Job Description

360kids has been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for over 30 years as we work to improve the lives of homeless and at-risk youth and families in York Region. We are a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. At 360kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with a range of programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth and that are proven strategies for helping to keep youth off the streets by providing safe housing options.

This is a Full Time contract role until March 2026.

Base 4 Success (B4S) is a 12-week employment readiness initiative designed for high-needs, unemployed, and out-of-school youth in York Region, ages 15 to 30. The program supports young people in overcoming barriers to employment by providing:

Career Counselling. Skill-Building Workshops and Certifications. Hands-On Workforce Experience.

B4S equips participants with the tools, confidence, and practical experience necessary to successfully enter the labour market and progress toward sustainable, living-wage employment.
The Employment Specialist will plan and execute career counselling and skill-building programming to provide youth with skills to obtain and maintain employment and successfully transition youth into the labour market.



The

Employment Specialist

plays a vital role in delivering the B4S program by developing and facilitating career development and employability programming.

This includes:

Designing and delivering career counselling sessions tailored to individual goals and employment readiness. Facilitating employment skill-building workshops and coordinating certifications. Supporting youth in accessing and navigating hands-on work opportunities.

In addition, the Employment Specialist ensures that youth participants are connected with the appropriate

wraparound supports

, including referrals to community resources, mental health counselling, housing support, and other advocacy services as needed. By providing personalized guidance and support, the Employment Specialist helps youth build the confidence, skills, and connections required to achieve meaningful employment outcomes.

Job Responsibilities:

Program Intake & Onboarding:

+ Schedule and conduct intake assessments to determine participant eligibility and employment readiness.
+ Facilitate onboarding for successful applicants, outlining program expectations and goals.

Career Counselling & Goal Setting:

+ Engage participants in meaningful conversations about career aspirations, barriers, and uncertainties.
+ Review participants' educational and personal histories to inform career planning.
+ Administer and interpret aptitude and/or personality assessments; provide individualized feedback and recommend relevant career paths.
+ Identify skills gaps and collaboratively develop strategies for skill development and personal growth.

Workshop Development & Facilitation:

+ Design and deliver interactive workshops tailored to the unique needs of higher-needs youth.
+ Topics may include job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, career exploration, budgeting, time management, communication, problem-solving, self-care, stress management, and leadership development.

Program Support & Administration:

+ Accurately track participant attendance to ensure timely and accurate payments.
+ Obtain program materials and supplies such as transit passes, backpacks, and healthy snacks for training sessions.
+ Maintain up-to-date participant records, case notes, documentation, and databases (internal/external) in accordance with organizational protocols.

Community Engagement & Employer Relations:

+ Conduct outreach and marketing to promote the program to employers and community partners.
+ Develop partnerships with local businesses and community resources to provide participants with real-world customer service and employment experiences.
+ Offer extended support and guidance to employers mentoring youth with mental health and other support needs.

Collaboration & Reporting:

+ Collaborate closely with internal staff and other 360kids programs to ensure integrated support and program success.
+ Report regularly to the Team Lead on program updates, participant progress, and any issues of concern.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

+ Post-secondary degree or diploma in a social services-related field (e.g., Social Work, Child and Youth Work, Social Service Work), or an equivalent combination of education and experience supporting higher-needs youth.
+ Minimum one (1) year of experience in group facilitation, workshop delivery, or program coordination preferred.
+ Proven experience working with street-involved youth and awareness of issues related to youth homelessness, mental health, trauma, abuse, addiction, and sexual exploitation.

Required Licensing & Certifications:

+ Valid "G" driver's license with a clean driver's abstract and access to a reliable vehicle with $2 million in liability insurance.
+ Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
+ Current Broad record check (BRC) required.

Skills & Competencies:

Strong client-focused counselling skills with the ability to serve as a positive role model for youth. Ability to assess participant needs and make informed, independent decisions. Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Flexible and adaptable approach to service delivery, with sensitivity to the unique needs of each youth participant. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, team members, community agencies, employment partners, and other stakeholders. Thorough understanding of available community resources within York Region, with strong advocacy and referral skills.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization. Apply Today - We Review Applications as they come in!

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you to do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.


Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.