Position Title: Employment Engagement Specialist
Date Posted: Friday, July 3, 2026
Competition File No.: 2026-47
Program Area: Employment Services
Worksite Location: Owen Sound, ON (not remote)
Travel Requirement: Yes, across Grey and Bruce Counties
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Category: #1
Existing Vacancy: Yes No. of Vacancies: 1
Hours: 37.5 hours per week.
Shifts: Monday to Friday.
Salary/Wage: $26.70 to $30.36 per hour.
Wages commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026
Application Process: Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Y is people-powered. Our staff and volunteers provide the spark that helps ignite positive change in the lives of others.
Your Opportunity to be the Spark!
As a charity igniting the potential in people, we are seeking an Employment Engagement Specialist to work with a diverse range of individuals while supporting them in their pathway to employment.Using the Common Assessment with clients, supporting them in establishing individual Employment Action Plans (EAP) with measurable short and long term employment goals. This position will also identify and prioritize issues that may be preventing clients from achieving employment and creating solutions that help overcome barriers to maintaining employment. This position requires the ability to work in an outcome focused workplace.
Responsibilities:
· Provide service in alignment with our values. Provide services in a manner that is consistent with the values outlined in the program guidelines, including: hope; client centered; inclusive and accessible; collaboration; and accountability.
· Meet client volume commitments and key performance indicators set out by supervisor on a monthly and annual basis.
· Establish and maintain relationships with clients throughout the Employment Services programming.
· Confirm eligibility of clients as outlined in Employment Services guidelines. Provide access to employment resources to support those who are not eligible, e.g. independent job search activities.
· Complete the Common Assessment module(s) with individuals, ensure completion and documentation in case management system.
· Support self-directed clients with access to the resource centre, job searching and career exploration services, tools and technology, digital resources, as well as community services as needed.
· Works one-on-one with clients to assess their needs, including but not limited to life stabilization, career development, literacy and basic skills training, job retention requirements, specialized supports required, and disability accommodation.
· Work with self-referred and social assistance clients to develop and manage Employment Action Plans (EAP) to lead clients to employment and training outcomes. Use the EAP to yield the best employment outcomes based on their intensity and frequency of cased managed services.
· With the social assistance staff member, set up a time with all three parties (Employment Services, social assistance and the client) to transfer the relationship and help the client understand the roles of each party. This should happen within 48 hours of referral and focus on gaining trust and building a relationship with the client.
· Develop measurable and time-specific EAPs that set clear, achievable goals; build on or match skills, interests and needs identified by employers or in relation to labour market information; identify steps to reach the goals and methods for monitoring progress; show evidence of individual ownership and are updated as steps are accomplished.
· Ensure all items on the EAP are agreed upon and signed by the client.
· Will provide case management to each client, which should include referrals to other support(s) the client may need, support with job search activities, job development, job retention, collection of evidence to support outcomes, and other activities that may be required to support client success e.g. grounding exercises, mindfulness, self-regulation tools, to-do lists and phone prompt reminders.
· Ensure all referrals are managed in accordance with the Customer Service Charter and program guidelines.
· Work with community partners and local agencies to provide comprehensive case management to support client.
· Maintain a current, accurate and complete client file in the client management system while providing services to or for the client.
· Update the client’s progress through their action plan towards employment.
· Have the ability to adjust schedules to meet the needs of clients, and participate in community events.
· Provide advocacy and support for clients at their workplace. Provide advice and information to employers and clients regarding employment issues and human resources.
· Contact new clients within 24-hours of receiving the referral and book appointments within one week of initial contact.
· Refer qualified candidates to employers and match clients to available jobs through all available strategies.
· Provide quality support to both employers and clients during job search, job application and hiring process.
· Provide employer services including job posting, employment-related financial supports, job placements, and other services outlined in the program guidelines.
· Ensure that all employers that receive training incentives comply with applicable legislation and insurance requirements.
· Follow and adhere to financial support processes that are involved in the client's EAP.
· Provide one year of job retention support to clients and support collection of documentation to verify their employment status.
· Attend and complete all assigned trainings and meetings.
· Work collaboratively with other members of the Employment Services team.
· Ensure the positive promotion of YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, it's programs, and the image of the people we serve.
· Share with an identified list of community partners, relevant information to promote YMCA.
· Ensure that personal expertise and knowledge are kept current, applicable to changes in program direction, and relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
· Participate in all prescribed Child/Vulnerable Persons Protection trainings.
· Report any and all program issues and concerns and recommending changes in policies and procedures to your supervisor.
· Contribute to an overall cooperative team approach within the association.
· Assist with the training of volunteers and new staff.
Just Some of the Benefits of Working at the YMCA:
- Comprehensive and ongoing training and long-term and upward career opportunities.
- Free membership to our Health, Fitness and Aquatics facility.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Fun, passionate and dependable co-workers.
Job Requirements:
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Have current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than ninety (90) days preceding your start date.
- Have minimum Class G Driver’s License; own vehicle and be willing and able to travel throughout Grey and Bruce Counties.
- Provide 3 professional references.
- Have post-secondary degree or diploma in social services or related field plus related work experience.
- Have familiarity with government employment programs.
- Have an understanding of the local labour market.
- Have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and applications.
- Have close attention to detail and high standards for service quality provision and documentation.
- Have ability to work independently with minimal supervision and is disciplined in setting priorities and outcomes.
The YMCA’s Commitment to Protecting Those We Serve:
We are committed to our responsibility to protect the children and other vulnerable people we serve. Therefore, all employees and volunteers must provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search results as a condition of their employment or volunteer engagement. These police record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.
The YMCA’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Equality:
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
Pay: $26.70-$30.36 per hour
Work Location: In person
