Are you a natural connector who knows how to build trust with employers?
We’re looking for professionals who thrive on building partnerships, understand labour market needs, and are excited to strengthen Alberta’s workforce.
Refer to Job Posting EDS-25
Position Summary
The Employment Development Specialist (EDS) plays a key role in an employment prep by supporting clients as they prepare for, secure, and sustain employment. The EDS provides individualized coaching, facilitates work-based learning opportunities, and builds strong partnerships with employers to create inclusive pathways to work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client-Focused (2 positions)
Deliver Work-Based Learning, Work Simulation, and Job Retention services.
Collaborate with clients and staff on job search strategies; act as a resource for resolving jobsite issues.
Provide 1:1 coaching during the first 8 weeks of employment and continue with follow-up support.
Support clients with employment readiness, goal setting, and workplace transition.
Monitor and coach client performance on the job, working with them to improve outcomes.
Provide post-employment support to clients and employers to ensure job retention.
Proactively build employer relationships through a combination of cold-calling, networking, industry events, and follow-up outreach.
Develop mutually beneficial agreements where employers gain access to motivated candidates and clients receive meaningful employment.
Co-design realistic work simulations and site-based work-based learning placements aligned with actual workplace tasks.
Facilitate employer engagement through mock interviews, guest speaking sessions, mentorship opportunities, and onboarding support.
Support the implementation the employer marketing plan, ensuring ReadyTogether is positioned as a trusted workforce development partner.
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in human services or a related field.
Minimum 2 years of experience facilitating work-based learning, employment placement, and job retention.
Demonstrated success in supporting workplace transitions and engaging employers.
Proficiency in:
Client assessment and career counselling
Job search techniques and employment promotion strategies
Relationship management and communication
Service management, monitoring, and evaluation
Experience working with job seekers facing barriers to employment, including the ability to coach and support clients in exploring, attaining, and keeping employment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with clients and employers.
Established employer network with proven success in hiring and retaining clients facing barriers.
Knowledge of community supports and local labour market trends.
Core Competencies
Client-centered and trauma-informed practice.
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving program environment.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Comfort with outreach, cold-calling, and building new relationships in the employer community.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach with strong relationship-building skills.