Join the YMCA Newcomer Services Team!


Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.
Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.
Why The Y?
At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.
We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.
We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:
• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members
Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.
All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. 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.

Position: Settlement Advisor - Employment
Location: 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia, Ontario (YMCA Learning and Career Centre)
Start Date: ASAP (Contract Ending March 31st, 2025, with possibility of extension)
Schedule: 40 Hours a Week (with some evenings and weekends required)
Salary: $27.03 Per Hour
As part of your total compensation:
• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations
• May be entitled to up to 12 paid personal days – applicable with position and contract length
• Benefits package - applicable with position and contract length
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services
In this role, you will:
• Follow YMCA of Southwestern Ontario policy and procedures
• Act as a YMCA ambassador, demonstrating YMCA core values in your daily work
• Determine eligibility for services and conduct initial needs and assets assessments to identify needs, assets and obstacles to success
• Provide information and referrals to newcomer youth aged 15-30
• Assist clients in setting realistic career goals, priorities and the development of action items through the creation of a solution focused plan
• Identify barriers to employment faced by clients and develop strategies to enhance their job readiness
• Stay up to date on labour market trends and keep an up to date list of job openings in the community
• Refer newcomers to appropriate internal and external programs and resources
• Support clients in developing resumes, reviewing job applications, effective job search skills, and providing coaching for on job retention
• Maintain and expand client base through outreach, which includes community visits, developing outreach materials, cold calling and promoting community networks
• Represent the agency on appropriate community networks focused on immigration issues and refugee status and work in conjunction with other agencies and community groups to co-ordinate/facilitate the delivery of services
• Advocate on clients’ behalf, when appropriate, with agencies, organizations and institutions
• Assist with exploration, research and the development of workshops and programs that address identified client needs
• Deliver group employment and information sessions for newcomers and the public in-person and virtualy
• Provide leadership and direction in assigned projects that benefit our clients and the YMCA i.e. Strong Kids, Peace Week, etc.
• Supervise and support program volunteers as needed
• Handle administrative and clerical duties, including back-up reception, as required

Education and Skills Qualifications:
• Post Secondary Degree or Diploma in a related Human Services, Counselling, or Education discipline
• Knowledge of Immigration Law, and government funded/ community programs (i.e. Ontario Works, Employment Ontario, Legal Aid, CAS, etc.)
• Fluency in an additional language in at least one common newcomer language, i.e. Arabic, Mandarin, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Karen, Burmese, Tigrinya, Amharic, (an asset)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiar with using a database
• Proficiency in using online digital platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet; required to provide virtual / remote service
• Demonstrated understanding and sensitivity towards the challenges facing newcomers
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Employment Counseling and solution based counselling background
• Proven ability to understand and interpret complex documentation, applications, etc.
• Highly developed research skills
• Comfortable and effective communicating in group situations and delivering effective and engaging presentations
• Previous experience working within the Settlement Sector (an asset)
• Current and acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is a condition of employment for all staff and volunteers
• Legally entitled to work in Canada


We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.