YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Believe program delivers employment services to 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers in BC through personalized services. With a highly tailored approach, Believe integrates trauma-informed practices rooted in Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) into employment readiness, to address the intersectional barriers faced by 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, and financial barriers affecting their pursuit of higher-skilled jobs. Through collaboration with employers and community organizations, it fosters long-term change, ensuring safer, more inclusive work environments while supporting newcomers in building stable, fulfilling careers. The program provides participants with the following components: outreach information and orientation, networking events with alumni, guest speaking events, employment coaching, workshops and mentorship opportunities,  and Indigenous newcomer connections. Participants will receive access to childcare, transportation support, and digital support. Believe partners with employers who prioritize creating inclusive and equitable workplaces, providing them with training, resources, and support to foster environments where 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers can thrive. 

Reporting to the Manager of Believe, the Career Advisor provides personalized support to 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers through trauma-informed, client-centered services. They conduct one-on-one career advising, develop tailored action plans, and connect clients with inclusive employment opportunities. The Career Advisor facilitates workshops on job readiness, financial literacy, self-advocacy, and navigating workplace discrimination while also coordinating employer training to promote inclusive hiring practices. They offer short-term counseling, peer support, and referrals to mental health and anti-violence services, ensuring clients have access to holistic support. Additionally, staff engage with community organizations and service providers to strengthen resources, advocate for equity, and create safer, more inclusive spaces for newcomers. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Actively participate in recruitment, the participant intake process, needs assessments, eligibility screening, registration, and referrals to community services. 

• Conduct conduct career assessments, facilitate labor market engagement, and build employer and community connections to enhance visibility, impact, and opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. 

• Engage with internal programs and external settlement services to provide integrated support for participants. 

• Represent the program at events and actively engage with employers to foster partnerships and create placement opportunities for participants. 

• Stay informed about hiring trends and initiatives to support newcomer job seekers. 

• Assist in curriculum development and workshop design, seeking regular feedback through participant surveys to improve services. 

• Play an active role in the utilization and expansion of the YWCA’s learning management system (LMS), Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) specialized online platforms, and Fast Track to Employment. 

• Facilitate employability and job search workshops, and other participant activities in person and virtually, using hybrid technology, including various online Learning Management Systems (LMS’s). 

• Apply a participant-centered approach with a trauma informed, intersectional GBA+ lens to all participant interactions and activities. 

• Help participants identify and achieve employment goals, set realistic career plans and follow up on action steps through skillful career coaching and development skills. 

• Assist participants in developing their professional brand (e.g., LinkedIn, online portfolios).  

• Support participants with attendance, time management and collaborative communication skills. 

• Encourage participant engagement in events, hiring fairs and job postings. 

• Engage with the program’s alumnae community through email, phone, Zoom meetings, and LinkedIn; connect participants with alumnae, professional groups and tech sector employers for informational interviews, industry insights, learning opportunities and job leads. 

• Able to handle a large case load of clients with multiple barriers.   

• Participate in weekly case conferences to discuss participant and employer matters, such as participants’ evolving job search needs and supporting their pursuit of sustainable careers that align with their experience. 

• Regular reporting on participant progress to the Program Manager, including employment status, connections, mentorship matches and job shadowing opportunities. 

• Contribute to project outcomes and improvement through participant surveys and success stories; assisting the Program Manager with narrative reporting as needed. 

• Support in researching community and employer opportunities for participants and maintaining relationships. 

• Collaborate with initiatives such as YWCA’s Engage Mentorship Program, Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants, WorkBC, and other services for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, refugees and immigrants. 

• Collaborate with staff, leaders, and colleagues to advance the YWCA’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and strategic priorities. 

• Maintain accurate, timely participant records while upholding strict confidentiality. 

• Collaborate with the Program Manager and YWCA’s marketing team to ensure the program’s social media presence accurately reflects its vibrancy while remaining current for marketing, outreach, and engagement purposes. Maintain accurate mentorship records, including outreach and matching activities. 

• Perform administrative tasks related to the program as needed. 

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding participant information and data security. 

• Contribute to special projects and other duties as assigned. 

• Other duties as required  

What you’ll need: 

• A post-secondary certificate, degree, or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., career or employment development, vocational rehabilitation, social work, psychology, sociology, human services, counseling, education, or human resources management.) 

• 1-2 years of demonstrated work experience delivering facilitation, career coaching, career advising, and/or placement services 

• Strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers in the labor market with an ability to apply a trauma-informed, intersectional GBA+ lens in all participant interactions. 

• Proven ability to engage and build long-term relationships with employers, identifying job opportunities, and placements and fostering relationships. 

• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative, prioritize, plan, and manage tasks to deliver timely, effective results. 

• Strong professional communication and research skills with keen attention to detail. 

• Effective relationship builder with a proven track record in establishing connections and networking. 

• Skilled facilitator experienced in engaging 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers in virtual and in-person small to medium groups. 

• Proven experience in delivering employment programs for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, including mentorship, employment recruiting, and career coaching. 

• Strong computer skills, including SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom, LMS, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, Eventbrite, and online platforms. 

• A second language will be considered an asset  

• Proficiency in hybrid learning models and learning management systems (LMS), with a strong ability to use digital platforms for both in-person and virtual program delivery 

• Engage in ongoing professional development relating to trauma-informed practice and GBA+. 

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding data security standards in accordance with privacy policies. 

• Willingness to travel within Metro Vancouver for employer outreach and meetings.  

• Must be able to work at the physical office location during office hours to deliver in-person participant services. 

• Commitment to YWCA Metro Vancouver’s mission and values, including supporting 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility 

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

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 staff membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres 

• Pay Rate: $30.55 

• 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.