Job Title

DetailsStatusRegular Full-time 35 hours a week (5 days a week)LocationKelowna, BCPosting PeriodJob DescriptionIn support of British Columbias Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reductions (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 youll be doing:Build and nurture relationships with youth aged 16-30Conduct intakes and assessments to determine eligibility, risk, and protective factorsHelp participants create action plans that identify short and long-term goals and barriers to engagement, using a strength-based approachProvide referrals for participants, including employment, housing, mental health, substance use, education, finances, food, and moreAddress potential behavioral, mental health, emotional, or substance use situations.Maintain accurate client records and ensure client confidentialityAssist youth in accessing external community supports and accompany them if neededHelp youth with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategiesAttend scheduled meetings with program staff to discuss program updates and participant needsCollaborate with the community and YWCA for referrals and client recruitmentDevelop and facilitate workshops on employability and job search topics using hybrid technology, both in person and virtuallyStay updated on labor market trends, job postings, employment issues, community resources, education planning, volunteer opportunities, and other relevant employment-related supportsPerform other duties as required, including administrative tasksWhat youll need:Passion for working with youth facing barriers to employmentRelevant post-secondary education and/or a combination of relevant education and work experienceExperience working with youth and/or families living in poverty and dependent on BCEAKnowledge of social determinants of health and trauma informed practicesMotivated to work independently and as part of a team to deliver exemplary serviceStrong communication skills, both written and verbalStrong group facilitation skills and counselling training is an assetSelf-starter: ability to take initiative, maintain effective professional work habits (i.e. prioritize, plan and manage work; punctuality) to produce timely and effective resultsUnderstanding of the labour market in Metro Vancouver is an assetMust be able to work at the physical office location to deliver in-person participant servicesA valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is requiredWhat we offer:Extended medical and dental benefitsFlexible working arrangements for applicableEmployee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family membersFree membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centresA workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.Pay rate starting at: $31.16 per hourHow to ApplyConsider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an inclusive and rewarding workplace. Interested in joining us? Candidates are invited to email a resume and cover letterto:Senior Operations Manager, NextStep Youth Program (She/Her)Email: are committed to ensuring that the application and interview processes are accessible to all applicants; if you require accommodations in submitting your application, or have other questions, please contact the hiring manager as listed. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, transferrable skills, lived experience, and business need. We thank all who apply, but only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about this and other YWCA Metro Vancouver career opportunities, please visit ywcavan.org. #J-18808-Ljbffr