**Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people!**At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Employment Counsellor provides hands-on-training opportunities to enter and develop employment skills toward a future career in the field of Childcare. The Employment Counsellor conducts initial intake and employment focused needs assessments, provides information, orientation, service planning, referrals, follow-up, and monitoring of progress. Through coaching and mentoring during the work placement, participants develop new skills, gain Canadian work experience, establish connections with employers, gain knowledge and understanding of local labor market demands and opportunities. The Employment Counsellor carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards, and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop outreach and program promotion strategy targeting service providing organizations especially those delivering childcare services, ethno-specific community groups, organizations, and associations. Promote and market program to prospective employers.
• Develop brochures, public presentations, and give interviews to publicize the program.
• Conduct individual meetings with prospective participants to evaluate their eligibility for the program.
• Select qualified individuals for entry based on assessment outcomes.
• Refer clients who do not meet eligibility criteria to other appropriate organizations or programs.
• Create, schedule and deliver pre - employment training curriculum based on program needs and desired outcomes, including resume building, interview preparation, Canadian workplace culture and job specific content.
• Visit potential workplaces to evaluate and to ensure safety and program standards are met.
• Place and match clients with suitable work placements.
• Monitor placements through site visits, regular phone calls or other forms of electronic communication.
• Mediate conflicts between the employer and program participant, as they arise.
• Implement accepted case management practices and procedures including accurate documentation, continuous assessment, follow-up, and file (electronic or hard copy) maintenance.
• Support newcomers in coping with everyday living requirements such as housing, transportation and access to health and social services.
• Collect and inputs data accurately and timely into designated systems.
• Work within defined program budgets.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Human Services, Career and employment counselling or related fields.
• Intermediate (Standard) First Aid, CPR-C.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector.
• 2+ years' experience working with newcomers.
• 2+ years experience in job development/marketing and employment counselling.
• Working knowledge of issues/practices related to the social determents of health, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation.
• Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
• Ability to handle confidential information and sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for community events or meetings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases and other technology.
• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law.
• Valid driver’s license and has a reliable vehicle.
• Fluency in language(s) other than English is an asset.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

**Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:**Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.