Position Summary:

The Youth Employment Specialist works within the strategic objectives of the Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) to ensure the provision, coordination and exceptional delivery of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) within the REACH Program for Youth. The primary role is to coordinate and facilitate employment readiness and life skills workshops with the goal to help the participants understand and identify their own needs, values, and barriers to transition to employment successfully. This position requires a high level of knowledge in collaborating with vulnerable newcomer youth. As a facilitator, a sound understanding of career development, solid working knowledge of psychological theories such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Motivational Interviewing, and experience supporting vulnerable youth is essential.

The Employment Specialist will provide Canadian work cultural information, career assessments, outreach employment counselling and follow-up job coaching. They will design workshops to promote interactions with peers through self-esteem and wellness, conflict resolution, communications, resumes, cover letter writing, interview skills and general employability skills. The worker will also develop employment opportunities, collaborate closely with local employers, and take initiatives that promote inclusive hiring practices.

Primary Duties:

• Develop and facilitate employment and life skills training group workshops
• Provide job search support to participants via social media, phone, text, email and one to one meeting
• Support vulnerable newcomer youth with employment placement and ensure it is a safe and inclusive environment
• Complete weekly participant reports as per contract using an appropriate database, keeping track of all outside appointments and follow-ups, track attendance and progress towards employment goals
• Provide referrals to other community support services as required
• Coach and support participants effectively in a way that facilitates independence and self-sufficiency
• Tailor and adjust the work experience to meet the individual needs of the participants
• Provide follow up support as required to participants
• Carry out administrative tasks as assigned

Academic and Job Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Child and Youth Care or relevant discipline plus two years direct experience OR diploma in Child and Youth Care plus a combination of experience and education
• Experience developing and facilitating dynamic programming for youth based on strengths and
• Demonstrated background developing rapport, supporting youth, assessing needs, and developing action plans.
• Knowledge of employment systems, services, and labor market
• High level of verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and marketing