Job Description

Employment Readiness Program Coordinator

Nanaimo Foodshare is seeking a compassionate and client-centered individual to coordinate the Employability and Inclusivity focus of our job readiness program. This role works directly with participants to improve key skills like professionalism, communication, budgeting, and relationship-building, aiming for long-term employment success. You will also support participants in embracing their differences, advocating for themselves, and utilizing adaptive technologies. The position involves collaborating with local employers to improve employer-participant relationships and ensuring participants overcome employment barriers, such as neurodiversity, disability, and mental health challenges.

This 18-week program, in partnership with Service Canada, includes paid onsite training, workshops, certifications, and 8 weeks of paid work experience in the community. As part of a collaborative team of five Employment Coordinators, you will lead groups of 8-10 participants in developing job readiness skills and transitioning to meaningful employment. There is a focus on food access, nutrition, and food service skills as part of the Foodshare program.

Key Responsibilities:

Coordination & Recruitment:

Update promotional materials and application process Recruit, interview, and assess participants with barriers to employment Collaborate with case managers and support workers for participant referrals

Training & Participant Support:

Develop and manage tailored training materials Provide one-on-one support to participants and track progress Facilitate workshops on topics such as communication, emotional regulation, and stress management Implement a case-management approach to monitor participant goals and challenges Drive participants to program locations (unrestricted Class 4 license is an asset)

Work Experience Placements:

Recruit and manage work experience hosts, ensuring contracts and monitoring procedures are in place Refer participants to community resources as needed

Program Administration:

Manage program budgets, targets, and evaluation reports Mentor practicum students Complete written and oral reports

Qualifications:

Experience in employment readiness or similar programming Strong understanding of barriers to employment, including neurodiversity, disability, and mental health Compassionate, trauma-informed approach Excellent communication and organizational skills

About Nanaimo Foodshare:

Since 1997, Nanaimo Foodshare has connected the community with resources, skills, and knowledge to increase healthy food access for all. We work with community partners to address hunger, build food skills, and create shared resources for better food security.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Nanaimo Foodshare is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all qualified candidates, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, LGBTQIA+ persons, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to applicants legally entitled to work in Canada.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $23.75 per hour

Expected hours: 32.5 per week

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Flexible schedule
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Day shift Holidays Monday to Friday No weekends
Application question(s):

Do you have experience running Canadian Government funded projects? What examples of trauma-informed practice training/experience are you confident in applying to this position? What local Nanaimo employability resources are you aware of that would benefit people with barriers to employment?
Licence/Certification:

Class 5 Licence and reliable vehicle (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-03-06
Expected start date: 2025-03-10