Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Career Advisor will be responsible for providing career coaching and employer engagement support for self-identifying women in YWCA Metro Vancouver’s FOCUS@Work Program. FOCUS@Work is a free, highly-participatory employment program that helps women to assess their skills and strengths, set career goals, build connections and develop job search skills to find meaningful, sustainable employment. Each year the program works with 100+ women and alumni, providing guidance, support and encouragement.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide job search and career coaching for clients, supporting them in identifying and achieving their employment goals

• Facilitate engaging employability and job search workshops using hybrid technology, in person and virtually

• Support the team of Career Advisors by conducting information sessions and providing client intake, needs assessment, eligibility screening, and appropriate community service referrals as required

• Connect clients to employment opportunities through hiring fairs, job postings, industry events, guest speakers and direct outreach to employers

• Assist clients with developing customized resumes and their professional brand (e.g., LinkedIn, online portfolios)

• Maintain and update the program’s social media presence for client engagement, marketing, and outreach

• Assist in monitoring and reporting project outcomes through ongoing follow up, feedback surveys, and client stories/testimonials

• Collaborate with team to address clients’ evolving job search needs in working towards obtaining sustainable careers that align with their skills and experience

• Maintain timely, accurate client records and uphold strict confidentiality

• Engage with program alumni through email, phone, Zoom meetings, Slack and LinkedIn

• Connect clients with alumni, professional groups and employers for informational interviews, industry insights, learning opportunities and job leads

• Report relevant results to Program Manager: client employment, training or volunteering outcomes, connections made, mentorship matches, and new community partnerships

• Perform administrative functions including report writing and outreach communication

• Stay informed about hiring trends and initiatives to support newcomer self identifying women job-seekers

• Contribute to weekly staff meetings and program development

• Special project contribution and other duties, as assigned

What you’ll need:

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

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

• Strong background in career coaching and delivering employment programming for racialized newcomer women

• A degree/diploma in any of the following disciplines: Career Development, Psychology, Sociology, Business, Human Resources, Marketing, Communications or a combination of related education and related work experience

• Skilled facilitator with demonstrated ability to engage newcomer self-identifying women in small and medium-sized groups in virtual and/or in-person settings

• Effective relationship builder with track record of establishing strong working relationships; natural connector and networker

• Self-starter: ability to take initiative, maintain effective and professional work habits (e.g., prioritize, plan and manage work; punctuality) to produce timely and effective results

• Strong professional written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent computer skills; proficient in SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, Eventbrite, social media platforms, Learning Management Systems

• Must be willing to travel in the Metro Vancouver region to meet with potential employers and conduct outreach

• Must be able to work at the physical office location to deliver in-person client services

Bonus qualities (but not required)

• CCDP certification is considered an asset

• A second language will be considered an asset

• Previous experience working with newcomer self-identifying women an asset

• Event planning and coordination experience

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

• 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 Child Care centres

• Pay Rate: $30.55 plus % in lieu of benefits

• 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.