Be the Spark! Join our team of Employment Counsellors, where you will personally be a part of making our community a better place to live!

The Job Skills Counsellor provides and prepares members for employment through the facilitation of workshops, one to one employment counselling, referral to community resources and consultation with employers to secure employment opportunities, as well as provide continuous follow up to ensure successful outcomes. The Job Skills Counsellor work as, and is part of program delivery, within a fast-paced employment centre offering multiple program opportunities for adult and youth members.

In this role, you will:

• Interview, assess and assist members to achieve their employment goals through identifying and following up on a plan of action to achieve employment goals - Ability to work in person and virtually
• Provide one to one coaching and motivation. Prepare members for employment through the facilitation of life skills, job search, pre-employment and job maintenance workshops - Ability to work in person and virtually.
• Assist in identifying barriers to employment. Counsel members on proper résumé and job search technique. Assist members in the use of computers and other tools to conduct information searches. Assist members in the development of appropriate work habits, behaviours and attitudes for the workplace.
• Advocate on behalf of members to community employers, services and programs that will move them closer to their employment goals. Consult with team members and community partners to find employment opportunities, and monitor progress in the work environment. Participate in outreach events/ activities through collaboration and relationship development with community partners.
• Ensure self management of program targets related to the employment program delivery and funder expectations; complete and maintain members' files as per funder and YMCA quality standards.
• Understand and support YMCA philanthropic commitments, connect with families and offer opportunities to give, either financially or their personal time, including participation in special events within the centre and the community.
• Other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• University Degree preferred or College Diploma or equivalent experience in Employment Counselling, Social/Community Work, Social Services or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of two years counselling, file management and group facilitation experience an asset. Other Career Testing Certificates an asset, e.g. Level B, Life Skills
• Superior presentation and written communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources, familiarity with the labour market as well as apprenticeship and training opportunities
• Proficient with personal computer applications, e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet search engines
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Excellent written communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
  

• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

If you are hired, prior to your start date and as a condition of your employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.