This program is a culturally responsive, community-based employment readiness program designed to address the systemic barriers faced by many Indigenous youth in accessing meaningful employment. This initiative will prioritize youth (ages 19+) who have the highest identified support needs, specifically those aging out of foster care who identify as neurodiverse. In partnership with Secwépemc Child and Family Services Agency (SCFS), the program will focus on creating inclusive, accessible pathways to employment that recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles and strengths. Participants will receive individualized employment readiness support, including skills development workshops tailored to neurodiverse learners, culturally grounded programming, and supported connections to training and employment opportunities. The program will emphasize building confidence, strengthening work readiness skills, and fostering self-advocacy in workplace settings.

Employment Coaches will conduct comprehensive needs assessments and provide ongoing, individualized guidance to support each participant’s employment journey. They will coordinate wraparound supports through collaboration with community organizations and service providers, ensuring participants have access to the social, cultural, and practical resources necessary for success. Strong partnerships with employers will be cultivated to promote inclusive hiring practices, increase employer awareness of neurodiversity, and create meaningful employment opportunities aligned with participants’ strengths and goals.

Major Responsibilities - in this position, you will:

Develop and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities in Kamloops and surrounding areas.
Initiates and maintains on-going contacts with a variety of business and industry representatives
Makes cold calls to potential employers
Coordinates and supports connection to potential employment for program participants
Locates jobs for participants who have successfully completed the program
Provides labour market and community resource information
Researches internet, agencies, and other resources for job leads
Develops and executes creative outreach strategies to recruit program participants
Provides coverage for facilitation and delivery of employment workshops
Provides individualized employment support for participants
Tracks participant activity and progress data
Matches job skills with applicant qualifications
Organizes and holds job fairs and employer events in various areas, virtually and in person

Qualification - you bring:

Post-Secondary Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in a related discipline, or equivalent work experience
Experience working with youth or persons facing barriers due to complex needs.
CDP or related certification is an asset
Experience with developing and facilitating community-based programming and services
Strong facilitation skills with proven experience in developing curriculum in life, employability and computer skills within an employment program setting
Awareness of local youth resources and willingness to develop community supports
Ability to be flexible, adaptable and multi-task in high demand environment
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Computer proficiency – Adobe, DocuSign, Salesforce and Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook and SharePoint
High degree of independence and initiative within a team environment
Proven responsibility to coordinate tasks and work as part of a team
Emergency First Aid/CPR-C Certificate required, can be obtained within 30 days of start date

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 YMCA BC | Fitness, Aquatics, Child Care, Camps & Community Programs

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: July 17th, 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.