Date Posted: July 31, 2026
Position Title: Employment Coach
Location: Aboriginal Training and Employment Centre (144 Briar Ave, Kamloops, BC V2B 1C1)
Term: Temporary, Full-Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Shift: Monday-Friday, some evenings and weekends may be required
Start Date: August 15, 2026
End Date: March 2028
Salary: $57,229–$62,000 annually
Reports To: Manager, Employment and Skills Development
Benefits:
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Competitive vacation and paid sick time
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Free YMCA Gym Membership+ Y@Home
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Generous employer-matched pension plan
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Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
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Training and Professional Development Opportunities
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Extensive Employee assistance program
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Reduced childcare rates and priority placement for YMCA Staff
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Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community
- Some benefits may vary based on employment terms
Situation:
YMCA BC is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change to grow in spirit, mind, and body.
Since January 2023, YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver are officially one association, with one mission to strengthen our impact for communities across British Columbia. We are YMCA BC – Even Stronger Together. This transition marks a new chapter in our long-standing history of building communities, transforming lives, and connecting people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities, to unique opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
At the YMCA BC, people are our greatest asset, and we are proud to be an employer of choice. Working at the YMCA BC means you are part of a fun, positive team in an environment of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and inclusivity. We are committed to providing our community with the support it needs to thrive through employment, youth services, and programming for families and seniors. We believe a vibrant, healthy community is one in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.
Nature & Scope
Roots to Rise is a culturally responsive, community-based employment readiness program designed to address the systemic barriers Indigenous youth face in accessing meaningful employment.
The program prioritizes Indigenous youth, particularly those aging out of foster care who identify as neurodivergent. Working in partnership with ATEC, the program creates inclusive, accessible employment pathways that recognize and celebrate diverse learning styles, communication styles, and strengths.
Participants receive individualized employment coaching, culturally grounded programming, neurodiversity-affirming supports, employment readiness training, and connections to education, skills training, and sustainable employment opportunities.
Employment Coaches conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop individualized employment plans, coordinate wraparound supports with community partners, and foster relationships with employers to create inclusive workplaces that value neurodiversity and Indigenous ways of knowing.
This role goes beyond traditional employment support. It is rooted in relationship-building, cultural safety, strengths-based coaching, and advocacy to help Indigenous youth successfully navigate employment while honouring their identities, cultures, and lived experiences.
Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:
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Participant Support
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with Indigenous youth through trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practices.
- Conduct comprehensive strengths and needs assessments.
- Develop individualized employment and training plans that are youth-led and culturally relevant.
- Support participants in identifying their strengths, interests, and career goals.
- Provide individualized employment coaching throughout the participant journey.
- Deliver employment readiness workshops and career development activities.
- Assist participants with resumes, interviews, job search strategies, and workplace readiness.
- Track participant activity, progress, and outcomes using Salesforce and other reporting systems.
Employer Engagement
- Develop and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities in Kamloops and surrounding areas.
- Initiate and maintain relationships with employers, businesses, and industry representatives.
- Conduct employer outreach and cold calls to identify employment opportunities.
- Match participant skills with employer needs.
- Coordinate employment placements and ongoing employer support.
- Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and neurodiversity-affirming workplaces.
- Organize employer networking events, hiring fairs, and recruitment activities both virtually and in person.
Community Partnerships
- Coordinate wraparound supports through collaboration with Indigenous organizations, community agencies, and service providers.
- Connect participants with housing, health, education, cultural, and wellness supports.
- Develop creative outreach strategies to recruit program participants.
- Research labour market information, employment trends, and community resources.
- Foster relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous organizations, and local partners where appropriate.
Program Delivery
- Facilitate culturally responsive employment workshops.
- Adapt learning materials to accommodate diverse learning and communication styles.
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge, cultural teachings, and community connections into programming.
- Create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible learning environments.
Qualification-you bring:
- Post-secondary Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with youth and individuals facing barriers due to complex needs.- Experience supporting Indigenous communities is considered an asset.
- Experience working with neurodivergent individuals or individuals with learning differences is an asset.
- Certified Career Development Practitioner (CDP) designation or related certification is an asset.
- Experience facilitating employment or community-based programming.
- Strong facilitation and curriculum development skills.
- Knowledge of local labour market trends and community resources.
- Ability to build strong relationships with employers and community partners.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint), Salesforce, Adobe, and DocuSign.
- Emergency First Aid with CPR-C (required within 30 days of employment).
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search completed within six (6) months prior to employment.
Competencies:
- In addition to bringing commitment to YMCA vision and values, and an orientation to service, the candidate should possess the following competencies:
- Leadership/Coaching – Ability to direct and develop performance of others to achieve desired result.
- Service Strategy – Ability to identify the needs and wants of members/participants as a priority and respond in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person’s YMCA experience.
- Negotiation/Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Ability to speak, write, listen and secure information in many settings. Ability to cooperate with others to achieve results. Ability to create and build relationships inside and outside the organization.
- Problem Solving – Ability to identify an issue, gather and processes relevant information, determine possible solutions, selects appropriate responses and implements and evaluates them.
- Initiative/Enthusiasm/Innovation – Ability to manage and lead to achieve and exceed identified goals.
- Community Awareness and Understanding – Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the vision, mission, and values of the organization
- Self-Management – ability to appropriately manage one’s own emotions and strong feelings; maintain a calm and tactful composure under a broad range of challenging circumstances; and think clearly and stay focused under pressure. Encompasses self-regulation and mindfulness.
- Teamwork/ Cooperation – ability to work cooperatively and productively with others within and across organizational units to achieve common goals; demonstrate respect, cooperation, collaboration, and consensus-building.
About YMCA BC:
By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.
As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.
We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.
YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at ymcabc.ca.
Application Process-ready to make a difference?
We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!
Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)
Application Deadline: Until filled
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Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.
You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.
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If short-listed for a position: We will contact, you to move forward to the next step.
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If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.
Note: Depending on the role, we may be required to prioritize internal applicants. At YMCA BC, we approach each hiring process individually, recognizing that people bring diverse experiences and strengths. If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your unique background might be just what we’re looking for. And if this role isn’t the right fit, we hope you’ll continue exploring future opportunities with us that align with your skills and aspirations.
YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.
Thank you for your interest and application.
