Employment & Job Development Specialist

Job Information:

Job title: Employment & Job Development Specialist

Department: Programs, Employment

Reports to: Employment Coordinator - Newcomer Program

Job type: One year contract with possibility of extension

Hours per week: 37.5 hours/week, Monday – Friday 9am-4:30pm, less a daily unpaid ½ hour break

Location: on-site

Minimum Experience: Mid-Level 

Compensation: $55,000 per year

Number of vacancies: 2

This vacancy is for a new role

About Reception House

Reception House is a non-profit, community-based organization that delivers quality settlement, integration and support services to refugees and newcomers in Waterloo Region. Since 1987, Reception House has helped thousands of refugees rebuild their lives in Canada through specialized programs and services designed to help them become established in their new communities. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full time contract Employment & Job Development Specialist on our employment team . The Employment & Job Development Specialist is a hybrid role that provides direct employment support to newcomers while also building and maintaining strong relationships with employers to create meaningful job opportunities. This role supports newcomers throughout the full employment continuum, from assessment, job readiness, and job search support to placement and early retention, while simultaneously engaging employers to understand workforce needs, promote RH employment services, and negotiate successful job matches. The position plays a key role in achieving positive employment outcomes, strengthening employer partnerships, and ensuring long-term workforce integration for newcomers.

What you’ll need:

• Conduct comprehensive employment needs assessments to identify newcomers’ skills, experience, competencies, interests, and employment goals.
• Collaborate with newcomers to develop individualized employment plans and pathways.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify recruitment needs and create job opportunities for newcomers.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned employers, providing responsive, professional customer service.
• Provide intensive job search support, including resume development, application assistance, interview preparation, and job search coaching.
• Meet with employers to negotiate placements, clarify job requirements, and support successful matches.
• Collaborate with employers to develop or refine job descriptions and employment expectations.
• Coach newcomers through mock interviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Support newcomers with workplace integration and retention activities such as; workplace orientation and tours, reviewing pay stubs and explaining deductions and taxes, and employment-related logistics (transportation routes, schedules, workplace expectations).
• Work collaboratively with settlement, resettlement, and internal program teams to promote the benefits of employment and encourage newcomers' engagement.
• Promote RH employment services to newcomers using job development and relationship-building techniques.
• Attend networking events, job fairs, and employment-related events to expand employer partnerships.
• Deliver employment-related orientation, including workplace culture in Canada, employee rights, and expectations.
• Analyze labour market trends, employer feedback, and employment outcomes to inform job development strategies.
• Support employers and newcomers during the early stages of employment to encourage retention and successful integration.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in databases and tracking systems, including newcomers progress and employment outcomes.
• Collect feedback from both newcomers and employers to support continuous improvement of services.
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations related to program activities and employment outcomes.
• Support colleagues with job search preparation or employer engagement activities as required.

What you’ll need:

• Completion of post-secondary studies in social services, career development, business, marketing, or a closely related discipline.
• 3 years of experience in roles that integrate newcomers' employment support with employer or workforce engagement.
• Practical experience guiding individuals through employment readiness, active job search, placement, and early employment stabilization.
• Previous hands-on involvement in employer outreach, job matching, or recruitment coordination.
• Experience with employment programs and outcome-based service delivery models is preferred.
• Strong awareness of regional employment sectors, in-demand occupations, and hiring practices within Waterloo Region.
• Working knowledge of Canadian workplace standards, employment legislation, and employer expectations.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Ability to create presentations and resources.
• Possess strong knowledge about the local community and resources available.
• Able to set and manage appropriate boundaries with newcomers.
• Able to think critically and use resources effectively.
• Strong time management and organization skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to build relationships and work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.
• High level of active listening and interpersonal communication skills, written and verbal, both in person and virtual settings.
• Excellent resourcefulness, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative, think critically, and be proactive with tasks.
• Resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome objections.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally to achieve organizational goals.

Working conditions: 

• Primarily working at a desk in a stationary position, using computer and related peripherals.
• Heightened risk of exposure to communicable diseases, vicarious trauma and high-stress environment.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a car is required.
• Travel within Waterloo Region needed to attend off-site meetings and events.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required to attend meetings or events.
• Must be able to move freely throughout buildings and travel within community with reasonable accommodations as required.

Benefits: 

At Reception House, we truly value our employees and the incredible work that they do. Some benefits we provide include;

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Staff appreciation events
• Wellness initiatives
• Professional development opportunities

Reception House Waterloo Region welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups. We will accommodate candidates partaking in the recruitment process upon request. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please contact us at hr@receptionhouse.ca.

We are committed to providing clear and equitable compensation information. The compensation posted reflects the expected pay for this role at the time of posting and may be adjusted based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.