Y-RISE Program Community Navigator

Title: Y-RISE Program Community Navigator (Readiness, Integration, Skills, and Employment)

Location: YMCA Immigrant Services

Position Status: Part-Time, Contract until March 31, 2026; 20 hours per week

Compensation: $21.43 per hour

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigating a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone's in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It's your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home

About the role:

We are seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and culturally sensitive Community Navigator to support participants throughout their employment journey in our Pre-Employment Project for Racialized Immigrant Women.

The Community Navigator provides individualized, wraparound support to help participants overcome barriers to employment, access essential services, and build the confidence needed to integrate into the Canadian workforce. This role is central to fostering trust, offering one-on-one guidance, and connecting clients to the right tools and resources at each stage of their journey.

In this role, you will:

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally safe, and language-accessible one-on-one support to participants
• Conduct program specific intake interviews and assessments to understand employment readiness, skills, goals, and barriers
• Collaboratively develop individualized plans for participants that focus on employment, training, and personal development.
• Assist participants and a team in preparing for interviews, developing resumes, and practicing job search strategies when needed
• Connect participants with internal YMCA programs and external services including child care, mental health support, settlement assistance, transportation, and interpretation services
• Provide support to participants in navigating available resources, ensuring they access timely and appropriate services to meet their needs
• Act as a consistent point of contact, fostering trust and a sense of belonging among participants throughout the program
• Support participant involvement in classroom-based training (e.g., English for the workplace, digital literacy, resume writing)
• Assist with work experience placement coordination, and follow-ups during hands-on employment training within YMCA departments or external partners.
• Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate and confidential client notes and records
• Work closely with Program Coordinator, Job Developer, and other program staff to ensure seamless and holistic support, and meaningful outcomes for participants
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and ongoing program development

Education and skills qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting newcomers, racialized women, or other equity-deserving groups in employment, settlement, or community services.
• Strong understanding of systemic barriers faced by racialized immigrant women (especially those with limited English) in accessing employment and services.
• Demonstrated experience providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered support.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages (e.g., Arabic, Amharic, Somali, Tigrinya, Kiswahili) are highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with clients, staff, and community partners.
• Experience applying trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches in client support.
• Knowledge of community resources, employment services, and social supports (e.g., mental health, childcare, language services).
• Skilled in maintaining accurate and confidential client records and tracking progress toward goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Proficiency with digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and comfort supporting clients with digital literacy needs.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality

To apply:

Please apply online at by October 21, 2025.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older. Please also note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.