Community Outreach Navigator EDGE Program

The Opportunity

EDGE – Cape Breton offers programming to youth aged 18-26 who face multiple barriers to obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment in our community. The EDGE Community Outreach Navigator develops and delivers promotional materials for events/meetings to raise awareness of the EDGE program. They meet with and support potential EDGE participants who need assistance overcoming barriers to attending the program. They deliver EDGE programming in the community to those who are not ready for in-programming EDGE delivery and facilitate a connection with the in-person EDGE Program. They provide ongoing support to EDGE alumni who are experiencing employment maintenance issues and those who are continuing to job search.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Monitoring and overseeing client activities ensuring adherence to programming expectations
• Reinforcing the teachings and lessons learned in programming to support positive workplace behaviors using techniques like reframing, inclusive communication and strength-based coaching
• Work with each participant to develop employment, life management and social goals which will assist them in navigating the available inhouse and community resources
• Refer participants to other social services or assist participants in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical, financial, housing, transportation, daycare and other services
• Organize, attend and participate in events within Cape Breton to promote EDGE Program
• Deliver outreach supports within the community, developing an awareness of community and social services/supports; including job fairs, community and employment agencies, as well as community partners
• Perform various Case Management duties in an outreach capacity; meeting clients where they are in the communities at partner agency locations
• Evolve our programs by building new partnerships and strengthening existing community alliances to optimize who and how we support participants in the community
• Participate in program and service development that is responsive to the evolving needs of participants, ensuring maximum effectiveness and efficiency
• Maintain client files in a web-based application while complying with privacy protocols
• Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings
• Must be willing to cross train and assume other duties, as required in the program

Work Conditions

• Overtime may be required
• Environment can be noisy at times
• Repetitive Work
• Working alone
• Travel required

Skills and Competencies

Qualifications

• Degree or post-secondary education in Social Work or related field of study or a combination of education and work-related experience;
• Strong Microsoft Office skills – experience working with cloud computing and collaborative tools (e.g. Teams), considered an asset;
• Experience with audio and video conferencing tools (e.g. Zoom) and course authoring software, considered an asset;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and tasks;
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment in the handling of confidential information;
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in the resolution of issues, process improvement, and evaluation
• High level of initiative is needed to work independently and respond to unanticipated items;
• Strong communication and presentation skills, and;
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate variations outside of regular business hours, as needed.
• Valid Driver’s License and regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Above all, the successful candidate must clearly demonstrate a commitment to our shared values: Caring, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect and Responsibility

Additional Competencies

• Good knowledge of community organizations and referral agencies
• Ability to access and effectively use information and communications technology; conduct research
• Working knowledge of career development theory and applications – considered an asset
• Adherence to inclusionary practice, ethical decision making, respect for diversity, confidentiality
• Working knowledge of employment/career related services, programs, and interventions

What We Offer

• Participation in Comprehensive Group Benefits and Pension Program
• Individual & Family YMCA Membership
• Strong Work Life Balance Programs (i.e. 15 paid Vacation Days, 11 paid Wellness Days annually)

• Discounted Childcare and Camp Rates
• We are an AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program) designated employer

Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check. Employees will be required to attend YMCA Child Protection Training. Travel may be required.

The YMCA of Cape Breton is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.