Under the supervision of the Program Manager,  the Job Developer  will be responsible for working closely with self-identifying women in YWCA BC’s Higher Ground Program to support them in securing and retaining apprenticeships and/or employment and connecting them with employers.  

Higher Ground empowers women to pursue rewarding careers in the trades by addressing systemic barriers like financial constraints, gender-based discrimination, and underrepresentation through a comprehensive approach. With tailored programming, it supports women facing additional challenges, including poverty, single parenthood, Indigenous heritage, and trauma from gender-based violence.  

The Job Developer-Trades Placement Specialist will assist participants in navigating opportunities such as apprenticeships, direct-to-employment pathways and referrals to trades training and wraparound support services. They also foster partnerships with employers, training institutions, and support services to ensure participants are set up for long-term success.   

What you’ll be doing: 

• Working with participants to determine their individual needs and skills to market to employers in the labour market 

• Developing employment opportunities for candidates by implementing effective marketing strategies 

• Assisting and coaching participants with job search tools, including resumes and cover letter development, interview preparation and job search strategies  

• Keeping abreast of labor market trends and trades opportunities  

• Facilitating and monitoring Wage Subsidy Work Experience Placements 

• Maintaining rapport with Participants pre/post apprenticeships/employment to ensure candidates receive appropriate support to maintain employment 

• Maintaining accurate and up to date notes  

• Liaising with employers to organize hiring events 

• Acting as a champion of the program, promoting our services throughout community and networking events 

• Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of participant records and program data  

• Other duties as assigned 

What you’ll need:  

• Passion for working with self-identifying women entering a male dominated industry  

• 2 years of job development, career coaching, or job placement experience in a related setting 

• Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license and access to a vehicle 

• Related post-secondary degree or diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience 

• Career Development Practitioner certification is an asset 

• Trades training is an asset 

• Familiar with apprenticeship systems and supports 

• Demonstrated ability to build lasting professional relationships with job seekers and employers 

• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Zoom  

• Must be available normal working hours Monday – Friday with the ability to work the occasional evenings and weekends 

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required. 

 What we offer:   

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

• 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