Career Advisor, Off the Leash Program for Youth

YWCA Metro Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Career Advisor for their Off the Leash Program for Youth. This role involves engaging with local employers and youth to facilitate job placements in the pet care industry. You will be responsible for creating training plans, conducting workshops, and providing one-on-one coaching to help youth overcome employment barriers. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals while promoting inclusivity and community engagement. Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering growth and development in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Extended medical and dental benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Family Assistance Program

Free membership to Health + Fitness Centre

Discounts at YWCA Hotel

Priority in YWCA Child Care centres

Mentorship program

Equity and inclusion committees

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in networking, recruitment, or employer engagement.
• Experience working with youth facing multiple barriers is essential.
• Advanced communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications required.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships with community partners to promote the program.
• Conduct client sessions to assist with job search and placement.
• Develop and facilitate career planning and job search skills for youth.

Skills

Networking

Recruitment

Employer Engagement

Facilitating Workshops

Professional Communication

Coaching

Microsoft Office 365

Social Media Tools

Career Counselling

Working with Youth

Education

Career Development Practitioner Training

Human Resources Education

Teaching or Facilitating Education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Career Advisor, Off the Leash Program for Youth

Details

Status: Term Full-Time (35 hours per week) until mid-February 2026, with possibility of extension

Location:

Job Description:

Off the Leash is a free program for youth aged 16-29 who are interested in a career in the pet care industry. The program operates in cycles of 12 weeks with participants obtaining employment readiness, certificates and training applicable to the pet care industry during the first six weeks of programming.

The program is funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS).

Employer Engagement Responsibilities:

1. Establish and foster effective relationships with local community partners to promote the program, recruit participants, and establish long-term partnerships.
2. Recruit employers for work placements and job openings through cold calls & emails, and screen potential employee referrals for employers.
3. Meet with employers to create training plans and complete paperwork.
4. Attend job fairs and encourage clients to attend as well, creating network opportunities for all.
5. Mediate when problems arise between employers and our clients.
6. Develop employment opportunities for candidates by maximizing, implementing and maintaining a sound marketing strategy (including: candidate matching, effective customer service and follow up activities).

Client Engagement Responsibilities:

1. Conduct information sessions and client intake to determine eligibility and suitability.
2. Assist clients with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and labour market information and trend research (in group setting and one to one).
3. Assist clients to research and secure work experience placements in the pet and animal care industry.
4. Maintain accurate client records and preserve client confidentiality.
5. Work with clients to acquire specific skills for the labour market.
6. Provide job search coaching; assist clients in identifying and overcoming employment barriers, setting realistic career goals, and creating and following action plans.
7. Attend case conferencing meetings with program staff as needed to discuss client and employer issues, and placement opportunities.

Other Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Update various trackers as clients navigate through the different phases of the program.
2. Prepare invoices from employer wage subsidy reimbursements.
3. Develop and facilitate assessment, career planning, employability and job search skills for youth job seekers with different needs.
4. Special project contribution and other duties as assigned.

What you’ll need:

1. 3+ years in networking, recruitment or employer engagement.
2. Experience facilitating group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions with clients.
3. Experience working with youth that have multiple and compounding barriers.
4. Motivated to work independently and as part of a team to deliver exemplary service.
5. Advanced professional communication.
6. Comfortable with all Microsoft applications (Office 365, Excel, Microsoft, Outlook etc.) and familiar with social media tools.
7. Demonstrated flexibility and positive attitude towards change.
8. Experience and knowledge working in the non-profit industry or with government programs.
9. Equivalent knowledge, experience or education in Career Counselling, Human Resources, Teaching, Facilitating etc.
10. A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.
11. Previous experience with pets and or working in the pet care industry.
12. Career Development Practitioner training and CCDP.

What we offer:

We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package:

1. Extended medical and dental benefits
2. Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions
3. Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members
4. Free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres
5. A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.

Pay Rate: $31.16

How to Apply:

This is an exciting time for the YWCA. Join us and be part of an inclusive, dedicated and impactful workplace! Candidates are invited to send cover letters and resumes to:

Shelly Sarai (she/her), Manager – Off the Leash Program for Youth

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview processes are accessible to all applicants; if you require accommodations in submitting your application, or have other questions, please contact the hiring manager as listed. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, transferrable skills, lived experience, and business need. We thank all who apply, but only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about this and other YWCA Metro Vancouver career opportunities, please visit ywcavan.org.