Retention Specialist - Employment Access Centre (FT Contract)

at  YMCA of the National Capital Region

OVERVIEW

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.
This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

EDUCATION

• Degree or Diploma in Employment Counseling, Social Service Worker/Social Work, or related program

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Related experience might include: Recruitment Training, Human Resources Certification, Common Assessment Training, Life Skills Certification, Teaching and Training Adults Certification, Drug and Alcohol Counselling
• Experience in employment counselling and job development/matching
• Experience in case management and data entry
• Intermediate computer skills; use of databases, Microsoft Suite
• High level of interpersonal oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with and understand employment barriers and client assets with ability to communicate to adults, newcomers, persons with disabilities and youth and other clients from various cultures, social and economic backgrounds

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

• Assisting clients in the development or appropriate work habits, behaviours, and attitudes for the workplace.
• Actively recruiting employers and seeking out job placement opportunities, including identifying and contracting new prospective employers in industries/labour markets that members have identified as areas of interest.
• Developing and monitoring training plans and agreements with clients and employers.
• Acting as a liaison between clients and employers.
• Conducting ongoing research and outreach to employers, community resources, and programs.
• Maintaining a caseload of approximately 130-160 participants annually.
• Providing 1 year of job retention support to employed participants and collecting documentation to verify their employment status.