Employment Specialist - 6279G

Starling; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP defined pension plan (voluntary)

Employee and Family Assistance Program

3 weeks paid vacation

Personal time (15 hours/year)

Paid sick time (up to 300 hours)

11 paid holidays + floater day

Travel discounts (GRT passes)

Employee referral incentive program

Professional development & tuitionReim

Job summary

Starling Community Services, a not-for-profit serving Waterloo Region and Wellington County, seeks an Employment Specialist for the YESS program. You will assess applicants, help them explore employment and education options, and connect youth aged 15-30 with job opportunities while supporting their job readiness and retention.

The role involves recruiting employers, providing coaching, and coordinating supports to ensure successful transitions into the labor market within a 37.5-hour work week.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in social sciences, business or education.
• Career Development Practitioner designation or equivalent is preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to work in a not-for-profit environment.

Responsibilities

• Assess individuals to determine employment barriers, strengths and interests.
• Assist clients in exploring employment and education options and develop action plans.
• Prospect and recruit employers, matching clients with opportunities.
• Promote clients to employers and tap into hidden job markets for sustainable employment.
• Provide individualized coaching to support on-the-job learning and retention.
• Coordinate case management and monitor support expenditures.
• Facilitate job search and employment readiness workshops.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

MS Office

Social media

Education

Degree or diploma in social sciences, business or education

Career Development Practitioner designation or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $27.97 CAD to $34.20 CAD
  Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.

Description

Join Our Team
Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,586 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

One full-time contract Employment Specialist position available, starting on November 16, 2026, and ending on September 17, 2027, working 37.5 hours per week.

*This position will fill a vacancy in the YESS program, helping youth 15-30 with employment.

What’s In It for You?

• Job Band G (hourly wages): Min - $27.97, Mid - $30.30, Max - $34.20.
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (accumulated bi-weekly).
• 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Staff appreciation events.

Your Role:

• Assesses individuals to determine their employment barriers, strengths and interests.
• Assists clients in exploring employment and career options, develops employment action plans, and assists clients to secure and maintain employment and/or pursue education or vocational training.
• Prospects and recruits employers and employment opportunities, matching clients with appropriate employers.
• Promotes clients to the employer community, identifying job leads and tapping into the hidden job market to support sustainable, meaningful employment options for clients.
• Provides individualized coaching to clients to support on-the-job learning and job retention.
• Supports clients to maintain positive employment relationships.
• Manages individual allocation of participant supports and monitors employer incentive expenditures.
• Coordinates case management functions to ensure the client’s successful transition into the labour market.
• Facilitates job search and employment preparation workshops to enhance client readiness.
• Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.
• The above tasks are representative but not all inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

• Degree or diploma in social sciences, business or education, and minimum of 1-year related experience in employment counselling or employment placement.
• Holds or is working towards a Career Development Practitioner designation, or equivalent.
• Strong commitment to customer service is essential; previous experience working in a community based, not-for-profit environment advantageous.
• Required to perform well in a fast paced, ever evolving and results oriented environment.
• Strong communication, customer service and organizational skills are essential.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and Employment Standards Act an asset.
• Must have the ability and confidence to generate new and maintain existing, business contacts.
• Outside sales, marketing, and cold calling experience is an asset.
• An understanding of occupational health and safety legislation is an asset.
• Some evening work will be required.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and various social media platforms.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are essential for this position.

If you are community-focused and share our values and commitment to equity, we want you to grow with us.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [e-mail] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:
To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.