Employment Placement Specialist – STEP

Employment Placement Specialist

STEP Program

Temporary Full-Time | Hybrid – Edmonton

Connect. Engage. Open Doors.

You build bridges between job seekers and employers, opening pathways to meaningful, safe, and inclusive work.
You bring curiosity, confidence, and a relationship-centered approach that helps employers see the strengths of newcomer talent and helps clients take their first steps into the Canadian labor market.

About the Role

The Employment Placement Specialist supports newcomers and equity-seeking job seekers in securing early employment through the STEP program. The role focuses on employer engagement, job development, and workplace readiness, connecting clients to job opportunities and supporting employers in inclusive hiring and onboarding practices.

This is a fast-paced, community-facing role grounded in relationship building. You work directly with employers to understand workforce needs, develop job leads, and assess workplace suitability. You collaborate closely with Career Practitioners to align client strengths and readiness with employer expectations, contributing to coordinated pathways and strong early employment outcomes.

Hybrid work at the Newcomer Centre means on-site and community-based service delivery, including employer visits, outreach, and workshops. This role does not include regular work-from-home arrangements.

About the STEP Program

STEP (Support through Training, Employment, and Pathways) provides short-term, targeted employment support for newcomers preparing to enter the workforce. The program connects job seekers to immediate labour market opportunities and strengthens job readiness through individualized coaching, employment-focused language support, and coordinated employer engagement.

STEP emphasizes safe, fair, and inclusive workplaces and supports clients in navigating early employment challenges with confidence and dignity.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain strong employer relationships to understand hiring needs and expand inclusive employment pathways.
• Promote the STEP program to employers, highlighting the strengths and skills of newcomer job seekers.
  Identify emerging job opportunities and conduct proactive outreach to develop job leads aligned with client skills and readiness.
• Assess workplace suitability, safety, and inclusive practices to support positive early employment experiences.
• Collaborate closely with Career Practitioners to match clients to appropriate employment opportunities.
• Provide early employment coaching to clients on workplace expectations, communication, and retention strategies.
• Support clients and employers in resolving early workplace challenges, promoting safe and fair employment practices.
• Contribute to employer education by supporting workshops and sharing practical onboarding and retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of employer contacts, job leads, placements, and retention outcomes.
• Contribute to reporting requirements, funder metrics, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in committees such as JHSC, Employee Engagement, or Policy Review, contributing to a healthy and connected workplace.
• Actively learn and apply organizational policies, safety practices, and service standards to support consistent service delivery.

What It Takes

• A relationship-centered approach that builds trust with both employers and job seekers.
• Clear, adaptable communication that supports diverse English levels and cultural backgrounds.
• Confidence engaging with employers and representing the strengths of newcomer talent.
• Ability to assess workplace environments and support safe, inclusive employment practices.
• Strong organization, documentation, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative mindset that values coordinated service, shared outcomes, and continuous learning.
• Comfort communicating in English in a professional environment; additional languages are an asset.

What You Bring

We recognize that people develop skills in many ways. Success in this role blends formal learning with hands-on experience engaging employers, supporting job seekers, and navigating local labour markets.

• Post-secondary education in human services, HR, business, marketing, social sciences, or a related field; or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience in job development, employer engagement, recruitment, or employment services.
• Experience supporting immigrant, refugee, temporary resident, or equity-seeking job seekers.
• Knowledge of Alberta labour markets, inclusive hiring practices, and early employment challenges.
• Experience supporting individuals navigating systemic or workplace barriers.
• A clear Police Information Check (PIC) is required as a condition of employment.

Preferred / Asset Qualifications

• CDP certification or related employment-focused training.
• Training in trauma-informed practice, intercultural communication, or conflict management.
• Experience using CRM/case management systems and digital tools for employer engagement.
• Class 5 driver's licence and access to reliable transportation.

About the Newcomer Centre

Since 1981, the Newcomer Centre has helped thousands of newcomers build meaningful lives in Edmonton and across Alberta. Our programs support people in learning English, finding work, and connecting with their community. We believe every person deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Learn more at 

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, including newcomers, refugees, Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-seeking communities.

Skills can be developed in many ways. If your experience looks different from what's listed and you feel you can contribute meaningfully to this role, we encourage you to apply.