Homelessness Outreach Worker - Employment Specialist

Position Title:

Homelessness Outreach Worker - Employment Specialist

Date Posted:

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Competition File No.:

2026-59

Program Area:

Employment Services

Worksite Location:

Port Elgin, ON (not remote)

Travel Requirement:

Yes, across Grey and Bruce Counties

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Category:

#1

Existing Vacancy:

Yes

No. of Vacancies:

1

Hours:

37.5 hours per week.

Shifts:

Monday to Friday.

Salary/Wage:

$30.72 to $34.91 per hour.

Wages commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Start Date:

As soon as possible.

Application Deadline:

Friday, August 14th, 2026

Application Process:

Email resume, cover letter and YMCA Employment/Volunteer Application Form to: Manager of Employment – Client Services at employment@osgb.ymca.ca. Include the Job Title and Competition File Number in your subject line. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Y is people-powered. Our staff and volunteers provide the spark that helps ignite positive change in the lives of others.

Your Opportunity to be the Spark!

As a charity igniting the potential in people, we are seeking an energetic, positive and passionate person to join our team in a position that is part of our Rural Homelessness Response program and is also connected with our Employment Services team. Focusing on individualized outreach with people experiencing homelessness, you will support clients in their pathway to employment and with job retention. You will be part of an organization that gives back to the community and constantly looks for new ways to adapt to community need.

Responsibilities:

• Provide service in alignment with our values. Provide services in a manner that is consistent with the values outlined in the program guidelines, including: hope; client centered; inclusive and accessible; collaboration; and accountability.
• Establish rapport and provide compassionate and strength-focused employment services on an Outreach basis.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients throughout the Employment Services programming.
• Works one-on-one with clients to assess their needs, including but not limited to life stabilization, career development, literacy and basic skills training, job retention requirements, specialized supports required, and disability accommodation.
• Confirm eligibility of clients as outlined in Employment Services guidelines. Provide access to employment resources to support those who are not eligible, e.g. independent job search activities.
• Complete the Common Assessment module(s) with individuals, ensure completion and documentation in case management system.
• Work with job seek clients within the homelessness response program, to develop and manage Employment Action Plans (EAP) to lead clients to employment and training outcomes.
• Develop measurable and time-specific EAPs that set clear, achievable goals; build on or match skills, interests and needs identified by employers or in relation to labour market information; identify steps to reach the goals and methods for monitoring progress; show evidence of individual ownership and are updated as steps are accomplished.
• Ensure all items on the EAP are agreed upon and signed by the client.
• Will provide case management to each client, which should include referrals and access to other support(s) in the community, social services, professional services, outreach and government programs that the client may need.
• Provide support with job search activities, job development, job retention, collection of evidence to support outcomes, and other activities that may be required to support client success e.g. grounding exercises, mindfulness, self-regulation tools, to-do lists and phone prompt reminders.
• Maintain a current, accurate and complete client file in the client management system while providing services to or for the client.
• Update the client’s progress through their action plan towards employment.
• Have the ability to adjust schedules to meet the needs of clients and participate in community events.
• Provide advocacy and support for clients at their workplace. Provide advice and information to employers and clients regarding employment issues and human resources.
• Contact new clients within 24-hours of receiving the referral and book appointments within one week of initial contact.
• Refer qualified candidates to employers and match clients to available jobs through all available strategies.
• Provide quality support to both employers and clients during job search, job application and hiring process.
• Provide one year of job retention support to clients and support collection of documentation to verify their employment status.
• Attend and complete all assigned trainings and meetings.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Employment Services team.
• Ensure the positive promotion of YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, its programs, and the image of the people we serve.
• Participate in all prescribed Child/Vulnerable Persons Protection trainings.
• Report any and all program issues and concerns and recommending changes in policies and procedures to your supervisor.
• Contribute to an overall cooperative team approach within the association.

Just Some of the Benefits of Working at the YMCA:

• Comprehensive and ongoing training and long-term and upward career opportunities.
• Free membership to our Health, Fitness and Aquatics facility.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Fun, passionate and dependable co-workers.

Job Requirements:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Have current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than ninety (90) days preceding your start date.
• Have minimum Class G Driver’s License; own vehicle and be willing and able to travel throughout Grey and Bruce Counties.
• Provide 3 professional references.
• Have post-secondary degree or diploma in social services, counselling, education, social work or related field plus related work experience.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment; delivering outreach-based services to people experiencing homelessness is considered an asset.
• Have familiarity with government employment programs.
• Have an understanding of the local labour market.
• Highly developed research skills and ability to interpret complex documentation and applications.
• Have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and applications.
• Have close attention to detail and high standards for service quality provision and documentation.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Have ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Fluency in an additional language is an asset.

The YMCA’s Commitment to Protecting Those We Serve:

We are committed to our responsibility to protect the children and other vulnerable people we serve. Therefore, all employees and volunteers must provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search results as a condition of their employment or volunteer engagement. These police record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.

The YMCA’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Equality:

The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce 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.