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Workforce Development Coordinator

Nanaimo Foodshare is seeking a compassionate, client-centred professional to coordinate the Employability and Inclusion stream of our job readiness and work-experience program. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about inclusive employment, participant empowerment, and supporting individuals who face multiple barriers to entering the workforce.

As an Employability Coordinator, you will work directly with participants to build essential workplace skills such as professional communication, teamwork, budgeting, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and relationship-building. You will support participants in recognizing their strengths, embracing neurodiversity and disability, and using adaptive tools and strategies to succeed in employment.

You will also collaborate with local employers and community partners to create positive work experiences, strengthen employer-participant relationships, and reduce employment barriers related to disability, mental health, and neurodiversity.

This 19-week Service Canada–funded program includes paid training, workshops, certifications, and 8 weeks of paid community work experience. Working with a team of five Employment Coordinators, you will support cohorts of 8–10 participants to build job readiness skills, develop resumes and cover letters, and transition into meaningful employment.

Key Responsibilities:

Coordination & Recruitment

• Update and maintain promotional materials and participant application processes
• Recruit, interview, and assess individuals facing barriers to employment
• Collaborate with case managers, support workers, and referral partners
• Ensure equitable and inclusive intake practices

Training & Participant Support

• Develop, adapt, and deliver participant-centered training materials
• Provide one-on-one coaching, goal setting, and progress tracking
• Facilitate workshops on topics such as communication, emotional regulation, self advocacy and confidence building
• Apply a case-management approach to support individualized employment goals
• Coordinate job shadowing, employer visits, and outreach activities

Work Experience Placements

• Recruit and support community work-experience hosts
• Ensure contracts, safety protocols, and monitoring requirements are met
• Support participants during placements and address workplace challenges
• Refer participants to community and wrap-around supports as needed

Program Administration

• Track program targets, outcomes, budgets, and reporting requirements
• Complete clear and timely written and oral reports
• Support and mentor practicum students
• Contribute to continuous program improvement and evaluation

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in employment readiness, workforce development, or social services programming
• Strong understanding of employment barriers, including neurodiversity, disability, mental health, and systemic inequities
• Experience using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and participant-centered approach
• Confident group facilitation and workshop delivery skills
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills
• Ability to build trust with participants, employers, and community partners

Compensation & Hours

Wage: $24 per hour

Hours: 28 – 32.5 hours per week

Wage subject to review and confirmation following successful completion of the probationary period

Job Types:
Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application 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?

Licence/Certification:

• Class 5 Licence and reliable vehicle (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Please Apply only through our Indeed Job Posting. Job Link