Start Program Facilitator

_**Are you passionate about making a difference?**_

The WorkLink Employment Society is recruiting a full-time Program Facilitator for the START Program. This is a term position working up to 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) in our Westshore and Sooke locations; with a salary range of $30.62 - $31.39 per hour. A comprehensive benefits package is also available.
- **About The Society**:_

WorkLink has provided government-sponsored employment services to the residents of the Victoria Capital Region’s Westshore (Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal, and Metchosin) since 1978. In 2008, our services expanded to include the communities of Sooke and surrounding areas including Jordan River and Port Renfrew. We are also pleased to provide Indigenous outreach services to the First Nations Communities of Beecher Bay, T’Souke, and Pacheedaht. Our non-profit organization is funded through both federal and provincial government initiatives. WorkLink is a registered charity in the Province of BC, which is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors chosen from leaders in the community.

We empower our employees to achieve great things and are proud to offer:

- Accelerated vacation entitlement.
- Competitive wage & health benefits packages
- Pets in the workplace
- Strong workplace culture
- Supported work/life balance options
- **About the Position**:_

The START Program Facilitator position is funded by the Federal Government of Canada to assist eligible youth 15 to 30 years of age in developing a broad range of skills and knowledge in searching for and obtaining work. This program consists of a 6-week classroom component with the opportunity of an 8-week work experience placement (with or without a wage subsidy incentive). The work of the Project Facilitator is to deliver a variety of employment-related life skills topics, job search workshops and to mentor the youth in understanding the world of work and employer expectations. The facilitator will work alongside the Program Coordinator to support youth with barriers to employment.

**Key duties for this position include**:

- Arrange resource speakers/trainers such as local employers, customer service trainers, first aid trainers, etc.;
- Assist participants in obtaining an eight-week paid work experience placement. Placements should be suited to the participant's skills, interests, and realistic employment goals;
- Support clients with learning and program assignments including certificates, worksheets, resume and cover letters, etc.
- Completion of payroll and participant timesheets to be submitted to finance
- Deliver an in-person program that will allow participants to increase their self-confidence in order to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment;
- Evaluate teaching methods/anticipating the need for/recommending new strategies/methods;
- Facilitate job search: labour market analysis, resume writing, portfolio development, and job maintenance strategies;
- Facilitate personal development: self-awareness, building self-esteem, problem-solving, critical thinking, personal image building, time management, and community resource awareness;
- Facilitate personal planning: motivation for self-sufficiency, interests and aptitudes, responsibilities/rights in the workplace, career decision-making, and examining long-term goals;
- Maintain information systems to track information on participants, project activities and employers;
- Negotiate work placements with employers, including outlining dates, location of training, job duties, expectations, evaluation processes, risk management, and monitoring arrangements;
- Provide job development services to clients during peak periods.
- Community networking with employers, community partners, and other service providers
- Refer participants to supportive community resources where appropriate;
- Administrative responsibilities as well as other duties as required

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**:

- Able to conduct assessments, and interviews and guide participants.
- Ability to build rapport and trust with clients to support them in overcoming barriers including mental health, housing, trauma, substance use, etc.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage tight deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of the local labour market.
- Knowledge of the strength-based, person-centered, and client-focused framework
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice
- Communications and public relations skills.
- Highly organized with strong administrative skills.
- Knowledge of information management and online reporting systems.
- Professional and responsible with sensitive and confidential situations.
- Superior verbal/written skills, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- A minimum of one to two (2) years of demonstrated experience in group workshop facilitation in a career/job search environment.
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with