Employment Specialist (Youth Job Supports) - Kenora - Jobs in Kenora, ON

Job Description

The ProgramWJS Canadas Youth Employment Services supports youth and young adults (aged 15-30 years) experiencing barriers to employment (developmental or mental health challenges, Indigenous, ESL, refugee, recent immigrant or living in a remote, rural location).WJS Canada, a national social services agency, contracts with governments through over 90 contracts across Canada, to provide community-based services to children and families, persons with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth and young offenders. The continuum of services offered by WJS is designed to foster positive life changes and increase self-esteem and confidence. We are a Certified B-Corp, for-profit company, that uses the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Over the past 30 years, we have grown to over 700 dedicated staff who serve approximately 1,600 persons through over 125 services, with revenues that exceed $50 million annually.We are proud to work with government ministries in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario as well as other community and social organizations. These agencies fund and refer individuals to our programs.In Your Role You Will

• Assess potential clients employment needs, readiness and eligibility for program interventions and financial supports
• Support clients face-to-face or virtually with job searches, career planning and interview prep.
• Discover creative solutions to overcome employment barriers. (Ex. visual calendars/schedules, communication aides, etc.)
• Provide group and individual employment counselling, coaching, placement supervision and placement/job retention services to disadvantaged people
• Design workshops, tools, presentations to assist clients entering or re-entering the labour market
• Source and maintain partnerships with employers, community organizations, education and training institutions, private and public sector agencies
• Maintain client files and statistical reporting
• Provide computer assistance e.g. Windows environment
• Deal effectively with distressed, hard to serve clients

The PositionThe Employment Specialist assists youth in exploring career, training and employment options by developing appropriate action plans designed to overcome past challenges in securing and maintaining employment.You provide individual and group employment search/career planning, employability skills training and coordinate community employment placements, sometimes, travelling within assigned communities, to identify inclusive business/community partners and assist them in understanding the customized employment supports available to them should they hire through the program.Scheduling:

• One (1) permanent, full-time position of 37.5 hours per week
• Monday through Friday, 0800-1600 (including 1/2 hour unpaid break each day)
• May include some evenings and weekends, depending on program needs.

Criminal Record Check/Ministry Check Statement*** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a current (dated within 6 months of hiring date) Criminal Record Check and Ministry Check. These checks can take up to 6 weeks to obtain, please ensure you prepare accordingly.As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work or Human Resources, OR, equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in career planning, employment counselling, and working with at-risk youth OR equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered
• Previous experience as a Career Coach or in an employment supports program and/or working with disadvantaged populations with various barriers to employment (youth, ESL, new immigrant, people with disabilities, etc.) is an asset
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License (not GDL), reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance, and clean driver’s abstract - travel to communities within the service area; expenses will be reimbursed
• Experience writing/implementing program plans and/or business and community development is an asset
• Demonstrated competency with public relations, public speaking, facilitating group learning
• Career Development Practitioner Course (CDP) would be an advantage
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and crisis prevention/intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of communications and public relations principles, practices and techniques.
• Be calm, confident, patient; Follow instructions, and function in a crisis
• Self motivate, motivate others and be a positive role model.

WJS adheres to provincial/legislated communicable disease prevention protocols. Some of our community health care providers/stakeholders may require WJS employees to be vaccinated in order to be able to enter establishments while supporting WJS individuals/clients in service.What WJS Canada does

• Make a positive difference in the lives of the people you serve.
• Provide standard-setting service.
• Enhance and strengthen your community.
• Enjoy a challenging, safe, healthy and rewarding workplace.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Generous benefit packages (for staff 30+hrs/wk) starting after 3-months employment, including: Employer-paid Dental and Extended Health, prescription coverage, Employer-paid AD&D, Dependent Life and more!
• Safe, respectful and caring team environment
• Training programs to ensure professional development and career development

Website referenceFor more information on WJS Canada visit our website: www.wjscanada.comClosing StatementWe recognize that equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an important element in our work and in our day to day lives.No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.Quick Apply

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