Ballad Group

Ballad Group is actively searching for a Community Support Worker in Grande Prairie who embodies enthusiasm for coaching, fostering connections, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of participants within the CORE Youth Employment Connections Program. It's a long name so you can just call it CORE! We welcome individuals who are passionate about empowering youth in the Grande Prairie community and its surrounding region to apply for the position of Community Support Worker and join our team.

But who is Ballad Group? Well, our training programs have built capacity in diverse areas including entrepreneurship, insurance, information and computer technology, construction, French language acquisition, hospitality, supply chain management, and more. We have delivered unique training programs for a variety of organizations, Indigenous Communities and on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development, the Ministry of Seniors, Community & Social Services, the Ministry of Child Services and Social Development Canada.

So, what exactly is the CORE Program all about? It's designed to foster Connections, Opportunities, Relationships, and Employment prospects for youth in care and young adults transitioning out of care. Through this initiative, we strive to cultivate their confidence, knowledge, skills, behaviors, experiences, and attitudes; ultimately empowering them to make positive strides in their employment and career paths.

The Opportunity:

The Community Support Worker will have a vital role in Ballad's CORE Program. This position will support youth in the Grande Prairie community and surrounding region by providing employment training and offering resources to youth participating in the CORE program. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to lead the development and delivery of various employment and life management workshops using effective learning modalities and delivery methods.

The Community Support Worker will also supervise the CORE Youth Lounge, with a focus on forming lasting relationships, encouraging meaningful daily activities, and facilitating various peer connection opportunities and workshops to promote the overall welfare of CORE participants.

Highlights of the Role Include:

1. Facilitate workshops on employment preparation and life management, empowering youth to navigate professional and personal obstacles

1. Assist in participant recruitment and oversee CORE Youth Lounge day-to-day operations
2. Proactively manage cases and services, prioritizing the attainment of high-quality job placements
3. Offer personalized career counseling sessions to youth and young adults, guiding them towards fulfilling career paths
4. Develop purposeful activities for youth participants that resonate with the program's mission and vision, fostering tangible program outcomes
5. Cultivate lasting connections and encourage positive interactions with all CORE Youth participants, nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment

This role is based in Grande Prairie and operates from Ballad's Grande Prairie Training Centre. Occasional travel within the Grande Prairie community and within a 500km service delivery radius may be necessary, utilizing the CORE Mobile Unit. The position collaborates closely with the CORE Program Team and directly reports to the CORE Program Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct individual, family, or group meetings with participants to assess their strengths and identify barriers, tailoring services to meet their unique goals
• Offer support to participants in developing skills to address and overcome social and personal challenges
• Connect participants with resources, facilitating access to mental health support, financial assistance, legal aid, housing services, medical care, and other relevant resources
• Collaborate closely with the CORE Program Team to contribute insights into individual service delivery plans

Program Development:

• Work closely with program team members to craft and enhance program materials tailored for workshops, emphasizing life management, employment, career planning, and job search strategies
• Create and deliver CORE Skills opportunities for participants to gain hands-on skills development and exposure to various employment opportunities. Including tours, job shadowing, work exposure, Ballad contractor simulated worksites, and volunteering
• Spearhead the design of fun and engaging peer connection events for CORE participants
• Source, access, and support participants in obtaining short-term, job specific exposure courses
• Build strong community and employer connections to provide access to employer matching, job placements, and onsite mentorship services for CORE participants

Program Delivery:

• Foster professional connections among internal teams and external partners
• Spark inventive solutions to empower participant success
• Engage participants in meaningful conversations to uncover their employment journey, educational background, and career aspirations
• Identify and overcome obstacles to employment, offering personalized guidance on enhancing job readiness, honing job search strategies, crafting compelling resumes, and mastering interview techniques
• Empower participants with practical insights and strategies for securing and thriving in employment roles, helping them navigate workplace transitions with confidence
• Host vibrant peer & cultural connection events to cultivate a supportive community atmosphere
• Facilitate seamless employer matches and job placements, and provide hands-on mentorship within workplace settings

Program Reporting:

• Compile and submit necessary program reports to the CORE Program Coordinator
• Maintain daily documentation in Ballad's reporting database, utilizing Monday.com

Business Development:

• Successfully embody the program's ethos when engaging with Ballad staff and sector stakeholders
• Promote CORE Program initiatives both internally and externally through effective communication channels
• Actively address challenges by cultivating positive solutions among staff, participants, and partners

• Generate and nurture professional relationships within the Grande Prairie community and surrounding region, with a specific focus on facilitating job placements for CORE participants
• Engage with external events to support recruitment efforts, provide work experience opportunities, and enhance job placement prospects

Support Work:

• Manage administrative tasks such as maintaining participant files, data entry, handling incoming inquiries, and preparing materials
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as they arise and as assigned

Experience:

1. Required: A recognized post-secondary diploma or degree in the human services field from an accredited college or university
2. Experience: 3 to 5 years in a related role, with proficiency in mental health services, supportive housing programs, group facilitation, and working with clients with complex health needs

• Community Engagement: Strong connections within the Grande Prairie community and agencies are advantageous but not mandatory

1. Skillset: Proficiency in public speaking or group facilitation within formal environments or employment settings. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and online database tools (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)
2. Communication: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills, coupled with a genuine passion for building relationships across diverse populations, employers, and stakeholders
3. Diversity and Inclusion: Exposure to diversity and inclusion programs is beneficial

• Teamwork: Ability to work independently while being an integral part of a team
• Expertise: Experience supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds, including disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, Indigenous youth, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community

1. Note: All employees are required to undergo a mandatory Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check

Schedule:

• The core hours for this role are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Occasionally, weekend and evening commitments may be required for this position.