Employment Engagement Specialist

YMCA; Port Elgin; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive training

Job summary

The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is seeking an Employment Engagement Specialist to work with diverse individuals and guide them toward employment. You will use the Common Assessment to build individualized Employment Action Plans with measurable goals and coordinate with social services to remove barriers.

Responsibilities include client advocacy, maintaining progress in the case management system, and providing access to employment resources, tools, and community services as needed.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in social services or related field.
• Experience in employment services or case management is an asset.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.

Responsibilities

• Provide services aligned with YMCA values in employment services.
• Meet client volume commitments and KPIs set by supervisor.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients throughout programming.
• Confirm eligibility and provide access to employment resources.
• Complete Common Assessment modules and document in case management system.
• Support self-directed clients with job search resources and tools.
• Assess client needs and barriers and develop action plans with goals.
• Develop and manage Employment Action Plans to outcomes.
• Refer qualified candidates to employers and match to jobs.
• Provide employer services and ensure compliance with training incentives.

Skills

Case management

Client assessment

Employment counseling

Relationship building

Documentation

Travel readiness

Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in social services or related field

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Application Deadline Date: September 28, 2026

Wages commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Job Description

Position Title: Employment Engagement Specialist

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

Competition File No.: 2026-65

Program Area: Employment Services

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 – Friday

Salary/Wage: $26.70 to $30.36 per hour

Wages commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Start Date: As soon as possible

End Date (if temporary): N/A

Application Deadline: September 28, 2026

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, its 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.
• 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.

Need help with your resume, improving your interview skills or finding the right career? Our Employment Advisors are here to support you in your job search. From exploring employment and training opportunities and preparing to re‑enter the workforce, to helping you write effective resumes and prepare for interviews.

Land Acknowledgement

The Municipalities of Bruce and Grey Counties sit on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek Nation : The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. We give thanks to them, and to theChippewas of Saugeen , and theChippewas of Neyaashiinigmiing , as the traditional keepers of this land and water, and we also recognize the traditional homeland of theMetis Nation .

Charitable registration number 11907 4995 RR0001