Lead Employment Navigator

calgaryjohnhoward; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Calgary John Howard Society in Calgary is seeking a Lead Employment Navigator to build and maintain relationships with employers and support high-risk individuals re-employment. You will lead a team of two Employment Navigators and two Employment Coaches, reporting to the Employment Hub Manager.

You will identify opportunities, educate employers about the program model, and support onboarding, workplace accommodations, and issue resolution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in employer engagement, job development, or workforce services.
• Leadership skills are an asset.
• Strong understanding of labour market dynamics and entry-level employment pathways.
• Excellent relationship building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Skilled in maintaining documentation and delivering accurate, timely reports.
• Ability to address employer concerns related to attendance, performance, and accommodations.
• Experience working with marginalized populations is an asset.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in community and outreach-based settings.
• Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of two Employment Navigators and two Employment Coaches; manage employer relationships.
• Identify suitable job opportunities, educate employers on the program model, and support onboarding.
• Assist with workplace accommodation and issue resolution for participants.
• Serve as a bridge between employers, Employment Coaches, and participants to navigate challenges.
• Maintain a diverse employer network to support rapid re-employment when needed.

Skills

Employer engagement

Leadership

Labour market knowledge

Communication

Negotiation

Documentation

Problem solving

Diversity experience

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Job description

The Agency

The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) is a charity that reduces crime and makes Calgary communities safer by helping youth and adults make positive changes and move away from criminal behaviour. We do this by addressing the root causes of crime through housing, education, employment programs and support so that individuals have alternatives to breaking the law. CJHS is committed to restorative justice and an organizational environment that recognizes the dignity and worth of each person. CJHS values diversity and inclusion and welcomes qualified applicants from all walks of life.

The Program

Breakthrough and the Employment Hub are designed to intervene early with individuals who are at high risk of developing or have long-term dependency on Income Support. It is an outreach-based employment program supporting high-risk individuals aged 16+ who have experienced homelessness, housing instability, justice involvement, disrupted education, and limited workforce attachment. The program embeds intensive employment coaching directly into housing settings, community locations, and employer worksites.
Breakthrough and the Employment Hub prioritize early paid engagement, individualized coaching, and long-term retention support, recognizing that employment pathways for high-risk individuals are often non-linear and require flexible, relationship-based approaches.

The Position

• The Lead Employment Navigator role builds and maintains relationships with employers willing to hire and support high-risk individuals.
• This position works collaboratively with the Breakthrough and Employment Hub teams and will lead a team of two Employment Navigators and two Employment Coaches, reporting to the Employment Hub Manager.
• This position identifies suitable job opportunities, educates employers on the program model, and supports onboarding, workplace accommodation, and issue resolution.
• This role serves as a bridge between employers, Employment Coaches, Employment Facilitators and participants, helping employers navigate challenges related to employment while promoting positive outcomes for both individuals and workplaces.
• Job loss is normalized as part of development, and the role is key in maintaining a diverse employer network to support rapid re-employment when needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in employer engagement, job development, or workforce services.
• Leadership skills an asset
• Strong understanding of labour market dynamics and entry-level employment pathways.
• Excellent relationship building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Skilled in maintaining documentation and delivering accurate, timely reports.
• Ability to address employer concerns related to attendance, performance, and accommodations.
• Experience working with marginalized populations is an asset
• Comfortable working collaboratively in community and outreach-based settings.
• Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle are required.

Your past does not define your future. A criminal record will not disqualify you from employment with us; we evaluate each application individually.

Applications will be accepted until:

A suitable candidate is found.

The Calgary John Howard Society thanks all applicants; however, only those

considered for an interview will be contacted.