START Program Facilitator

Are you passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their employment goals?

WorkLink Employment Society is recruiting a full-time Program Facilitator for the federally funded START Program. The chosen candidate will work up to 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) in our Westshore and Sooke locations. This is a term position that has successfully operated for the past 6 years and runs until March 31, 2028.

About The Society:

WorkLink has provided government-sponsored employment services to the residents of the Victoria Capital Region’s Westshore (Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal, and Metchosin) since 1978.  In 2008, our services expanded to include the communities of Sooke and surrounding areas including Jordan River and Port Renfrew. We are also pleased to provide Indigenous outreach services to the First Nations Communities of Beecher Bay, T’Souke, and Pacheedaht. Our non-profit organization is funded through both federal and provincial government initiatives. WorkLink is a registered charity in the Province of BC, which is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors chosen from leaders in the community.

We empower our employees to achieve great things and are proud to offer:

• Accelerated vacation entitlement.
• Competitive wage & comprehensive health benefits packages
• Group RRSP Match after 1 year
• Dogs in the workplace
• Positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Supported work/life balance options
• Fun team social events

About the Position:

The START Program is funded by the Federal Government of Canada to assist eligible youth 15 to 30 years of age in developing a broad range of skills and knowledge in searching for and obtaining work.  This program consists of a 6-week classroom component with the opportunity of an 8-week work experience placement (with or without a wage subsidy incentive). The program aims to develop the self-awareness, self-esteem, motivation, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and time management skills of participants. The Program Facilitator will deliver training on a variety of employment-related life skills, lead job search workshops, and mentor the youth in understanding the world of work and employer expectations. The Facilitator will work alongside the Program Coordinator to support youth with barriers to employment.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Deliver an in-person program that will help increase the self-confidence of participants to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment
• Support clients with learning and program assignments including certificates, worksheets, resume and cover letters, etc.
• Facilitate development of personal planning skills, including motivation for self-sufficiency, interests and aptitudes, responsibilities/rights in the workplace, career decision-making, and long-term goals
• Facilitate job search by assisting with labour market analysis, resume writing, portfolio development, and job maintenance strategies
• Arrange resource speakers such as local employers, skills trainers, etc.
• Assist participants in obtaining a suitable eight-week paid work experience placement
• Negotiate work placements with employers, including outlining dates, location, job duties, and other important details
• Provide job development services to clients during peak periods
• Community networking with employers, community partners, and other service providers
• Refer participants to supportive community resources where appropriate
• Maintain accurate and confidential systems to track information on participants, project activities and employers
• Perform administrative duties including completing and submitting participant time sheets, as well as other duties as required.

What We Are Looking For:

• A minimum of 1-2 years of demonstrated experience in group workshop facilitation in a career/job search environment.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with high-risk youth.
• Post-Secondary Diploma directly related to Career/Employment counselling and/or a related field preferred. Possession of a facilitator diploma or certificate is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of the local labour market.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and the strength-based, client-focused framework.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with clients to support them in overcoming barriers including mental health, housing, trauma, substance use, etc.
• Ability to evaluate teaching methods and adjust strategies and methods to support individual needs.
• Proven experience maintaining successful relationships with community groups, employers and government/referral agencies.
• Ability to effectively solve problems of a sensitive nature and resolve conflict using a customized approach that maintains professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
• Highly organized with proven administrative skills and the ability to manage tight deadlines.
• Superior verbal/written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office 365 products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of information management and online reporting systems.
• Current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
• Valid BC Driver’s license for occasional work-related travel.

We appreciate all applications, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants that will require modifications during the screening process are invited to contact the Human Resources department at opportunities@worklink.bc.ca to discuss their needs.

WorkLink values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. We foster a workplace where individual differences are recognized and respected while utilizing each person’s talents and strengths. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be!