JOB SUMMARY
BridgeNorth is seeking a passionate and community-minded individual to fill the role of Employment Coach & Support Worker. We are seeking someone who embodies the values of BridgeNorth and who creates accessible, supportive, and low-barrier spaces for youth and young adults participating in the Elevate Program. You understand how to build trusting relationships, support participants with diverse needs, and work collaboratively to help individuals move toward their goals.
You are comfortable operating within a trauma-informed and person-centred framework, recognizing that participants may face a wide range of barriers and challenges related to employment, education, mental health, housing, relationships, life skills, and system navigation. You are flexible, compassionate, organized, and committed to serving participants with excellence.
Reporting to the Elevate Program Supervisor, the Elevate Program Case Manager is responsible, for supporting the delivery of the Elevate Program through group facilitation support, one-on-one case management, goal setting, employment readiness support, system navigation, and participant advocacy. The Case Manager will support participants in understanding and applying concepts learned in the program while helping them work toward individualized goals related to employment, education, life skills, and overall well-being.
Candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Strong preference will be given to candidates with lived experience, Indigenous candidates, and/or candidates who speak French.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
BridgeNorth’s mission is to restore the inherent dignity and value of sexually exploited women and girls by meeting their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. We help individuals experience freedom from sex trafficking in Canada through survivor-led support, prevention, education, and advocacy.
We provide direct service to individuals and families impacted by sex trafficking, create public education and awareness, and advocate on behalf of trafficked persons for systemic change. We lead out of lived experience and trauma-informed care.
We work with all people. We are an inclusive community dedicated to representing and supporting the diverse needs of the individuals whom we serve. We are especially focused on ensuring that BridgeNorth is a safe place for participants and partners who are part of vulnerable communities and/or marginalized identities, which are sadly over-represented in sex trafficking in Canada, such as LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC populations.
Our agency’s value-based framework is committed to the socially just approach of being trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based, feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally sensitive.
ABOUT THE ELEVATE PROGRAM
The Elevate Program is a supportive, skills-based program designed to help youth and young adults build confidence, develop life and employment skills, and work toward their personal, educational, and career goals. Through group learning, mentorship, individualized support, and community connection, participants are supported in overcoming barriers, building healthy routines and relationships, and increasing their readiness for employment, education, and independent success. The program operates from a trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based, and low-barrier approach to ensure participants feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
INTAKE & PARTICIPANT SUPPORT
- Conduct and support participant intake and onboarding for the Elevate Program.
- Conduct participant check-ins and ongoing assessment of participant needs, strengths, barriers, and goals.
- Complete all required documentation, including intake forms, consent forms, case notes, referrals, and attendance tracking.
- Work collaboratively with participants to identify individualized goals related to employment, education, life skills, wellness, and personal development.
- Assist participants in developing realistic action plans and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
- Support participants in understanding and applying concepts learned during Elevate sessions and workshops.
- Provide individualized accommodations and support based on participants’ learning styles, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs.
- Build supportive, professional relationships with participants while maintaining healthy boundaries.
CASE MANAGEMENT & ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
- Carry a caseload of participants engaged in the Elevate Program.
- Meet regularly with participants to provide ongoing support, coaching, encouragement, and advocacy.
- Support participants with:
- Goal setting and action planning
- Resume and cover letter development
- Job search and job applications
- Employment readiness skills
- Interview preparation
- Education and training applications
- System navigation
- Life skills development
- Completing and attending training and certification programs
- Planning for and arranging transportation to and from programming, meetings, and appointments
- Problem solving and self-advocacy
- Connect participants to appropriate community services and supports, including housing, mental health, addictions, education, healthcare, financial assistance, legal supports, and employment resources.
- Advocate on behalf of participants when appropriate and support participants in accessing trauma-informed services.
- Support participants in managing barriers that may impact attendance, engagement, or goal achievement.
- Handle crises and challenging situations in an appropriate and professional manner.
GROUP PROGRAM SUPPORT
- Support the Elevate Facilitator in the facilitation and delivery of Elevate programming.
- Facilitate some program activities.
- Assist with preparing materials, setting up activities, tracking attendance, and supporting participant engagement during sessions.
- Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive group environment.
- Support participants during group sessions to ensure understanding of curriculum concepts and activities.
- Provide one-on-one assistance to participants during programming as needed.
- Help manage group dynamics and behaviours in a trauma-informed and low-barrier manner.
- Encourage participation, confidence building, and skill development among participants.
- Maintain appropriate documentation related to program delivery, attendance, participant engagement, and case notes.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & ADVOCACY
- Build and maintain awareness of relevant community resources and referral pathways.
- Develop positive working relationships with community partners, employers, educational institutions, and service providers.
- Support participants in navigating systems and attending appointments when appropriate.
- Represent BridgeNorth professionally in the community and during partner interactions.
- Promote participant empowerment, self-determination, and strengths-based growth.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date participant documentation within BridgeNorth’s case management systems.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with organizational policies and relevant legislation, including FIPPA and PHIPA.
- Remain familiar with and comply with all BridgeNorth policies and procedures.
- Keep accurate records and receipts for mileage, parking, and program-related expenses where applicable.
- Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Behaviour consistent with BridgeNorth’s mission, values, and policies.
- Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practices.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build trust and rapport with youth and young adults facing multiple barriers.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to self-regulate and remain calm in stressful or crisis situations.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate support.
- Group facilitation and public speaking skills are an asset.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Understanding of low-barrier service delivery and harm reduction approaches.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Lived experience is considered a strong asset.
- Post-secondary education in Social Service Work, Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Community Services, Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum 3-years' experience working with youth and/or vulnerable populations.
- Minimum 2-years' experience providing case management, mentorship, employment, life skills, or other social services-support.
- Experience working within trauma-informed and person-centred frameworks.
- Knowledge of community resources and support systems.
- Experience supporting individuals facing barriers related to mental health, housing insecurity, poverty, trauma, education, or employment.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle is preferred.
- Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Clearance Certificate (at BridgeNorth’s expense).
- First Aid & CPR certification is an asset.
- French/English bilingualism is a strong asset.
WORK LOCATION
In person: This role requires primarily in-person work, including program delivery, participant meetings, community outreach, and meetings at BridgeNorth’s office.
SCHEDULE
- Monday to Friday
- Some evenings may be required
LICENCE/CERTIFICATION
- Driver’s License (preferred)
Pay: $49,000.00-$54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
