The opportunity:
The Employment Specialist –Community/Employer Engagement & Retention Coach acts as a community and employer liaison to our Employment service and to customers in their independent job search, and provides in-depth information on the job search process, its tools, and related information, in workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one, either virtually or in person.
Breakdown of role:
30% of this role is carrying a coaching caseload of Stream A (occasional Stream B) clients who are actively looking for work and are considered closest to the labour market. In addition, this individual will provide support to Job Coaches who have clients returning to service from outcomes to job search. The goal will is to review and make recommendations to help provide new in-depth information on the job search process, its tools, and related information, in workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one, either virtually or in person. Acts as an objective second opinion to promote a full circle experience for clients who experience job loss in the 3-12 months post service.
70% of this role involves community and employer liaison work. The Community/Employer Engagement & Retention Coach is knowledgeable about the community, its businesses and services, and is up to date on what is influencing the local labour market. They are specialists in the tools required to uncover hidden job market opportunities and develops jobs for the mutual benefit of the employer and job seeker.
This high energy, dynamic position networks with employers and community partners, attends all business association meetings, community events, employer events to represent Employment Services and connects with employers to build strong new partnerships but maintain existing ones as well. This role provides labour market research support to job coaches, meets all new employers in the area to introduce them to our services, completes employer registrations and performs all Health and Safety requirements as laid out in the funder guidelines to promote training incentive placement agreements. The Community/Employer Engagement & Retention Coach makes decisions independently which support delivery of services and meet contractual obligations of our funder. This role involves disseminating and presenting relevant labour market information to employers and job coaches and in addition will be the Key liaison with our tri-site Job Development coordinator and provides guidance and training to job coaches, and is responsible to organize community events including but not limited to our YMCA annual Job Fair, employer events/training, and creates local, relevant employer communications in consultation with Site Manager.
In this role, you will:
- Be able to work independently while maintaining team cohesion
- Meet client and employer Volume and Key Performance Indicators set out by Manager and SSM
- Must be available to work flexible hours including evening and weekend hours to accommodate operational needs, client needs, community events, service provider and employer group meetings
- Market YMCA programs directly to employers using a structured marketing approach (prospecting, needs analysis, selling, follow-up)
- Actively participates in business community events to foster and maintain high visibility for the Employment Service and its services
- Assesses workplace environments and employers to determine overall suitability for client placement and related opportunities
- Offers value added workshops and training for job coaches, clients and employers– possesses additional training to support Employment related workshops
- Assists employers to develop training plans for clients
- Develops and delivers workshops and information sessions for the employer community
- Monitors client on-the-job progress and provides appropriate interventions for all placements
- Coaches employers and clients to help ensure successful outcomes
- Develops clear pipeline potential of employers willing to work with YMCA Employment Services for placements of registered clients.
- Develop and maintain knowledge about local employers, their business, and what they look for in new employees
- Support employer recruitment efforts and participate in Employment Services employer programs
- Maintains employer database in compliance with privacy legislation in consultation with Site Manager
- Complete, update and prioritize all required paperwork, case notes and documentation in a timely manner, as required
- Explore, identify and clarify client interests, motivation, abilities, skills, education and experience in relation to short- and long-term career and employment goals using assessment tools as required
- Develop and conduct job search/employment related workshops and information sessions, and other workshops as needed, for both job seekers and the employer community, documenting outcomes
- Multitask and adapt to evolving government directives
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the job search process, including new and evolving methods of self-promotion used by clients
- Through knowledge of local, regional and broader labour market information, advises the team on how to access in-depth information as required
- Knowledge of major online job information and career guidance sources for all major industries and vocations and support job seekers to access this information
- Ability to meet tight deadlines, solve problems and manage crisis situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
- Observe changing needs within the existing services and look for creative new opportunities to expand them
- Outreach to government agencies, community partners, and employers, developing the Y brand while building relationships to enhance service delivery
- Identify and develop tools to help job seekers and employers understand the changing labour market and its impact on the job search process
- Experience working in an environment where service is being provided to the public, and experience delivering outstanding customer service
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and youth at risk
- Understand the Performance Management model and the Service Quality Standard and its composition, and actively works with the employment team to attain, maintain, and exceed that standard
- Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the YMCA in Canada
- Demonstrate strong support and commitment to serving the membership, facility users and all program participants of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
- Adherence to all provincial and federal legislation relevant to job description.
- Manage a small budget associated with client funding and community/employer events as assigned by the Site Manager
- Act as the primary contact for new employers and business committee work. Importance is placed on the representation of Employment & Learning Services and its influence at community tables
You bring:
- Post-secondary education in career counselling, Life coaching, or combination of education and work experience
- Must possess a minimum 5 + years’ experience coaching/developing/training people, either one-on-one and/or in a large group setting in employment services or other relevant workplaces
- Certified program facilitator of employment services related content (e.g. Personality Dimensions, Soft Skills, In Motion & Momentum +) an asset
- Proven ability to interpret and share labour market information (LMI), hiring trends, and employer insights to inform service delivery.
- Excellent negotiation and organization skills
- Demonstrated success in building and maintaining employer relationships across sectors in our local labour market
- Demonstrated professional level facilitator/presentation skills
- Demonstrated high attention to detail, and ability to follow through on tasks in a timely manner
- 2+ years’ experience working in job development
- Ability to disseminate and present relevant labour market information to colleagues and employers, and help guide and support the team through information transfer
- Proficient in Outlook, MS Word, Power Point, Excel, the internet and comfortable with new and evolving technologies and social media
- Demonstration of proficiency with CaMS (Case Management Solution) ESCases or other systems, which supports the delivery of client and employer information, is an asset.
- Knowledgeable in all aspects of the Employment Ontario programs and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka as a whole
- Self-motivated and a strong team player
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written – French an asset
- Class G license and access to a vehicle are required
- Up to date CPR certification is an asset
- Professional, caring and inclusive attitude
- Keen sense of understanding and application of the YMCA values
- Exceptional work ethic and high level of attention to detail
- Clear Police Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Must be able to work flexible hours based on client needs
- Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after commencement of work including:
- AODA Training
- Health & Safety Awareness Training
- Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
- PCI Compliance
- Child Safeguarding Orientation
- Willingness to be able to work flexible hours based on client needs
Why work for the Y:
At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Community Employer Engagement & Retention Coach, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our participants and the community. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our vision of building vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs.
Perks:
- Compensation: $50,700 annual salary
- Extended Health benefits after 90 days
- Paid Wellness Days
- YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics Membership
- Pension Plan after 2 years
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
When people find a community where they belong, they shine. At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.
About us:
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being for all. We offer a wide range of inclusive and affordable programs and services to individuals and families, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Applications will remain open until June 30, 2026.
ONLY applications with Cover Letters & Resumes will be considered.
This role is for an existing vacancy that is available or will be available at the time of fulfillment. We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Each step of our recruitment process is human-led; we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated screening tools. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at [email protected].
In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.
