In support of British Columbia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s (SDPR) mandate to address intergenerational poverty, the NextStep program aims to empower youth aged 16 to 30 who are either BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) clients or are from families with a dependency on BCEA to break the cycle of poverty by providing a holistic approach that includes skills training, pre-employment support and comprehensive wraparound services. NextStep will engage youth experiencing poverty through a community-centered approach, working closely with local service providers and poverty serving agencies who support families and youth on BCEA. 

 

YWCA NextStep is delivered in a hybrid program model with both in-person and virtual delivery for youth, 16-30 years of age, facing multiple barriers to obtaining employment and/or further education. The 12-week program offers life skills, employability skills, peer support, community connections, financial assistance, and wrap-around services in a safe environment to provide youth the structure needed to set and move forward towards their goals. In collaboration with a Research Consultant, NextStep will identify best practices through comprehensive research and evaluation, assessing the effectiveness of various approaches and pinpointing key factors that drive successful employment and educational outcomes for youth. 

 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Build and nurture relationships with youth aged 16-30 

• Conduct intakes and assessments to determine eligibility, risk, and protective factors 

• Help participants create action plans that identify short and long-term goals and barriers to engagement, using a strength-based approach 

• Provide referrals for participants, including employment, housing, mental health, substance use, education, finances, food, and more 

• Address potential behavioral, mental health, emotional, or substance use situations. 

• Maintain accurate client records and ensure client confidentiality 

• Assist youth in accessing external community supports and accompany them if needed 

• Help youth with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies 

• Attend scheduled meetings with program staff to discuss program updates and participant needs 

• Collaborate with the community and YWCA for referrals and client recruitment 

• Develop and facilitate workshops on employability and job search topics using hybrid technology, both in person and virtually 

• Stay updated on labor market trends, job postings, employment issues, community resources, education planning, volunteer opportunities, and other relevant employment-related supports 

• Perform other duties as required, including administrative tasks 

Qualifications: 

• Passion for working with youth facing barriers to employment 

• Relevant post-secondary education and/or a combination of relevant education and work experience 

• Experience working with youth and/or families living in poverty and dependent on BCEA 

• Knowledge of social determinants of health and trauma informed practices 

• Motivated to work independently and as part of a team to deliver exemplary service 

• Excellent computer skills (all Microsoft Applications), SharePoint, OneDrive 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal  

• Strong group facilitation skills and counselling training is an asset  

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

• Understanding of the labour market in Metro Vancouver is an asset 

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

• 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 membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care 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 starting at: $31.16/hr