YWCA Discover: Early Childhood Education Project-Based Labour Market Training Program (PBLMT) funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, educates and prepares participants for sustainable employment as certified early Childhood Educators in Metro Vancouver, through a comprehensive training model. Eligible program participants include self-identified women with complex needs, survivors of violence, and single mothers. Delivered in partnership with Sprott Shaw College, the program provides employment readiness, technical training, and work experience, ensuring participants are well-prepared for sustainable employment. The 49-week program includes group-based learning for Employability Skills Training and Occupational Skills training, plus a 10-week practicum. One-on-one support is provided throughout to navigate barriers, connect to community resources, and prepare for jobs and interviews. 

The Career Advisor, reporting to the Program Manager, will work with the Discover team and Sprott Shaw College to deliver the Discover: Early Childhood Educator Project-Based Labour Market Training program. The role will handle recruitment, mentor participants, and ensure they understand the curriculum while addressing any language barriers, skills and learning challenges. The role involves liaising with practicum supervisors and Sprott Shaw staff to place job-ready participants in suitable work placements, supporting their transition from unemployment to full-time employment or improved employability. The Career Advisor will ensure that schedules, resources, and activities are implemented to meet program objectives and support participant needs.  

What you’ll be doing: 

• Recruiting eligible WorkBC participants and coordinating program intake with internal and external partners 

• Facilitating interactive Employability and Essential Skills training workshops (virtually and in-person) 

• Providing one-to-one support and coaching throughout participants' training and work experience 

• Conduct intakes and assessments to determine suitability for program participation and complete required reporting paperwork, such as attendance reports and conditional acceptance letters. 

• Facilitate collaboration with participants, Discover and Sprott Shaw staff to deliver timely progress updates and address logistical issues, participant performance, and workplace adjustment concerns.  

• Supporting participants in setting and achieving short- and long-term employment goals 

• Coaching participants to address language barriers, skills and learning challenges, and confidence issues 

• Assisting with resume development, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategy 

• Coordinating and supporting work experience placements and onboarding with practicum host employers; liaising with Sprott Shaw College, WorkBC, and employers to support participant success 

• Following up with participants post-placement to confirm outcomes and provide ongoing support 

• Completing accurate and timely documentation including participant progress reports and case notes 

• Participating in team meetings and contributing to program evaluation and improvement 

• Complete administrative tasks and other duties as required to support the delivery and success of the programs 

• Other duties as required  

What you’ll need: 

• Relevant post-secondary education in a related field such as career development, human services, social work, psychology, or adult education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience 

• 2 years of experience in career advising, facilitation, and/or job development; CCDP (Career Development Practitioner) an asset  

• Knowledge of the Early Childhood Education sector and the BC labour market 

• Experience working with equity-deserving populations, such as survivors of violence, self-identified women with complex needs, and single mothers, with an understanding of systemic barriers to employment 

• Experience developing and delivering workshops and group sessions focused on employability and life skills 

• Excellent facilitation skills and comfort with hybrid delivery platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom) 

• Experience developing, documenting, and monitoring individualized career action plans using internal case management systems or databases 

• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals for wraparound support 

• Experience working in a labour market training or government-funded program environment, such as WorkBC or similar, is an asset 

• Ability to support employment transitions, liaise with employers, and provide job search assistance, including resumes, interview preparation, and job maintenance support 

• Strong communication, interpersonal, team collaboration, and problem-solving skills 

• Excellent organizational and time management abilities; ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate documentation 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Zoom 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive team 

• Ability to travel across the Lower Mainland to support work experience placements; access to a vehicle is an asset 

• Must be able to work at the program’s physical office location and deliver in-person services as required 

• 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: $31.16 

• 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.