About Us:
VDICSS supports newcomers to Canada in becoming thriving, contributing members of the community. We strive to create a culturally inclusive, equitable community for all, a community that respects and appreciates the value of diversity and supports the full participation of people from all backgrounds. We are a catalyst for positive change driven by our core values: Equity, Empowerment, Progress, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Collaboration. For more on VDICSS, go to https://www.vdicss.org/about

Job Title: Youth Employment Advisor
Organization: Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society
Location: Vernon, BC

Job Summary:
A Youth Employment Advisor (YEA) at VDICSS is dedicated to supporting newcomer youth aged 15-30 with a valid work permit or Permanent Residency status in Canada. The YEA plays a key role in empowering youth to achieve their employment goals through one-on-one employment counselling, career skill development, and tailored guidance. This position emphasizes understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer youth, such as navigating the local job market, developing confidence, and overcoming barriers. Through innovative thinking and a youth-centered approach, the YEA helps clients secure sustainable employment in the community while fostering personal growth and long-term career success. The role also requires a strong understanding of local labour market trends, youth-friendly career opportunities, recognized certifications, and employment programs within the region. Attention to detail, record-keeping, paired with a fun and empathetic approach are essential for success in this role.

Reporting: Day-to-day supervision/consultation will be provided by the Employment Services Coordinator in the form of formal supervision meetings and informal support as requested by the worker.

Work Timelines: The Youth Employment Advisor position is a full-time 35 hour/week contract position. The pay is $24-26 per hour. Workdays will run from Monday to Friday including some evenings and weekends if/and when required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Individual Employment Counselling:

• Provide one-on-one career development counselling specifically tailored to the unique experiences and challenges of newcomer youth, delivered in a culturally sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
• Conduct intake interviews to explore employment history, education, career aspirations, and personal interests.
• Assess client needs for assistance, including access to youth-focused training, certifications, or financial aid programs.
• Identify employment barriers for youth, such as lack of Canadian work experience or interview anxiety, and coach them on job readiness skills, job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Develop and implement action plans that resonate with youth, focusing on achievable short and long-term career goals.
• Research and share labour market information, including part-time, entry-level, and career exploration opportunities.
• Connect clients with additional resources such as youth-oriented mentorship programs, community activities, and industry workshops.
• Perform monthly follow-ups with clients to track progress, offer continued support, and celebrate milestones.

Presentations and Facilitations:

• Facilitate engaging and interactive group workshops specifically designed for newcomer youth, focusing on job search strategies, workplace communication, and career development, etc.
• Represent the Employment Department at youth-focused community events, such as hiring fairs, workshops, and networking events.
• Collaborate with local schools, community groups, and organizations to promote employment services and opportunities.
• Collaborate with SWIS workers across all school districts, and ELL teachers.
• Actively promote programs and services that cater to the unique needs of newcomer youth both within and outside VDICSS.

Administration:

• Maintain appropriate written records and files pertaining to Employment Services.
• Maintain and submit accurate tracking forms and provide regular monthly updates to the coordinator.
• Maintain overall management of client caseload.
• Participate in on-the-job training.
• Actively participate in all Employment services staff meetings and workshops.
• Ensure appropriate and confidential handling of client information and files.
• Purchasing supports, financial record keeping and filing of receipts.

Key Competencies:

• A passion for working with youth and understanding their unique perspectives, challenges, and potential.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate young clients.
• In-depth knowledge of youth employment resources, local labour market trends, and community supports.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in maintaining client records.
• Experience in facilitating youth-focused group workshops or events.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, youth-friendly environment that respects diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Qualifications:

• Degree, diploma or certification in a relevant field (Business admin, psychology, sociology, counselling, education, human resources) or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills that foster respectful, collaborative, and productive relationships with participants, coworkers and community partners.
• Knowledge and experience using a PC and associate programs – Windows, MS Office, etc.
• Organizational, time management and leadership skills.
• Experience using Case Management Systems.
• Strong typing skills, with an average of 60/wpm is considered an asset.
• Experience in actively supporting newcomers, multi-barriered people, and diverse populations is an asset.
• Experience working with diverse client populations is considered an asset.
• Ability to communicate in a second language is an asset.

We understand that it is rare for someone to meet 100% of the qualifications, so please apply anyways and share with us why your skills and expertise are a good fit for our role.

This job is open to applicants located in Vernon or who are able to commute to Vernon daily.

To apply:

For interested applicants, please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@vdicss.org with a subject title “Youth Employment Advisor”. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

VDICSS is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. All our employee’s points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00-$26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Vernon, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Location:

• Vernon, BC (preferred)

Work Location: In person