Employment and Support Navigator

**Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development**

Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and workforce development, then consider a career with Centre for Skills Development

Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, with locations in Oakville, Milton and Clarkson, Centre for Skills delivers high caliber employment services, language training & settlement services, skilled trades training and literacy upgrading. Providing people with opportunities to build a better future and making a positive impact on peoples’ lives is integral to the business of Centre for Skills. For more information, visit: centreforskills.ca

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

**Job Number: 444**

**Job Title: Employment and Support Navigator**

**Department: Skilled Trades**

**Location: Burlington On-site**

**Schedule: Monday to Friday, 11:00am - 7:00pm**

**Hours of Work: Full-time (35 hours per week)**

**Reports To: Program Coordinator**

**Start Date: August 2025**

**End Date: March 31, 2026**

The **Employment and Support Navigator** provides employment, job search, and wellness support to clients who participate in the Skilled Trades programs.

**These are your responsibilities**:

- Conduct assessments (common assessment) and other intake forms as needed with skilled trades students who are beginning their respective programs
- Assist with recruitment activities, including information sessions, applicant interviews, community outreach and presentations, and shop day events.
- Lead the onboarding process for pre-apprenticeship students, providing week-one orientation, introducing instructors, and ensuring all preliminary forms are completed.
- Administer and implement EO-Employment Services components of support to participants registered in Centre for Skills Skilled Trades programs, from registration through follow-up.
- Facilitate group workshops focused on employability and job search, tailored to the skilled trades sector. Topics include Employer Expectations, Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Job Searching, Apprenticeship Processes, Career Planning, and more.
- Meet with students 1-on-1 during and after the program to develop individualized job search strategies and support their employment journey.
- Provide employability coaching to improve job readiness and long-term employment success.
- Conduct post-program follow-up in line with funder and Employment Services requirements.
- Administer ESAT and other employment-related assessments to support personal and career development.
- Work closely with Workforce Development Specialists, Job Developers, and the broader program team to coordinate student placements, employment opportunities, and employer visits.
- Collaborate with Mental Health Specialist to deliver employment components of the GIG program and support the WIST program from an employment perspective.
- Accompany students on class visits to local employers and support job matching efforts.
- Plan and lead employment-related initiatives that enhance program outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Mental Health Specialist (MHS) to address student wellness, particularly for evening program participants.
- Identify and respond to student needs related to mental health, life stabilization, and learning challenges in partnership with MHS.
- Provide crisis intervention and utilize sound judgment in emergency or high-stress situations.
- Participate in community outreach to promote program services and develop partnerships with educational institutions, employers, and community agencies.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting to meet funder targets and support continuous program improvement.

**What you need to bring to this job**:

- Diploma or degree in a related field. Suitable educational equivalents may be considered for individuals with 5+ years of highly related experience in a similar role within a workforce development setting.
- Certification in ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, SafeTalk, TAMI an asset
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working with employment counselling, case management, mental health counselling/coaching, addictions and/or crisis intervention
- Experience working with adults from culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, youth, OW/ODSP recipients, and multi-barriered clients; Preference will be given to those with EO experience
- Knowledge and experience with Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Counselling, and the Common Assessment Tool and/or similar model for conducting intake assessments
- Ability to create a safe, comfortable environment for clients to work within
- Demonstrated ability to work in a target driven outcome-based model; accountable to achieving monthly targets
- Strong knowledge of job search techniques, career development, and issues relating to unemployment; within the skilled t