Community/Employer Engagement Specialist ID #1548-B

YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka•Midland, ON

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community/Employer Engagement Specialist acts as a community and employer liaison to our Employment service and to clients in their independent job search, and provides in-depth information on the job search process, its tools, and related information, in workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one, either virtually or in person. The Community/Employer Engagement Specialist is knowledgeable about the Midland/ Penetanguishene and surrounding communities, its businesses and services, and is up to date on what is influencing the local rural labour market. They are specialists in the tools required to uncover hidden job market opportunities and creates a pathway for the mutual benefit of the employer and job seeker. This high energy, dynamic position networks with employers and community partners, attends all business association meetings, community events, employer events to represent Employment Services and connects with employers to build strong new partnerships but maintain existing ones as well. This role provides labour market research support to job coaches, meets all new employers in the area to introduce them to our services, completes employer registrations and performs all Health and Safety requirements as laid out in the funder guidelines to promote training incentive placement agreements. The Community/Employer Engagement Specialist makes decisions independently which support delivery of services and meet contractual obligations of our funder. This role involves disseminating and presenting relevant local rural labour market information to employers and job coaches and in addition will be the Key liaison with our tri-site Job Development coordinator and provides guidance and training to job coaches, and is responsible to organize community events including but not limited to our YMCA annual Job Fair, employer events/training, and creates local, relevant employer communications in consultation with Site Manager. Part of this role may include carrying a caseload of clients, actively looking for work and are considered closest to the labour market. The goal is to review and make recommendations to help provide new in-depth information on the job search process, its tools, and related information, in workshops, information sessions, and to promote a full circle experience for clients who experience job loss in the 3-12 months post service.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in career counselling, Life coaching, or combination of education and work experience
Must possess a minimum 5 + years’ experience coaching/developing/training people, either one-on-one and/or in a large group setting in employment services or other relevant workplaces
Proven ability to interpret and share local and rural labour market information (LMI), hiring trends, and employer insights to inform service delivery.
Excellent negotiation, organization and relationship building skills
Demonstrated success in building and maintaining employer relationships across sectors in the Midland, Penetanguishene, and surrounding municipalities labour market
Demonstrated professional level facilitator/presentation skills
Demonstrated high attention to detail, and ability to follow through on tasks in a timely manner
2+ years’ experience working in job development
Ability to disseminate and present relevant local labour market information to colleagues and employers, and help guide and support the team through information transfer
Comfortable with new and evolving technologies and social media
Knowledgeable in all aspects of the Employment Ontario programs and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka as a whole
Self-motivated and a strong team player
Strong communication skills both verbal and written – French an asset
Class G license and access to a vehicle are required
Professional, caring and inclusive attitude
Keen sense of understanding and application of the YMCA values
Exceptional work ethic and high level of attention to detail
Clear Police Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
Must be able to work flexible hours based on client needs
Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after commencement of work including: AODA Training, Health & Safety Awareness Training, Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training, PCI Compliance, Child Safeguarding Orientation
Willingness to be able to work flexible hours based on client needs

Nice To Haves

Experience working in economic development, Local Chamber of Commerce, lead generation, account management, market analysis, stakeholder management or public relations is an asset
Certified program facilitator of employment services related content (e.g. Personality Dimensions, Soft Skills, In Motion & Momentum +) an asset

Responsibilities

Be able to work independently while maintaining team cohesion
Meet client and employer Volume and Key Performance Indicators set out by Manager and SSM
Market YMCA programs directly to employers using a structured marketing approach (prospecting, needs analysis, selling, follow-up)
Actively participates in business community events to foster and maintain high visibility for the Employment Service and its services
Assesses workplace environments and employers to determine overall suitability for client placement and related opportunities
Offers value added workshops and training for job coaches, clients and employers– possesses additional training to support Employment related workshops
Assists employers to develop training plans for clients
Develops and delivers workshops and information sessions for the employer community
Monitors client on-the-job progress and provides appropriate interventions for all placements
Coaches employers and clients to help ensure successful outcomes
Develops clear pipeline potential of employers willing to work with YMCA Employment Services for placements of registered clients.
Build knowledge about local Midland/Penetanguishene and surrounding area employers, their business, and what they look for in new employees
Support employer recruitment efforts and participate in Employment Services employer programs
Maintains employer database in compliance with privacy legislation in consultation with Site Manager
Complete, update and prioritize all required paperwork, case notes and documentation in a timely manner, as required
Explore, identify and clarify client interests, motivation, abilities, skills, education and experience in relation to short- and long-term career and employment goals using assessment tools as required
Develop and conduct job search/employment related workshops and information sessions, and other workshops as needed, for both job seekers and the employer community, documenting outcomes
Multitask and adapt to evolving government directives
Share knowledge of our local, regional and broader labour market information, advises the team on how to access in-depth information as required
Observe changing needs within the existing services and look for creative new opportunities to expand them
Outreach to government agencies, community partners, and employers, developing the Y brand while building relationships to enhance service delivery
Identify and develop tools to help job seekers and employers understand the changing labour market and its impact on the job search process
Understand the Performance Management model and the Service Quality Standard and its composition, and actively works with the employment team to attain, maintain, and exceed that standard
Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the YMCA in Canada
Demonstrate strong support and commitment to serving the membership, facility users and all program participants of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Adherence to all provincial and federal legislation relevant to job description.
Manage a small budget associated with client funding and community/employer events as assigned by the Site Manager
Act as the primary contact for new employers and business committee work. Importance is placed on the representation of Employment & Learning Services and its influence at community tables