In the role of Career Advisor with the YWCA Employment Navigator Program team https://ywcavan.org/employment-navigator, you will be empowering single mothers by providing resources and referrals,  one-to-one career advising, workshop facilitation, and offering educational opportunities during the pre-employment and employment stages; equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to overcome barriers and achieve financial independence for their families. You will play a key role in supporting single mothers in navigating YWCA and WorkBC employment programs and services. In addition to navigating resources across communities in the Lower Mainland.  

What you’ll be doing: 

• Work one to one with single mothers; many whom are newcomers, new immigrants, refugees, and survivors of violence. Provide resources and guidance for employment, education, career exploration, and referrals to community resources. 

• Conduct employment needs assessments; develop individualized action plans; and provide service navigation and referrals to programs. 

• Provide one-to-one career advising with clients in-person and over phone or Zoom. 

• Build strategic partnerships with employers with the goal of developing work and volunteering opportunities for single mothers needing to gain work experience and skills.   

• Act as a liaison for single mothers as appropriate (assisting with following up on inquiries, advocating on behalf of client as needed)  

• Assist clients with filling out forms as needed; such as bursary applications.  

• Maintaining close contact with community partners, planning in person or zoom meetings 1:1 with partners and group meetings 3x/ year. 

• Attending community events with organizations such as, but not limited to: LCSS, SD35, Raphael House, City of Langley, and other partners when possible. 

• Sending out monthly calendar of events/ registration links to internal and external partners, and EN Program participants. 

• Attending other YWCA program information sessions to stay up to date on internal services. 

• Ongoing networking and partnership building with community organizations 

• Assist single mothers (one-to-one and in groups) to navigate employment and career resources available to them within the YWCA and in the community  

• Keep track of program outcomes and report outcomes in well-written, detail oriented monthly and quarterly reports  

• Workshop development and facilitation on various topics related to employment, education and other topics as needed.  

• Plan and host workshops facilitated by external partners on topics such as, but not limited to: financial literacy, job search readiness, accessibility for people with disabilities, housing, and support with filing taxes.   

• Assist with resumes and cover letters as needed. 

• Ongoing Collaboration with YWCA programs such as Single Mothers Support Services, Housing, WorkBC, and other programs in the Employment and Community Programs department; working together as a team to provide fulsome wraparound services and supports for single mothers. 

• Navigate programs and services in communities across Lower Mainland 

• Conduct regular outreach sessions within the YWCA (e.g., single mother support groups, Housing, Employment Programs) and to external community organizations; to build awareness of the Employment Navigator Program’s services and to gain referrals. 

• Refer clients to YWCA bursaries, scholarships and skills training programs for single mothers wanting to upgrade their skills and pursue education opportunities. 

• Set and maintain professional boundaries with clients and her family  

• Report writing, creating and administering client surveys as required  

• Tracking monthly outreach and events on Excel spreadsheet 

• Maintain client confidentiality and ensure that program outcomes are met  

• Measure and report monthly outcomes, collect client stories and testimonials, and conduct other administrative tasks as required 

• Develop partnerships with service providers to effectively link clients with appropriate community services and opportunities. 

• Follow-up with clients on their employment and education plans and track progress and outcomes  

• Keep informed of trends, needs, and services gaps for single mothers, and be aware of what resources and services are available for them.  

• Regularly review and update resources for clients  

• Perform program promotion and marketing activities; via email, in-person outreach, information sessions, and attending events such as career and community fairs.  

• Research and refer clients to volunteer and networking opportunities 

• Participate in the planning of yearly celebratory events for clients 

• Other duties as required 

What you’ll need: 

• Minimum 2 years of direct career advisor experience, and facilitating workshops 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, career counselling certificate, or other related educational certification  

• Excellent knowledge of current programs and services related to single mothers within the YWCA (e.g., WorkBC and employment programs, housing, single mothers support services, Single Mothers Bursaries) and solid knowledge of government funding available to single mothers  

• Knowledge of issues affecting single mothers returning to work and/or pursuing further education/training   

• Must have an understanding of trauma-informed and culturally safe practices when working with participants. 

• Provide timely and organized follow-up with existing clients and manage ongoing client inquiries   

• Strong relationship building skills and ability to develop strong partnerships with community service providers and employers 

• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve using a solution focused, positive mindset. 

• Demonstrated skills in facilitating engaging employment-related workshops   

• Demonstrated skills in writing monthly and quarterly reports  

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and be highly accountable for decisions, ensuring program targets are being met and to maintain a high degree of service to clients  

• Must have an ability to work a flexible schedule as it works for clients and their families and the program 

• Must have strong communication skills and ability to provide support in a motivating, respectful, non-judgmental manner  

• Possess intermediate skills with all Microsoft applications  

• Ability to use Zoom and Teams for meetings 

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.  

Bonus qualities (but not required) 

• In addition to English, ability to speak an additional language is an asset 

What we offer:  We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package: 

• Extended medical and dental benefits  

• A defined benefit pension plan 

• Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions 

• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members 

• Free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Childcare centres 

• A 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: $31.16 per hour