Employment Coach

YMCA of Three Rivers; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community service organization is seeking an Employment Coach to provide job placement support in the Stratford region. This full-time position requires 2-3 years of experience in social services, along with strong communication skills and computer proficiency. The role includes building relationships with employers, coordinating job postings, and ensuring client documentation is accurate. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness programs, a pension plan, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

3 weeks of vacation

Well-being days

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

YMCA membership

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in employment or social services.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid G driver's license and full-time vehicle access recommended.

Responsibilities

• Ensure great customer service and communication with employers.
• Conduct triage and verify employers.
• Support job matching and placement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to communicate in French

Organizational skills

Education

Community College degree/diploma in Human Services

Tools

Database systems

Job description

Employment Coach

Location: Stratford/Perth

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Weekends and evenings may be required

Employment Type: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 4

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Deadline to Apply: December 19, 2025

Guaranteed Starting Annual Salary: $46,000.00

We are introducing a new Employment Services program and partnership in the Stratford region. This role will help establish the program and support our commitment to serving the community with dependable, quality employment support.

Total Rewards Package

Time Away from Work for your Well-being: All full‑time team members are entitled to earn 3 weeks of vacation and have the opportunity to earn more as length of service increases. To support your overall well‑being, we also offer 12 well‑being days that team members use for sick time off or to care proactively for yourself. Bereavement days are also available.

Wellness: Full time employees receive well‑being days that can be used as they are earned, access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services, a free YMCA membership for yourself and your family which can be used to access our fitness centers, and discounts on programs and services offered by the YMCA including child care services.

Pension Plan: All full‑time employees have the opportunity to participate in a group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment; employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full‑time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan is mandatory.

Healthcare and Dental Benefits: The YMCA of Three Rivers offers full‑time employees a comprehensive group benefit package (after 3‑months from start date) that includes prescription drugs, basic dental coverage, professional services such as Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Chiropractor and Naturopath, vision care.

What you will do

Access and support the employment and job placement of clients accessing the YMCA Employment Services

Major Responsibilities / Principal Accountabilities

• Ensure great customer service, communication and professionalism to build strong relationships with employers, clients and internal team members.
• Act as the initial touch point for employers.
• Conduct triage and ensure employers are vetted. Complete employer registration.
• Coordinate job postings received from employers, acting as the central job board contact. Ensure internal employer job board is updated in a timely fashion.
• Support the recruitment of employers and seek out job matching and job placement opportunities, including identifying, contacting and building relationships with prospective employers in labor markets that clients have identified as an area of interest.
• Ensure accurate information is entered and uploaded in all required systems within 24 hours. This includes statistical and financial information, referrals, job development activities, retention activities, and follow‑up information. Accurate and detailed case notes for both client and employer information are a vital part of this role.
• Negotiate, keep up to date and track expenditure of employer and client budgets.
• Support Employment Coaches.
• Attend and actively engage in various internal and external meetings, representing the YMCA for the purpose of case conferencing, professional development, community engagement and relationship building.
• Verify and ensure all systems are up to date and accurate, correct data incompatibilities and check outputs.
• Comply with data integrity and security policies on all systems.
• Keep information confidential.
• Develop employment placements for clients and ensure the placement meets MTCU requirements.
• Coaching/mentoring of clients and employers.
• Client/Employer Documentation and placements – complete necessary client and employer placement monitoring and paperwork, at times in support of the Employment Coach.
• Marketing and promotion to employers to increase awareness of service.
• Participate in professional development and keep updated with labour.
• Actively participate in YMCA staff and networking meetings, attend workshops, trainings, conferences and staff meetings as required.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.

What you will bring

• Completion of a Community College degree/diploma in Human Services.
• 2‑3 years of experience in employment or social services.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, database systems, etc.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to communicate in a second language, preferably French.
• This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. Valid G driver’s license and full‑time vehicle access is strongly recommended.
• Acceptable Police Check.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

What you will gain

You will be part of an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver’s license and full‑time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well‑being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

Applications

If you are an external candidate interested in joining our team, please click the apply button below to create an application. Internal candidates can apply through the internal career center by clicking here. The posting will be open until December 19, 2025. However, we will begin reviewing applications as they arrive to find the right person for this opportunity.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph‑Wellington, Stratford‑Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.