Employment Specialist

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Position Title: Employment Specialist

Location: Kamloops, BC

Term: Temporary, Full-Time

Hours: 36 hours per week

Start Date: As soon as possible

End Date: March 31, 2027, with possibility of extension

Salary: $31.98 per hour

Reports To: Team Lead, Employment Specialist

Benefits:

• Competitive vacation and paid sick time
• Free YMCA Gym Membership+ Y@Home
• Generous employer-matched pension plan
• Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Extensive Employee assistance program
• Reduced childcare rates and priority placement for YMCA Staff
• Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

Nature & Scope

WorkBC Kamloops, in partnership with the YMCA, provides comprehensive employment services to help individuals find and maintain meaningful employment. Located on both the North Shore and South Shore, the centers offer job search assistance, resume and cover letter writing, labour market information, networking opportunities, career planning, interview tips, and job placement services. Additionally, the YMCA enhances overall well-being through mental wellness programs, virtual fitness classes, and safety programs. These services are funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, ensuring accessible support for job seekers in the Kamloops region.

This position is responsible for guiding clients through their entire employment journey. The successful candidate will work physically in the Work BC /Open Door Group Office and report to both Client Service Manager with Work BC and the Director of Communities with YMCA BC- Kamloops.

Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:

• Evaluates client eligibility for services and coordinates the distribution of financial supports necessary for client participation in services and employment.
• Facilitates comprehensive assessment with the client to support the identification of realistic employment goals, employment needs, transferable skills, and interests. Collaboratively develops tailored service plans with clients to achieve desired employment.
• Supports clients through the completion of self-reported disability-related employment needs assessment and disability management plans for review and approval by a member of the Vocational Services team.
• Ensures clients have access to the necessary services and resources outlined in their service plan.
• Coordinates with the support team to ensure seamless delivery of services, monitor client progress, and optimize outcomes aligned with employment goals.
• Provides supportive counselling, and uses motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practices to build rapport, engage, and motivate clients towards achieving and sustaining their employment goals.
• Collaborates with the Vocational Services team and other relevant colleagues to regularly review and receive guidance for the provision of disability-related employment services.
• Maintains knowledge of local labor market trends and in-demand occupations. Leverages this knowledge to provide clients with career guidance and develop targeted job search strategies.
• Teaches client and provides coaching using a variety of instructional methodologies to enable the development of skills necessary for increased employability, personal independence, and/or participation in work and community education programs.
• Builds and maintains strong partnerships with key community stakeholders to identify and access wrap-around support needs for clients.
• Provides comprehensive job search support, including coaching, job lead generation, application assistance, and resume/cover letter development.
• Identifies suitable work experience placements and job opportunities. Supports the matching of clients with appropriate positions based on their skills and goals.
• Provides ongoing support and monitoring for clients participating in work experience and skills training programs. Collaborates with employers, training providers, and other relevant stakeholders to address client needs and ensure service quality and completion.
• In collaboration with Vocational services team and other relevant colleagues, provides comprehensive post-placement support, including job coaching and accommodation implementation, to achieve sustained employment and training outcomes for clients.
• Maintains comprehensive and accurate client records, case notes, and documentation in accordance with policies and funding requirements.
• Achieves monthly and annual goals and objectives and maintains acceptable standards of service quality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualification-you bring:

• Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline;
• Recent, related experience of three (3) years, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a helping profession supporting individuals with disabilities and complex barriers;
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire);
• Mental Health First Aid Training (can be acquired after hire);
• Valid BC driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle during working hours. Must be able to travel throughout the province;
• Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification considered an asset;
• Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification are considered an asset;
• CCDP Certification is considered an asset.
• Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable sector search issued no later than six (6) months preceding the start date.

About YMCA BC:

By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.

As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.

We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.

YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at ymcabc.ca.

Application Process-ready to make a difference?

We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!

Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

• Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.

You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.

• If short-listed for a position: We will contact, you to move forward to the next step.
• If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.

Note: Depending on the role, we may be required to prioritize internal applicants. At YMCA BC, we approach each hiring process individually, recognizing that people bring diverse experiences and strengths. If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your unique background might be just what we’re looking for. And if this role isn’t the right fit, we hope you’ll continue exploring future opportunities with us that align with your skills and aspirations.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.

Thank you for your interest and application.