YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Survive to Thrive program is funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training to provide employment services for survivors of violence and/or abuse.    The structured program has a comprehensive workshop format; essential skills; job development; opportunities for work experience, employer engagement; sustainable employment placement, and job coaching.  The program has expanded to add to the current manager and two-person team to deliver this performance-based employment program, serving Burquitlam and the rest of Metro Vancouver.

Who We Are

We are a dedicated and dynamic team of career development practitioners. We embody our workplace values: open and respectful communication, personal accountability, upholding professional ethics, and ensuring an enjoyable workplace by embracing humour, creativity, and enthusiasm.

SOV Career Advisor Core Duties: Facilitator/Job Developer

• Facilitation of the YWCA SURVIVE TO THRIVE program components which provide specialized employment services in both group and individual-based formats to participants who identify as survivors of violence (SOV) and/or Abuse.
• Develop and facilitate assessment, career planning, employability, and job search skills.
• Conduct Intakes, including following up on or receiving initial contacts to assess intake eligibility and assessing the need for safety concerns or maintenance i.e. assisting with safety planning connecting to relevant resources around safety and other appropriate referrals.
• Able to assess program readiness or best next steps including providing appropriate community referrals.
• Connecting SOV participants to YWCA and external resources and programs to support employment goals.
• Working with the SOV Manager and Direct Team and able to work with the wider YWCA and community.
• Follow up with participants to track results and provide job sustainment as part of a performance-based contract.
• Provide facilitation of personal development and employment-focused workshops, as well as related individualized coaching for those who have experienced violence/abuse, single parenting, or multi-barriers.
• Provide job development/job sustainment services for participants of the YWCA SURVIVE TO THRIVE program including connecting with employers and being able to work in conjunction with the Job development team.
• Connecting SOV participants to YWCA and external resources and programs to support employment goals.
• Assist participants in accessing Workshops, Training, Self-Employment, Job Development, Customized Employment, Specialized Assessments, Financial Supports, and Wage Subsidy. 
• Work closely with participants who have found employment and provide follow-up services to ensure job retention.
• Provide job coaching for participants and address concerns that might affect employment. This could include in-person, over-the-phone, and online support based on the needs of the individual and the situation.
• Providing career coaching, counseling, and placement for participants working with employers and the wider job development team.
• Ensuring documentation standards are met as part of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training (MAEST) policy.
• Conducting specialized outreach into the community to connect SOV participants to community connection.
• Case conference with the team to support participants in achieving and sustain employment and/or substantive education.
• Assist participants with interview preparation, labour market information, current employment trends, and resume writing skills including cover letters according to current standards.

Qualifications:

• Career advising and/or counselling experience, with demonstrated experience working one to one and in groups and facilitating workshops.
• Relevant post-secondary degree or diploma, or a combination of relevant education and experience
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in working with primarily female job seekers.
• Experience with employment services and the SOV population is an asset.  Career coaching, counseling, social service work skills, or a combination are beneficial. 
• Good communication and case note-writing skills.
• Understanding and making realistic job matches.
• Good organization skills and other basic admin duties.
• Skills with all Microsoft applications (i.e. Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Able to show initiative and flexibility and demonstrate a positive attitude towards change and work
• Criminal record check will be required.

Additional Experience as an Asset:

• Group facilitation experience, especially for Survivors of Violence / Abuse
• Violence/trauma-informed knowledge and understanding of impacts on employment
• Curriculum writing, adult education and development an asset.
• Computer, organization, and other administrative skills
• Administering assessment tools
• Own vehicle an asset
• Additional languages an asset