Employment Navigator

THE PROGRAM

StartWorkis a contract with Momentum through the Government of Alberta.Through thispartnershipthe Calgary Dream Centre has started a paid employment program made for people on Alberta Income Support who want to get back to work. We believe workhelpspeopleheal, find purpose, belong, and contribute to a life worth living.The program offers individuals on Alberta Income Support and with barriersrapid linkage to thelabourmarket with wraparoundsupports.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Manager, the EmploymentNavigatorplays a vital role within both the Calgary Dream Centre community and the employment program. This positionis responsible fordelivering employment-focused services that support adults in achieving economic independence, personal growth, and long-term community integrationand helping participants remain off income support and build meaningful, sustainable livelihoods.

The EmploymentNavigatorengages directly with participant workers throughout their journey, from intake and assessment through job placement and retention, whilemaintainingrelationships with employer partners to support day-to-day placement needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES& SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT

• Conduct intake and eligibility screening;assistparticipants with completing forms and obtaining required documentation.

• Assess each participants education, work history, strengths, challenges, and career goals.

• Provide one-on-one mentorship to participant workers, serving as a consistent and responsive role model throughout their employment journey.

• Support participants through the job search and application process, including resume development, online profiles, and interview preparation.

• Facilitate job readiness curriculum and training sessions asrequired.

• Identify barriers to employment and facilitate removal through in-house or external referrals.

• Provide supportive services as available.

• Develop andmaintainday-to-day relationships with employer partners to support job placements and retention.

• Promote the program to community employers and connect participants with inclusive employment opportunities.

• Support participants during workplace placements by mediating challenges andfacilitatingcommunication with employers.

• Facilitate client led development of employment transition plans.

• Provide regular progress updates to case managers based on observed participant needs.

• Provide follow-up and retention services, including career guidance, wage advancement support, and community resource referrals.

• Document employment updates, status changes, and case notes in the program database.

• Track job-readiness training, work placement hours, attendance, and outcome data.

• Meet reporting requirementsin accordance withprogram and funder standards.

• Attend team and agency meetings.

• Engage and support participant workers in their healing and recovery journey.

• Other duties as assigned.

The scope of employment may include:

• Work with struggling individuals who may use aggressive behavior (verbal and/or physical) in their interactions with staff and community members

• Handlingdifficult situationswith community members which involve the impact of trauma, addictions, suicidal ideations, and/or mental health challenges

SUCCESS CRITERIA

The EmploymentNavigatorwill be considered successful in this role when they are:

• Consistently supporting participants through all stages of the employment journey, from intake to job placement and retention

• Building andmaintainingpositive, trust-based relationships with participant workers, employer partners, and community referral sources

• Demonstrating a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach in all participant interactions

• Facilitatingtimelyand effective removal of barriers to employment through internal support or external referrals

• Achieving strong job retention outcomes, with participantsmaintainingemployment at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days post-placement

• Keeping participant records, case notes, and outcome dataaccurate, current, and compliant

• Collaborating effectively with the Program Manager, themulti disciplinaryteam, and community partners to advance participant employment transition plans

• Contributing to a program environment that reflects the values of dignity, respect, and community

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Education in counselling, human services, social sciences, or a related field, or working towards preferred

• Experience in employment services, case management, addictions counselling, recovery coaching, or a related field preferred

• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with lived experience of addiction, incarceration, poverty, or marginalization

• Strong interest in addiction recovery or workforce development services
  

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Computer proficient (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to learn and use program data management systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional case documentation and reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport andmaintaina safe, supportive, and interactive environment.

• Capacity to manage and lead people; skilled team builder who can connect with individuals and groups

• Mission-driven with a strong personal work ethic and genuine commitment to recovery.

• Able tomaintainstrong professional and personal boundaries while providing authentic mentorship.

• Challenge seeker and creative problem solver; comfortable acting decisively with limited information.

• Able to hold team members and community members accountablewithcompassion and consistency.

• Not afraid to take charge; able to overcome resistance and take unpopular stands when necessary.

• Detail-oriented; thrives in shared, fast-paced office environmentswith frequent interruptions