Position

Employment Specialist

Location

Edmonton

Applicants residing in Calgary and surrounding areas may also be considered.

Type

Full Time, Contract - 15 Month's

About Us

Break Barriers. Employ Change.

At Prospect, we value the diversity of people. Diversity at Prospect means a workplace where individual differences are recognized and appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.

Prospect helps people get jobs. We’re a not-for-profit and registered charity, so while the bottom line can’t be ignored, it’s not our priority. Clients are.

Prospect strongly believes in its five brand pillars and is looking for great candidates who share the same beliefs:

Enthusiastic

Prospect approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm. We drive change with energy, optimism, and commitment. Anyone who walks through our doors can feel the positive energy.

Professional

In every facet of our work, our actions show a commitment to professional management and service delivery. Prospect is accountable, ethical, and honest.

Innovative

Prospect creates change by envisioning the end game and creating the means to realize it. We believe asking “why not?” aids progress. Solutions are created when we think beyond traditional boundaries.

Inclusive

Prospect is driven to achieve equal access for all to opportunities and resources. We strive to create a fair, healthy and high-performing environment where everyone is respected, encouraged, and motivated, and their contributions help Prospect attain its goals.

Collaborative

Prospect seeks different perspectives. All parties must be engaged, including for-profit, not-for-profit, funders and government. Only by understanding all points of view can we create inclusive workplaces.

What we are seeking

When was the last time you worked at an organization with a real purpose? Not a slogan or a jingle. A purpose that actually made society better. Something that you could identify with from day one. Has it been a while? Never? Well, here’s where your luck changes.

Prospect is one of Alberta’s leading not-for-profits. We live by four words: Break barriers. Employ change. Yes, it’s right there under our logo. No, it’s not just a tag line. Anywhere people face barriers to employment, we’re there to help.

A big part of that job is engaging with employers to help them access parts of the labour market they haven’t tapped before. And that’s where you have an opportunity to become one of our Employment Specialists. You’ll be on the front lines of breaking barriers, as part of an amazing team that matches the unique skills and interests of our clients with employers who need their talents.

If you’re persuasive, love presenting and sharing ideas, and believe that a diverse and inclusive society enriches all, please keep reading.

We are currently expanding our youth employment services and are looking for an experienced and energetic Employment Specialist to engage employers and foster opportunities for youth. This position is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to learn about the trades and engage in work experiences and apprenticeship opportunities.

What you will do

As an Employment Specialist you will build opportunities with employers that will help youth learn about the trades and gain experiences and opportunities to work in a trade related field. This may include arranging workplace tours, job shadows, organizing trade related events, directly connecting youth with apprenticeship opportunities, or other activities that will help youth learn more about an occupation or the trade industry. It will also include sourcing job vacancies, building relationships with employers, negotiating work opportunities, and supporting the successful transition of youth into the workplace.

Qualities we seek

• Professional with exceptional communication and customer service skills able to easily build productive and trusting relationships within the business community.
• Innovative and an aptitude for problem solving with the ability to determine mutually beneficial opportunities for our clients and employers.
• Tenacious and outgoing with a can-do attitude and an aptitude for networking, collaborating, and being success focused.
• Passion for engaging youth and employers with the creativity and dedication for helping them succeed even through challenging situations.
• In-depth understanding of trade related occupations and the pathways for successful careers within the trades.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist youth aged 16-24 interested in the trades explore different occupations and apprenticeship pathway by arranging tours and connections with people working in the trades including with experts such as trade unions, training institutions or local employers.
• Create and foster a network of business contacts working within the trades who are interested in supporting the success of youth and can provide youth with various opportunities to learn about trade related occupations and engage in apprenticeships, work experiences, or training.
• Source and arrange trade related opportunities for youth in their local community and with employers who align with their goals, interests, and workplace requirements.
• Help employers understand some of the dynamics and challenges that young people may face when engaging in a job for the first time. Build supportive relationships that are committed to fostering the success of young people.
• Attend networking events, connect directly with businesses, and create opportunities to keep them engaged and committed to working with Prospect.
• Collaborate effectively across the team to offer a well-rounded and holistic approach to providing continuous 1:1 support and coaching with youth as they engage in trade exploration and apprenticeship preparation.
• Work with youth to identify preferred employers and help them source apprenticeship opportunities.
• Provide pre-employment support, including resume/cover letter development, assistance in the application process, and interview support.
• Help youth navigate any challenge they may experience as they engage in a work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, or apprenticeship training.

What it takes to do this job

• Post-secondary education in a relevant program. A combination of related training and experience also considered; highly desirable to have experience with the trades.
• Required experience in employment placement, career development, customer relations, sales, or business development.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be resourceful in seeking out placement opportunities and developing business relationships, including connecting with companies offering trade-related occupations.
• Strong knowledge of the local labor market, employment trends, occupational health and safety, and employment standards.
• Ability to build effective relationships with businesses across different communities, recognizing varying community needs, and creating opportunities based on individual needs.
• Highly driven, reliable, and confident, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working with people across a variety of demographics, including at-risk youth is considered a strong asset.
• Previous experience in recruitment, understanding recruitment cycles, or Human Resources is considered an asset.
• Exposure to diversity and inclusion programs is considered an asset.

Further Notes

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Travel throughout Edmonton, Calgary, and Central Alberta is essential to this role
• All employees must pass a criminal background check
• This project is highly flexible and will be delivered at our locations, in the community and, in some cases, virtually. You will be responsive to individual situations and will employ a flexible working model that may include some weekend and evening work.