialist

Join the YMCA Youth Services Team!

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.

Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates one overnight camp on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth. We also have 13 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.

Why The Y?

At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.

We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:

• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities. All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.

Position: Employment Specialist Location: 382 Waterloo St Start Date: ASAP End Date: December 31, 2026 Salary: $58,427.20 annually, $28.09 per hour

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations
• May be entitled to up to 12 paid personal days – applicable with position and contract length
• Benefits package - applicable with position and contract length
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services

In this role, you will:

• Development of Employability Skills Training by researching, compiling, and formulating a flexible curriculum based on life skills, labour market, job search and employability skills information relevant to the specific needs of the program and its participants
• Assist in the recruitment of eligible participants and in the development of their individualized Employment Action Plans (EAP)
• Delivery of Employability Skills Training in group and one-to-one formats as per program and participant needs. Virtual platform delivery
• Liaise with community organizations to facilitate guest speakers/workshops and community supports for participants
• Provide one-on-one supports to participants requiring employment advice/guidance during their employment opportunity
• Connect with local, regional or national employers based on the employment goals, interests, needs of participants as part of their Quality Employment Opportunity (QEO)
• Complete appropriate paperwork for participants QEO as per policies/guidelines and funders' requirements
• Conduct appropriate and regular follow-up activities with employers and program participants
• Maintain files and prepare documentation according to internal policies/guidelines and funders' requirements
• Understand boundaries and uses good judgment in assessing whether our ability to assist a potential participant goes beyond internal capabilities of the organization to focus on those best suitable as per our mandates and resources
• Ensure that documentation is completed and submitted within required time restrictions. Inaccurate or misunderstood information can result in severe consequences, i.e. budget slippage, undue hardship to participant, unmet targets etc.
• Ensure program adapts to often changing circumstances, to effectively serve participant and employer needs while meeting deadline
• Be committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Embrace and exemplify the Y's core values

Education and Skills Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education preferably in Employment/Career Counselling, Adult Education, Human Resources, Social Services, or combination of education and relevant work experience

• Computer skills utilizing MS Office applications including email, internet, and virtual delivery

• Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal

• Experience with giving presentations; leading virtual education webinars for participants, employers and community partners

• Strong organizational and planning skills

• Knowledge of second language

• Current First Aid/CPR certifications is an asset

• Current satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Position Screen is a condition of employment. This must be maintained for the duration of employment
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• It is a YMCA of Southwestern Ontario requirement that all employees and volunteers have a minimum of two vaccinations against COVID-19. Exemptions will be granted upon receipt of acceptable proof of a permissible Human Rights Code ground. This requirement has been suspended effective June 30, 2022. It may be reinstated in future should the state of public health in our communities require it

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations. Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.

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