Bilingual Employer Engagement Specialist

YMCA of the National Capital Region; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA gym membership

Discounted Y program fees

EFAP including confidential assistance

Health and Dental Insurance

Long-term Disability and LifeInsurance

Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension

Up to 25 vacation days per year

Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 

Job summary

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is seeking an Employer Engagement Specialist to support Ontarians, especially newcomers, through employment services. You will match job seekers with employers, recruit partners, and help manage job subsidies while collaborating with Case Managers.

You will identify employers, deliver workshops, and develop strategies like job fairs to boost placements. Strong communication in English and French is essential, with a focus on inclusive service.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in Employment Counselling, Social Service Work, Social Work, or a related field.
• Fluent in English and French, oral and written.
• Experience in job development/matching and/or employment counselling.
• Experience with diverse individuals and employers in an employment context.
• Intermediate computer skills, including the use of databases and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work with clients with diverse backgrounds and skill levels; particularly newcomers and immigrants.
• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Responsibilities

• Identify prospective employers in the community.
• Liaise with team members to identify participant interests and profiles.
• Match participants with employers that align with their goals and that will support long-term attachment to the labour market.
• Follow up on referrals made to employers and close in on the employer’s choice of candidate.
• Deliver employer workshops and training content on a regular basis.
• Create and deliver on special employer engagement strategies such as job fairs, hiring events, etc.
• Provide employment consultation to clients and maintain and develop action plans for job searches.
• Provide follow-up support to program participants who have completed the program.

Skills

Recruitment Training

Human Resources Certification

Common Assessment Training

Life Skills Certification

Teaching and Training Adults

Drug and Alcohol Counselling

Social Services Worker Diploma

Developmental Services Worker Diploma

Employment Counselling

Client-focused service

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent in Employment Counselling, Social Service Work, Social Work, or a related field

Job description

Job Category: Employment Services

Requisition Number: EMPLO001988

• Posted : November 2, 2026
• Full-Time
• Salary : $60,000 CAD per year

Locations

Showing 1 location

Orleans, ON K1E3J4, CAN

Description

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

Vacancy Status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

What do we offer?

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms*

What do you offer?

The Employer Engagement Specialist will work as part of the team that provides employment services to Ontarians with a focus on immigrants and newcomers to Canada. Reporting to the Director and Senior Director, the Employer Engagement Specialist is responsible for matching job seekers to employment opportunities, recruitment of employers to match the needs of job seekers, and providing the necessary support required with served Streamed B and C clients. As part of a team, the Employer Engagement Specialist will assist in meeting the strategic achievement of all desired outcomes and targets. The Employer Engagement Specialist will assist in monitoring job placement subsidies, and collecting documentation in order to process payments for employers. Furthermore, the Employer Engagement Specialist will help Case Managers with potential placements, monitors and any required duties with any required clients.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Identifying prospective employers in the community.
• Liaising with team members to identify participant interests and profiles.
• Matching participants with employers that align with their goals and that will support long-term attachment to the labour market.
• Following up on referrals made to employers and close in on the employer’s choice of candidate.
• Delivering employer workshops and training content on a regular basis.
• Creating and delivering on special employer engagement strategies such as job fairs, hiring events, etc.
• Providing employment consultation to clients and maintaining and developing action plans for job searches.
• Providing follow-up support to program participants who have completed the program.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

Education

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in Employment Counselling, Social Service Work, Social Work, or a related field

Language

• Fluent in English and French, oral and written
• Other languages are an asset

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Related experience might include: Recruitment Training, Human Resources Certification, Common Assessment Training, Life Skills Certification, Teaching and Training Adults Certification, Drug and Alcohol Counselling Diploma, Social Services Worker Diploma, or Developmental Services Worker Diploma
• Experience in job development/matching and/or employment counselling
• Experience with diverse individuals and employers in an employment context
• Intermediate computer skills, including the use of databases and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work with clients with diverse backgrounds and skill levels; particularly newcomers and immigrants

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.

Compassion:Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.

Dignity:Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.

Accountability:Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.

Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusivenessis a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail] upon scheduling your interview.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.