Employment Specialist, Base 4 Success (B4S)

360°kids•Richmond Hill, ON

38d

About The Position

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports. Base 4 Success (B4S) is a 12-week employment readiness initiative designed for high-needs, unemployed, and out-of-school youth in York Region, ages 15 to 30. The program supports young people in overcoming barriers to employment by providing: Career Counselling Skill-Building Workshops and Certifications Hands-On Workforce Experience B4S equips participants with the tools, confidence, and practical experience necessary to successfully enter the labour market and progress toward sustainable, living-wage employment. The Employment Specialist will plan and execute career counselling and skill building programming to provide youth with skills to obtain and maintain employment and successfully transition youth into the labour market. The Employment Specialist plays a vital role in delivering the B4S program by developing and facilitating career development and employability programming. This includes: Designing and delivering career counselling sessions tailored to individual goals and employment readiness Facilitating employment skill-building workshops and coordinating certifications Supporting youth in accessing and navigating hands-on work opportunities In addition, the Employment Specialist ensures that youth participants are connected with the appropriate wraparound supports, including referrals to community resources, mental health counselling, housing support, and other advocacy services as needed. By providing personalized guidance and support, the Employment Specialist helps youth build the confidence, skills, and connections required to achieve meaningful employment outcomes.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree or diploma in a social services-related field (e.g., Social Work, Child and Youth Work, Social Service Work), or an equivalent combination of education and experience supporting higher-needs youth.
Minimum one (1) year of experience in group facilitation, workshop delivery, or program coordination preferred.
Proven experience working with street-involved youth and awareness of issues related to youth homelessness, mental health, trauma, abuse, addiction, and sexual exploitation.
Valid "G" driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and access to a reliable vehicle with $2 million in liability insurance.
Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
Current Broad record check (BRC) required,
Strong client-focused counselling skills with the ability to serve as a positive role model for youth.
Ability to assess participant needs and make informed, independent decisions.
Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Flexible and adaptable approach to service delivery, with sensitivity to the unique needs of each youth participant.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, team members, community agencies, employment partners, and other stakeholders.
Thorough understanding of available community resources within York Region, with strong advocacy and referral skills.

Responsibilities

Program Intake & Onboarding
Schedule and conduct intake assessments to determine participant eligibility and employment readiness.
Facilitate onboarding for successful applicants, outlining program expectations and goals.
Career Counselling & Goal Setting
Engage participants in meaningful conversations about career aspirations, barriers, and uncertainties.
Review participants’ educational and personal histories to inform career planning.
Administer and interpret aptitude and/or personality assessments; provide individualized feedback and recommend relevant career paths.
Identify skills gaps and collaboratively develop strategies for skill development and personal growth.
Workshop Development & Facilitation
Design and deliver interactive workshops tailored to the unique needs of higher-needs youth.
Topics may include job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, career exploration, budgeting, time management, communication, problem-solving, self-care, stress management, and leadership development.
Program Support & Administration
Accurately track participant attendance to ensure timely and accurate payments.
Obtain program materials and supplies such as transit passes, backpacks, and healthy snacks for training sessions.
Maintain up-to-date participant records, case notes, documentation and databases (internal/external) in accordance with organizational protocols.
Community Engagement & Employer Relations
Conduct outreach and marketing to promote the program to employers and community partners.
Develop partnerships with local businesses and community resources to provide participants with real-world customer service and employment experiences.
Offer extended support and guidance to employers mentoring youth with mental health and other support needs.
Collaboration & Reporting
Collaborate closely with internal staff and other 360°kids programs to ensure integrated support and program success.
Report regularly to the Team Lead on program updates, participant progress, and any issues of concern.
Perform additional duties as required to support the success of the B4S program and the broader mission of 360°kids.