Career Advisor, Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants

Job DescriptionThe YWCA Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program is a funded initiative (Ministry of Municipal Affairs BC (MUNI) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)) to support newcomers to Canada who live in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the Coast; and have international credentials, training and skills from outside of Canada. YWCA Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants (CPSI) participants will work one-on-one with knowledgeable career advisors and job developer to gain valuable resources needed to assist them in launching their careers in Canada. This program is free for internationally trained professionals that reside in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Coast, who meet eligibility requirements. YWCA Career Paths (CPSI) will deliver programming to unemployed or underemployed individuals who have become permanent residents within the last five years and have at least one year of pre-arrival work experience.

**What you'll be doing**:
**Career Advisor and Job Developer Responsibilities**

**Participant Support**:

- Work closely with diverse participants, including skilled professional immigrants, addressing their unique needs, backgrounds, and employment aspirations.
- Conduct eligibility assessments and personalized needs evaluations aligned with ministry guidelines.
- Facilitate info sessions, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions focusing on soft skills, employment readiness, overcoming barriers and job placement.
- Assess participant skills and strengths, assist in setting realistic career goals, action plan creation, and mentorship/networking opportunities.
- Provide comprehensive support in resume building, cover letters, interview preparation, and access to labor market insights.
- Foster confidence and resilience development among participants.

**Employer Engagement**:

- Conduct market research to identify employment trends, needs and emerging job opportunities.
- Collaborate with training providers to ensure participants receive relevant skills training to meet employer demands
- Match participants with suitable job openings based on their qualifications, skills, and career objectives.
- Promote program participants through various channels, including networking events and job fairs.
- Post job opportunities and ensure compelling job descriptions to attract potential employers.
- Collaborate with training providers to align participant skills with employer demands.

**Program Enhancement & Reporting**:

- Evaluate and enhance program offerings by gathering and incorporating employer and participant feedback.
- Generate reports on job placements, program outcomes, and employer engagement for continuous improvement.
- Provide holistic support, including conflict resolution and guidance for participants facing workplace challenges.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions to enhance employment opportunities.

**Administration and Miscellaneous**:

- Maintain accurate records (including job placements and employer interactions) and confidentiality of participant data as per ministry guidelines.
- Understand and adhere to program service models and performance measures outlined in the contract.
- Collaborate with program staff and contribute to case conferencing and special projects as required.
- Special project contribution and other duties, as required

**What you'll need**:

- Minimum educational requirements: A Bachelor's degree in a related field (education, counselling, social work) or a combination of a community college diploma in life skills counselling and 3 - 5 years combined experience in Career Counselling and Job Development.
- Knowledge of the Canadian Local Labour Market.
- Keen understanding of the experience of newcomer individuals in Canada and their available social supports.
- Proven work experience as a Career Advisor, Trainer, Facilitator or similar role.
- Hands-on experience coordinating multiple trainings using online platforms.
- Experienced in liaising and developing relationships with employers.
- Motivated to work independently and as part of a team to deliver exemplary service.
- Advanced social media skills and their use in clients' job search process (e.g., LinkedIn).
- Excellent computer skills (all Microsoft Applications, Zoom video).
- Must be able to work in person during office hours at the YWCA program location.
- A second language will be considered an asset
- A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.
- The YWCA Metro Vancouver's COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

**What we offer**: We offer our eligible emp