Since 2014, the YWCA Metro Vancouver has been offering the Strive program to assist youth in and from government care to successfully transition to independence. The program’s objective is to enhance participants’ life and employability skills through wraparound supports and services to achieve employment and/or further education. The program operates in cycles of 12 weeks, consisting of seven weeks of group, in-person workshops, followed by five weeks of one-to-one individualized support.  

The program is funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS). 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Build and nurture relationships with youth aged 16-29 

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

• Understanding of trauma-informed practice as it applies to group facilitation, rapport building, and development of workshops 

• 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. 

• Effectively manage behavioural challenges during group sessions with empathy, assertiveness and professionalism  

• Maintain accurate client records and ensure client confidentiality 

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

• Provide one-to-one support to youth in resume writing, 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 in-person workshops on employability and job search topics  

• 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 

What you’ll need: 

• Passion for working with youth in-care and youth facing barriers to employment 

• Minimum educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and relevant experience 

• Knowledge of youth care systems or minimum one year of experience working with at-risk youth.  

• 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  

• Experience working with First Nations and Indigenous persons and understanding of cultural safety and sensitivity.  

• Knowledge and understanding of MCFD services and community resources 

• Knowledge of social determinants of health and trauma informed practices.  

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

• 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