Youth Employment Counsellor

Location
- YWCA Career Zone Youth Employment Centre, 1256 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC.
- Posting Period
- Open until filled
Job DescriptionThis is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with youth and their love of animals The YWCA Off the Leash is a free program for youth aged 16-29 who are interested in finding employment or further education in the pet care industry, such as working as groomers, grooming assistants, dog walkers, dog day care attendants, veterinary office assistants, veterinary tech assistants. The program operates in cycles of 12 weeks with participants obtaining employment readiness, certificates and training applicable to the pet care industry during the first six weeks of programming. There is no need to have experience in working with animals and the pet care industry, just a passion to support youth moving ahead towards their employment, education and life goals. The program is built on participant’s interest and passion for working with animals. A great opportunity for gaining experience within the youth-serving field and being part of a thriving and long-standing organization.

The program is funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS).

**Working with Youth**:

- Facilitate interactive workshops as part of a team to support youth in developing career pathways to the pet care industry including: education planning; pet care industry orientation; job search skills; life skills such as teamwork and communication; career development.
- Providing information sessions and participant intakes to determine eligibility and suitability for the program.
- Assist program participants with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation
- Assist participants to research and obtain work experience placements in the pet and animal care industry.
- Maintain accurate client records and preserve client confidentiality.
- Work with clients to acquire specific skills for the labour market.
- Provide job search coaching; assist clients in identifying and overcoming employment

barriers, setting realistic career goals, and creating and following action plans.
- Attend case conferencing meetings with program staff as needed to support participant goals and pathways

**Working with the Community**:

- As part of the YWCA team, work with local community partners to promote the program, recruit participants and establish long-term partnerships
- Connect youth with wrap around supports in the community
- Connect with employers for work placements and job openings in line with participant goals and action plans
- Meet with employers to create training plans and complete paperwork.
- Support employers and participants to resolve any issues during work experiences
- Attend job fairs and events in the community
- Special project contribution and other duties as needed.

**What you’ll need**:

- Passion and interest in supporting youth facing barriers to employment in developing and moving towards their employment and life goals.
- Interest in facilitating interactive group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions with clients, curriculum is provided.
- Interest in working with employers in the community to connect participants with work experience and employment opportunities. Developed employer network established through current program delivery.
- Motivation to work as part of a team to provide wrap around supports for youth in our community
- Strong communication skills.
- Flexibility and positive attitude towards change.
- Interest in working within a dynamic charity that is focussed on fostering a community of inclusion and belonging.
- A combination of education and/or experience relevant to this role, including lived experience
- A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.

**What we offer**: We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package.
- extended medical and dental benefits
- a defined benefit pension plan
- flexible working arrangements for applicable positions
- Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members
- Free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres
- a workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.

**Pay Rate: $31.16/hr**
How to Apply**Shelly Sarai (she/her), Manager - Off the Leash Program for Youth**

Open until filled.