Employment Program Coordinator
Nanaimo Foodshare is seeking a compassionate and client-centered professional to coordinate the Employability and Inclusivity focus of our job readiness program. This role works directly with participants to improve key skills like professionalism, communication, budgeting, and relationship-building, aiming for long-term employment success. You will also support participants in embracing their differences, advocating for themselves, and utilizing adaptive technologies. The position involves collaborating with local employers to improve employer-participant relationships and ensuring participants overcome employment barriers, such as neurodiversity, disability, and mental health challenges.
As part of a collaborative team of five Employment Coordinators, the employment program coordinator will lead groups of 8-10 participants in developing job readiness skills and transitioning to meaningful employment. There is a focus on food access, nutrition, and food service skills as part of the Foodshare program.
Key Responsibilities:
Training, Facilitation and Participant Support
Update promotional materials and application process
Recruit, interview, and assess participants with barriers to employment
Collaborate with case managers and support workers for participant referrals
Develop and manage tailored training materials
Provide one-on-one support to participants and track progress
Facilitate workshops on topics such as communication, emotional regulation, and stress management
Implement a case-management approach to monitor participant goals and challenges
Drive participants to program locations (unrestricted Class 4 license is an asset)
Recruit and manage work experience hosts, ensuring contracts and monitoring procedures are in place
Refer participants to community resources as needed
Manage program budgets, targets, and evaluation reports
Mentor practicum students
Complete written and oral reports
Qualifications:
Experience in employment readiness or similar programming
Strong understanding of barriers to employment, including neurodiversity, disability, and mental health
Experienced with trauma-informed approach and group facilitation
Excellent communication and organizational skills
About Nanaimo Foodshare:
Since 1997, Nanaimo Foodshare has connected the community with resources, skills, and knowledge to increase healthy food access for all. We work with community partners to address hunger, build food skills, and create shared resources for better food security.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Nanaimo Foodshare is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all qualified candidates, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, LGBTQIA+ persons, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to applicants legally entitled to work in Canada.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: $24 per hour
Licence/Certification:
Class 5 Licence and reliable vehicle (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application Screen question(s):
Do you have experience running Canadian Government funded projects?
What examples of trauma-informed practice training/experience are you confident in applying to this position?
What local Nanaimo employability resources are you aware of that would benefit people with barriers to employment?
Interested applicants are requested to respond to the screening questions and submit their application along with their resume to ca@nanaimofoodshare.ca.