In support of British Columbia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s (SDPR) mandate to address intergenerational poverty, the NextStep program aims to empower youth aged 16 to 30 who are either BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) clients or are from families with a dependency on BCEA to break the cycle of poverty by providing a holistic approach that includes skills training, pre-employment support and comprehensive wraparound services. NextStep will engage youth experiencing poverty through a community-centered approach, working closely with local service providers and poverty serving agencies who support families and youth on BCEA. 

YWCA NextStep is delivered in a hybrid program model with both in-person and virtual delivery for youth, 16-30 years of age, facing multiple barriers to obtaining employment and/or further education. The 12-week program offers life skills, employability skills, peer support, community connections, financial assistance, and wrap-around services in a safe environment to provide youth the structure needed to set and move forward towards their goals. In collaboration with a Research Consultant, NextStep will identify best practices through comprehensive research and evaluation, assessing the effectiveness of various approaches and pinpointing key factors that drive successful employment and educational outcomes for youth. 

What you’ll be doing:    

• Foster supportive, strengths-based relationships with youth aged 15–30.
• Support participants in developing action plans that identify short and long-term goals, barriers, and strategies using a strengths-based approach.
• Develop and maintain employer partnerships, matching candidates to opportunities based on their strengths and employment goals and achieving outreach and placement targets.
• Provide comprehensive referrals to supports including employment, housing, mental health, substance use, education, finances, and food security.
• Effectively manage behavioral challenges during workshops with empathy, professionalism and appropriate boundaries. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records in accordance with organizational and funder requirements.
• Deliver individualized employment support, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
• Facilitate employment opportunities by promoting participants, coordinating interviews, and coaching on effective interview techniques.
• Engage in scheduled team meetings to discuss program updates, participant needs, and collaborative planning. 
• Collaborate with YWCA staff and community partners to support participant recruitment and referrals. 
• Develop and facilitate in-person workshops on employability, job search skills, and related topics.
• Stay current on labour market trends, employment opportunities, community resources, education pathways, and volunteer options.
• Perform other duties as required, including administrative tasks that support effective service delivery.

What you’ll need:  

• Passion for working with youth facing barriers to employment 
• Relevant post-secondary education, or a combination of education and work experience, with 2–3 years of experience supporting multi-barriered youth in employment programs, community-based services, or related settings, including Career Advising or Employment Counselling.
• Experience working with youth and/or families living in poverty and dependent on BCEA 
• Experience building and maintaining employer relationships to connect participants with meaningful work experience and employment opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practices, employment barriers, and holistic supports for youth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Zoom and Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Must be able to work at the physical office location to deliver in-person participant services 
• A valid Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) is required.

What we offer:   

 We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total rewards package:   

•  Extended medical and dental benefits     
• A defined benefit pension plan (MPP)   
• 22 vacation days and 3 personal days, in addition to paid sick leave
• Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions    
• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members    
• A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and well-being, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our employee mentorship program and three equity committees that help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.   
• Free staff membership to our Health & Fitness Centre   

• Discounts at our Hotel Willo   

• Priority in YWCA Child Care centres    

Pay Rate: $31.94 per hour