The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Gear Up program, launched in January 2020, supports NEET youth (ages 16-30) by providing employability skills, certifications, and hands-on bike mechanic training with the goal of securing employment in a bike shop. Funded by the Ministry of Post-Secondary and Future Skills and in partnership with RBC, the 13-week program includes six weeks of workshops and hands-on bike repair training with Pedal Society, followed by a six-week work placement in a bike shop. If participants do not secure employment, they receive two additional weeks of intensive job search support.  

What you’ll be doing: 

• Facilitate group life and employability skills workshops for participants 

• Pursue potential new partner shops and maintain positive relationships with new and current partners 

• Recruit job placement employers and place participants in appropriate 6-week placements 

• Research and pursue other community advancement opportunities 

• Provide on-the-job coaching for participants during paid work experience placements 

• Assist participants with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation and job search strategies 

• Assist program participants in identifying short and long-term goals  

• Provide individualized coaching and support as participants work towards goals  

• Work collaboratively within the community and YWCA for referrals and client recruitment 

• Schedule guest facilitators 

• Other duties as required  

What you’ll need: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

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

• Career advising and group facilitation experience with at-risk youth 

• Keen understanding of issues and barriers faced by youth 

• Understanding of community resource and wrap-around supports available to program participants 

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

• Must be reliable, well-organized, detail-oriented, excellent follow-through skills 

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• Ability to lift over 25 lbs 

• CCDP certification will be considered an asset 

• Bike Mechanic skills will be considered an asset  

• Experience working with Indigenous persons is an asset 

• BC Driver’s License (Class 5) and access to a vehicle is an asset (mileage reimbursement provided) 

• 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: $31.16 per hour