Job Description

Youth Employment Specialist - Waterloo Region

Location:

Waterloo, Region

Work Hours:

37.5 hours per week

Employment Type:

Full Time, Contract

Number of Vacancies:

1

Anticipated Start Date: October 01, 2025

Contract End Date: October 12, 2026

Deadline to Apply:

September 26, 2025

Starting Rate: CA$24.30

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview:

Who we are...

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

Are you a passionate and driven individual who thrives on empowering young people and helping them achieve their career goals? Do you excel at building relationships and delivering impactful community programs? Join our team as a Youth Employment Coach and make a lasting difference in the lives of youth and the community.


In this role, you will play an essential part in connecting young job seekers, including newcomer youth, with meaningful employment opportunities. You will provide one-on-one coaching and case management to a diverse caseload of clients, many of whom may be facing barriers to employment. You will tailor support to each individual's unique needs, guiding them through every step of their career journey.

What you will do...

The Youth Employment Specialist informs and connects newcomer youth in schools to available jobs, shares information about the Canadian labor market, and researches and connects newcomer youth with volunteer opportunities in their community.

Duties/Responsibilities

Client Support & Coaching

: + Assist newcomer youth with their pathway to employment by providing workshops on job search, resume writing, interview skills, and information on job fairs.
+ Conduct a needs assessment to identify client needs and create a service plan.
+ Provide career counseling and intensive support to youth, assisting them with employment tips and information on job fairs.
+ Conduct regular check-ins and provide post-employment assistance to ensure job retention.
+ Enter information into government/department databases and prepare monthly statistical reports for the Program Lead.
+ Other duties as assigned.

Employer & Community Engagement

: + Proactively recruit employers and connecting youth to employment/volunteering opportunities that meet their unique needs.
+ Work closely with community partners to ensure access to additional employment services and supports for newcomer youth in the community to enhance their knowledge of Canadian workplace expectations and culture and aid in career planning.
+ Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with community partners to ensure youth have access to additional support services, such as training, housing, or childcare.
+ Organize and deliver employment-focused workshops, job fairs, and presentations to empower clients and expand the program's reach.
+ Travel within the region to meet with clients and employers, fostering relationships that support the program's success.

What you will bring...

Qualifications (Required Education/Skills/Experience)

A community college degree/diploma in a relevant field, such as Human Services, Career & Employment Counselling, or a related program. 2-3 years of related work experience in employment or social services, particularly with youth and/or newcomer populations. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and mentor clients. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, database systems, and other digital platforms. Up-to-date knowledge of the local labor market and job search techniques. The ability to communicate in a second language, preferably French, is an asset. A valid G driver's license and full-time vehicle access are strongly recommended due to regular travel. An acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

Work Environment

Typical office and school environment. Requires sitting in one work area for extended periods of time. Involves normal levels of seeing and hearing, with occasional periods of increased concentration. Requires normal dexterity for both manual and computerized record-keeping. Environment is generally comfortable, with exposure to normal levels of elements such as dust and minor fluctuations in heating/ventilation. May involve occasional exposure to disagreeable conditions. Minimal risk of injury to the worker. Requires travel across all YMCA of Three Rivers-covered sites.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver's license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

What You Will Gain

You will be part of a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching our communities and building a healthy, vibrant, and connected society. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Total Rewards Package

: A competitive hourly rate and a benefits package that includes prescription drugs, basic dental coverage, and professional services after three months of employment.

Work-Life Harmony

: All full-time team members are entitled to earn three weeks of vacation and have 12 well-being days for sick time off or self-care.

Wellness

: Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program that provides free and confidential counseling. You will also receive a free YMCA membership for yourself and your family and discounts on programs and services, including childcare.

Pension Plan

: The opportunity to participate in a group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment, with matching contributions from the organization.

Additional Information:

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, 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. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.
Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don't believe you meet all the requirements outlined.


Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our

Career Page

.