Employment Specialist

Position Summary

KCR Community Resources is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Employment Specialist to join our Employment Services team. In this role, you will support individuals in building confidence, overcoming barriers to employment, and achieving meaningful employment outcomes. You will facilitate engaging workshops, provide one-on-one employment counselling, and support participants in developing realistic and achievable return-to-work goals. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about community-based work, enjoys supporting diverse populations, and values creating inclusive and empowering spaces for individuals navigating employment and career transitions.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Employment Services Manager

Prime Functions

Intake and Referrals

• Assist in conducting information sessions designed to provide detailed program information to interested individuals, as needed.
• Assist Participants with completing application and intake forms.
• Assist interested applicants with determining program eligibility when required.
• Review program applications and meet one-on-one with applicants to complete an introductory assessment of their background, including culture, education, work experience, individual needs, and barriers to employment.
• Advise successful applicants of acceptance into the program, program modules and dates, and program expectations.
• If an applicant is not eligible for the program, refer them to WorkBC or other appropriate community supports and resources.

Facilitation

• Design, together with the Employment Services Manager, and facilitate group-based workshops and activities on employability, life skills, and other topics that address issues and barriers experienced by more vulnerable job seekers, immigrants, and older workers.
• Administer, score, and review vocational and/or learning assessments with Participants.
• Assist Participants with completing pre- and post-assessments after each training module and review the results with them.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with Participants, community service providers, employers, and other key stakeholders to collectively identify training and employment needs.

Employment Counselling

• Provide individual employment counselling specialized for more vulnerable job seekers, immigrants, and older workers, including discussions on returning to work and retraining as they relate to labour market demand and individual abilities.
• Evaluate job readiness and areas of concern, assist Participants in identifying transferable skills when they are unable to return to a previous occupation, guide Participants through the career planning process, set goals, and provide information and referrals to support successful employment outcomes.
• Support Participants in exploring career pathways, identifying opportunities for growth and advancement, and developing realistic short- and long-term career goals.
• Assist Participants in developing Return to Work Action Plans and support them in achieving their employment objectives.
• Monitor Participant progress and attendance while in training.
• Maintain up-to-date case management files, including hard-copy documentation such as needs assessment forms, eligibility reports, service summary records, and signed, dated, current Return to Work Action Plans.

Administration

• Attend staff meetings and professional development in-services.
• Use technology-based applications to track Participant data and employer and community contacts.
• Follow policies and procedures when completing and submitting internal forms and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three years of post-secondary education in the humanities; preference will be given to candidates with an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of direct experience providing employment assistance and facilitating group-based workshops on employability, life skills, health and wellness, or related topics is preferred.
• Three to five years of direct experience providing employment assistance and supports to specialized populations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.

Benefits

• 3 weeks vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Group benefits including extended health, dental, and paramedical coverage
• Health spending account
• Pension contribution

Application Process

KCR Community Resources has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We will strive to provide reasonable accommodations, accessible formats, and communication support upon request to all candidates throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact People and Culture Manager at our main office at 250-763-8008.

About KCR Community Resources

KCR is a not-for-profit agency fostering diversity, collaboration, and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet community, family, and individual needs. We believe in a community where individuals and families are supported in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We value inclusion and relationships built on mutual trust, recognizing each other's contributions, expertise, and opinions. We strive to create a safe and welcoming work environment where collaboration and valuing people's strengths are at the core of our day-to-day interactions.