Youth Employment Specialist
Job No:
PCRS1000
Location:
Surrey
Youth Employment Specialist
Foundry Works & Education, Foundry Surrey Central
Regular Full Time (35 hours weekly) | Grid 13 ($30.86 - $32.18/hour) | Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible | Reporting to: Javad Soltan, Site Operations Lead
Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities. Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact our HR department at hr@pcrs.ca. Personal information will be kept confidential.
Opportunity
As part of a multidisciplinary, integrated services model, the Youth Employment Specialist works within the strategic objectives of Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) and the Work and Education program at Foundry, supporting youth through an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach. As a member of the Foundry team, the Employment Specialist collaborates with clinical and social service providers to integrate employment and education goals into each young person’s wellness plan. The role focuses on individualized career exploration, rapid connection to competitive employment or education opportunities, and ongoing coaching to support job search and retention. The Employment Specialist also develops relationships with local employers, facilitates targeted employment-readiness supports, and conducts outreach to engage diverse youth, including newcomer youth and those facing barriers to employment. The role also includes community outreach and partnership development to increase awareness of the program and strengthen referral pathways with schools, community organizations, and service providers.
This is an office-based position and not eligible for a remote work agreement.
Responsibilities
- Deliver group session material tailored to participants’ learning styles, employment readiness or specialized needs.
- Support the Foundry Surrey team with tasks, activities and fieldtrips.
- Complete case notes and administrative tasks as per contract, keeping track of all outside appointments and follow-ups, track attendance and progress towards program goals.
- Provide job search support to participants via: online platforms, phone, text, email and one to one meetings that are virtual or in-person.
- Provide referrals to other community support services as required.
- Coach and support participants effectively in a way that facilitates independence and self-sufficiency.
- Tailor and adjust the work experience in order to meet the individual needs of the participants.
- Communicate effectively with coworkers and staff and participate in team efforts.
- Collaborate with employers regarding participant progress during their employment.
- Liaise with referring agencies and other professionals as required.
- Promote and market the program to community partners and deliver information sessions to recruit future participants.
- Work effectively with others in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
- Participates in committees, task groups, continuing education and community initiatives as appropriate.
- Carry out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications
- Related education and experience working with youth in employment
- Career Development Practitioner Certification
- High level of verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
- Experience placing youth in work experience and working with employers
- Experience planning and facilitating group sessions to youth
- Criminal Record Check including vulnerable sector
- Class 5 Drivers License with business insurance and use of own vehicle, with reimbursement
- Occupational First Aid – Level 1
- Excellent computer skills and administrative capability
Additional Assets
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of trauma-informed and culturally safe principles of care.
- Ability to work effectively with others in an interdisciplinary, multicultural environment, including understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
- Knowledge and understanding of resources in the area to ensure effective community referrals
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About PCRS
Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.
We are grateful to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷm əθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qw'?ntl'en (Kwantlen), se’mya’me (Semiahmoo), sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), q̓ic̓əy (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Coquitlam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), máthxwi (Matsqui) and Stó:lō Nations.
Our Vision Everyone thriving in strong, healthy communities!
Our Mission To inspire healthy and inclusive communities through leadership and collaboration.
Our Values Advocacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Empowerment, Service Excellence, Stewardship, Well-being
We Offer Our Staff
- Equitable Base Pay – we are a Certified Living Wage Employer
- Generous paid vacation time, personal time, sick time; additional paid time off for life events
- Additional paid holidays, ex. Easter Monday, Boxing Day *
- Extended health, prescription, dental & vision care plan, with 100% Employer-Paid Premiums*
- Disability and Life Insurance Coverage *
- Employee & Family Assistance Program including preventative health & counselling *
- Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan with generous employer contributions *
- Flexible schedules and earned time off program *
- Full-day agency orientation and extensive training, with regular ongoing performance evaluations
- In-house digital and classroom learning opportunities; staff funding for professional development *
- Opportunities to use your voice & participate in committees on policy, wellness, safety, EDI, etc.
* Eligibility will vary depending on terms and role requirements – details for this posting will be provided on request.