Youth Coach - Employment Ontario

Company Description

We believe in the power of work. Since 1994, we’ve been partnering with governments and local agencies across Canada to create sustainable employment opportunities for people, businesses and communities. We understand that work gives hope, strengthens relationships and drives economic growth.

Job Description

Location: Onsite - Toronto, ON

Work Schedule

This position supports service delivery across two shifts: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.. Candidates may indicate their preferred shift; placement will be based on operational needs and candidate preference.

About this role

Like WCG, you believe in the power of work to transform lives. You are passionate about helping young people access opportunities, overcome barriers, and take meaningful steps toward their employment, education, and career goals. As a Youth Coach, you will serve as a digital navigator and trusted connector, engaging youth through live chat, app-based interactions, proactive outreach, and resource navigation to create a welcoming, accessible, and youth-friendly experience.

Working alongside Employment Ontario service providers, you will provide timely support, micro-coaching, warm referrals, and practical guidance that encourages engagement and reduces service drop-off. Rather than carrying a caseload or developing Employment Action Plans, you will focus on helping youth navigate available services, connect with the right supports, and build confidence as they explore employment, training, and career opportunities. The ideal candidate is tech-savvy, empathetic, and passionate about empowering youth through meaningful digital engagement and relationship-building.

What you'll do

• Respond to youth inquiries through live chat, support inboxes, and digital engagement channels.
• Explain employment service pathways, resources, and next steps using clear, youth-friendly language.
• Connect youth to appropriate Employment Ontario, community, wellbeing, and training resources.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of interactions in relevant systems.
• Apply escalation protocols for complex, urgent, or high-risk situations.
• Provide short-term coaching and practical support related to resumes, interviews, job search strategies, and career exploration.
• Conduct proactive outreach to youth who have disengaged, missed appointments, or require additional support.
• Encourage participation and help youth overcome barriers to engagement.
• Support youth in identifying immediate and achievable next steps toward their goals.
• Use a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach in all interactions.
• Coordinate warm handoffs to service providers and community supports, ensuring youth understand next steps.
• Contribute to youth-friendly content, FAQs, resource guides, peer stories, and digital engagement activities.
• Share youth feedback and emerging trends to support service improvements.
• Participate in team meetings, training, quality reviews, and coaching sessions.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to create a seamless youth experience.

Qualifications

What you bring

• Demonstrated experience in customer service, peer support, coaching, mentoring, youth engagement, community outreach, or employment-related services.
• Strong digital literacy with the ability to confidently navigate chat platforms, virtual communication tools, social media, and web-based applications.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to communicate in a warm, clear, respectful, and youth-friendly manner.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and establish trust with diverse youth populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple conversations and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Comfortable working evening shifts and participating in an evening service delivery model.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.

Preferred Criteria

• Lived experience navigating employment, education, career transitions, or employment support services.
• Experience supporting youth aged 15-29.
• Knowledge of Employment Ontario services, workforce development, community resources, and youth-serving systems.
• Post-secondary education in social services, community development, employment services, communications, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in digital service delivery, live chat support, customer engagement, or online communities.

For complete job requirements, see the full Job Description here.

Additional Information

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $53,820.00 per year (based on full-time hours)
• Comprehensive and flexible health and dental benefits
• RRSP Matching program of 2.5% base earnings
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Generous time-off policies that promote work/life balance
• A diverse and inclusive workplace with a track record of high employee engagement and teamwork
• The opportunity to do work that makes a difference!

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Matter

WCG is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to achieving a workplace that is equitable and representative of Canada’s diverse population. We actively work to attract, develop, and retain employees from diverse and equity-deserving backgrounds who have exceptional ability and the desire to make a difference. We continuously strive to support individual needs and differences in a work environment that is built on inclusivity and respect for everyone.

WCG is committed to providing an accessible, barrier free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise us if you require accommodation in advance of any part of the recruitment and selection process.

Passion and Lived Experience Matter!

If you don’t quite have the above credentials but feel passionate about this role and your ability to do it successfully, please APPLY ANYWAY! Tell us in your application why you believe you would be a great fit. We believe in developing talent and have a wide range of opportunities to support passionate team members as they grow towards their employment goals.