YES believes that employment is empowerment and the cornerstone of safe and healthy communities. YES leads the Canadian youth sector with innovative programs that empower disadvantaged and vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient contributing members of society.

Reporting to the Manager, the Career Counsellor/ Job Developer position is focused on the Job Central pre-employmentprogram that provides employment planning and preparation services for youth facing employment barriers. This position is primarily responsible for group facilitation, plus building partnerships with employers in the GTA to create job opportunities for youth, job coaching, career counselling, job maintenance, and work facilitation.

Your energy and enthusiasm are boundless and you enjoy and thrive in a fast paced environment. You are detail oriented, creative and an excellent communicator. You want to work with youth to provide group and individual employment counselling, information and referrals, long-term employment opportunities and other related services.

You want to work with employers and youth to create employment opportunities. You thrive in a professional environment and are driven and welcome the opportunity to aspire to measurable targets.

• University Degree and three years of experience in counselling, group instruction and in sales, marketing and/or job development
• Knowledge and understanding of the target group, labour market information and resources in Toronto for youth and other job seekers.
• Job development, recruitment, and/or placement experience is a must
• Excellent communication, negotiating and presentation skills
• Strong computer skills in MS Office, MS Teams, Zoom, G Suite, Internet, email and database management
• Knowledge of the Toronto labour market, industry trends and apprenticeships
• Group leadership/curriculum/program development skills
• Ability to relate to socially and economically disadvantaged youth
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural/multi-racial workplace

Group Facilitation

• Design and deliver a suite of pre-employment workshops covering job readiness, career exploration, life skills, and job attainment.
• Ensure curriculum is current, high-impact, and geared specifically toward youth.
• Facilitate interactive virtual and in-person sessions utilizing modern videoconferencing platforms and digital engagement tools.

Career Counselling

• Assess client skills, interests, and employment barriers to co-create actionable, customized employment plans.
• Clarify career goals by leveraging local labour market data, educational paths, and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Develop employment opportunities and coordinate direct placements with vetted employers.
• Determine client readiness and suitability for subsidized on-the-job training programs.
• Follow up consistently with clients, referring community agencies, and hiring employers.
• Conduct compelling presentations to external agencies and the community at large on behalf of YES.
• Lead regular group workshops focused on resume writing, cover letters, networking strategies, and interview techniques.
• Adhere to outcome targets set by YES while maintaining a premium standard of customer service.

Job Development

• Outreach to multiple employers through cold calling, strategic emailing, and research to secure high-quality weekly and monthly placements.
• Maintain a diverse, highly organized, and up-to-date database of employment leads.
• Develop comprehensive training plans in collaboration with employers for the duration of all placements.
• Negotiate training contracts and financial stipends, securing all mandatory signatures prior to placement start.
• Market YES services through in-person cold calls, emails, and telephone solicitation to generate job trials, shadowing, and mentorships.
• Monitor placements and maintain contact with employers to optimize long-term participant job retention.
• Conduct regular evaluations with clients and employers to measure and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Adheres to all YES policies and procedures and ensures confidentially is maintained on client, personnel, financial and agency matters
• Represents YES at all times in a professional manner
• Participates in regular supervision meetings
• Attends all staff meetings
• Works cooperatively with other team members
• Carries out any other duties, as required

Starting Salary: $65,161.20 with an increase after 6-month to $65,865.02 (4-month probation period) Position: Career Counsellor/Job Developer, OPSEU Bargaining Unit Position.