Employment Specialist
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services is currently looking for an Employment Specialist who supports youth in achieving their education and employment goals through a strengths-based, person-centered approach. This role provides personalized career guidance, skills development, and barrier reduction, ensuring that each client’s unique strengths, interests, and abilities are recognized and actively fostered. The Employment Specialist collaborates with clients, employers, and community partners to create inclusive and accessible opportunities, facilitate workplace and educational accommodations, and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery. By maintaining consistent, ongoing support and engagement, the Employment Specialist empowers youth to successfully transition into the labour market and participate in their communities.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
· Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify each client’s strengths, interests, abilities, and aspirations.
· Supports youth in achieving employment and post-secondary education goals, including retention, re-engagement, and successful transitions into training, college, university, trades, and adult learning programs.
· Use motivational interviewing and strengths-based techniques to empower clients and build self-confidence.
· Partner with clients to co-create Employment Action Plans that reflect their goals, strengths, and lived experiences.
· Regularly review and adjust plans in response to client progress, feedback, and changing circumstances.
· Support youth to access, transition into, and remain engaged in post-secondary education, training, and trades programs.
· Assist youth with navigating applications, registration, course planning, funding, and program transitions.
· Collaborate with post-secondary institutions, training providers, and education partners to reduce barriers and support retention.
· Advocate for academic and training accommodations related to mental health, disability, or life circumstances.
· Facilitate workshops and one-on-one sessions on pre-employment skills, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation.
· Provide access to resources and opportunities for skill-building, including volunteer placements, job shadowing, and training programs.
· Build and maintain relationships with local employers, community agencies, and service providers to expand opportunities for youth.
· Promote EDI principles in all outreach and partnership activities, ensuring diverse representation and inclusive practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience
· Diploma in a related human/social service field
· Minimum one (1) year recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
· Experience in career development, client outreach, group facilitation, individual employment/career counseling, and portfolio development
· Experience supporting youth with mental health and substance use challenges
Additional Requirements:
· Clear Criminal Record Check is required.
· Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
· Valid and unrestricted Class 5 BC Driver’s License with access to a safe and reliable vehicle.
· Acceptable Driver’s Abstract (provided annually).
· Position requires Union Membership.
Shift/Schedule/Hours per week: Regular full-time; 35 hours per week
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Wage/Salary: $29.17/hour
Grid Level: 12
Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled
We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and upholds equity, inclusion, and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, including queer, trans, and two-spirit individuals. We recognize systemic inequalities and our own privilege, and we are committed to reducing bias and removing barriers in our hiring process. We welcome feedback from all applicants.