Employment & Job Development Specialist

Reception House•Kitchener, ON

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Reception House is a non-profit, community-based organization that delivers quality settlement, integration and support services to refugees and newcomers in Waterloo Region. Since 1987, Reception House has helped thousands of refugees rebuild their lives in Canada through specialized programs and services designed to help them become established in their new communities. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full time contract Employment & Job Development Specialist on our employment team. The Employment & Job Development Specialist is a hybrid role that provides direct employment support to newcomers while also building and maintaining strong relationships with employers to create meaningful job opportunities. This role supports newcomers throughout the full employment continuum, from assessment, job readiness, and job search support to placement and early retention, while simultaneously engaging employers to understand workforce needs, promote RH employment services, and negotiate successful job matches. The position plays a key role in achieving positive employment outcomes, strengthening employer partnerships, and ensuring long-term workforce integration for newcomers.

Requirements

Completion of post-secondary studies in social services, career development, business, marketing, or a closely related discipline.
3 years of experience in roles that integrate newcomers' employment support with employer or workforce engagement.
Practical experience guiding individuals through employment readiness, active job search, placement, and early employment stabilization.
Previous hands-on involvement in employer outreach, job matching, or recruitment coordination.
Strong awareness of regional employment sectors, in-demand occupations, and hiring practices within Waterloo Region.
Working knowledge of Canadian workplace standards, employment legislation, and employer expectations.
Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite.
Ability to create presentations and resources.
Possess strong knowledge about the local community and resources available.
Able to set and manage appropriate boundaries with newcomers.
Able to think critically and use resources effectively.
Strong time management and organization skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once.
Ability to build relationships and work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.
High level of active listening and interpersonal communication skills, written and verbal, both in person and virtual settings.
Excellent resourcefulness, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to take initiative, think critically, and be proactive with tasks.
Resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome objections.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally to achieve organizational goals.
A valid driver’s license and access to a car is required.
Travel within Waterloo Region needed to attend off-site meetings and events.
Some evening and weekend work may be required to attend meetings or events.
Must be able to move freely throughout buildings and travel within community with reasonable accommodations as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with employment programs and outcome-based service delivery models is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive employment needs assessments to identify newcomers’ skills, experience, competencies, interests, and employment goals.
Collaborate with newcomers to develop individualized employment plans and pathways.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify recruitment needs and create job opportunities for newcomers.
Act as the primary point of contact for assigned employers, providing responsive, professional customer service.
Provide intensive job search support, including resume development, application assistance, interview preparation, and job search coaching.
Meet with employers to negotiate placements, clarify job requirements, and support successful matches.
Collaborate with employers to develop or refine job descriptions and employment expectations.
Coach newcomers through mock interviews and provide constructive feedback.
Support newcomers with workplace integration and retention activities such as; workplace orientation and tours, reviewing pay stubs and explaining deductions and taxes, and employment-related logistics (transportation routes, schedules, workplace expectations).
Work collaboratively with settlement, resettlement, and internal program teams to promote the benefits of employment and encourage newcomers' engagement.
Promote RH employment services to newcomers using job development and relationship-building techniques.
Attend networking events, job fairs, and employment-related events to expand employer partnerships.
Deliver employment-related orientation, including workplace culture in Canada, employee rights, and expectations.
Analyze labour market trends, employer feedback, and employment outcomes to inform job development strategies.
Support employers and newcomers during the early stages of employment to encourage retention and successful integration.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in databases and tracking systems, including newcomers progress and employment outcomes.
Collect feedback from both newcomers and employers to support continuous improvement of services.
Prepare reports and provide recommendations related to program activities and employment outcomes.
Support colleagues with job search preparation or employer engagement activities as required.