Bridging Program Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

COMPANY:

Located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, Skills for Change (SfC) is working towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Named Charity Village's Best Non-Profit Employer - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and winner of the 2021 Canada Volunteer Awards for Innovation, our organization is committed to reducing poverty, improve mental health, eliminating gender-based violence, building community, eradicating systemic racism, and settling and creating sustainable communities for all immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities. Start your career with SfC and join our 40-year history of creating innovative programming to build welcoming and equitable communities.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

With over 42 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected non-profit charity with a province wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, settlement, language training together with specialized programs for skilled trades, women, and youth. We have 5 locations across the GTA and serve 16,000 clients annually. We believe we are in the best position to provide thought leadership through evidence-based programming, impact stories and proactive policy advocacy using knowledge mobilization products.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Bridging Program Specialist supports clients in accessing skilled trade training programs in the areas of bridging programs for internationally trained professions. These opportunities facilitate clients successful transition to employment in skilled trades and related fields. Working closely with educational and community partners, this role provides wraparound employment supports, employer engagement, and job readiness coaching to ensure positive outcomes for clients in sector-specific training initiatives.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:

• A strong understanding of workforce development, skilled trades pathways, and apprenticeship systems, especially in high-demand sectors.
• Experience supporting job seekers in overcoming employment barriers, with a particular focus on women, youth, newcomers, and individuals on social assistance.
• A client-centered and equity-focused approach to service delivery that fosters empowerment, skill development, and long-term success.
• Proven ability to develop employer partnerships, facilitate job placements, and monitor worksite conditions for quality and safety.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, capable of delivering engaging workshops and coaching sessions on job readiness and career planning.
• Enthusiasm for collaboration with training providers, community partners, and other staff to ensure wraparound support for clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct outreach to promote Skills for Change programs and build relationships with community agencies, employers, and training providers.
• Deliver information sessions and Common Assessment intakes to guide clients through career planning and program options.
• Provide one-on-one counselling and develop tailored career and employment action plans aligned with labour market needs and skilled trade career pathways.
• Facilitate job readiness and workplace preparation workshops, covering topics such as career planning, employer expectations, and workplace empowerment.
• Coordinate and facilitate program activities such as first aid training, site visits, field trips, and client fitting for PPE.
• Research and stay current on skilled trades apprenticeship processes, licensing, and sector trends, with a focus on areas like welding.
• Regularly attend client training activities, including training delivered by training institutions.
• Refer clients to appropriate wraparound supports and community services to address employment-related or personal barriers.
• Support clients in job search activities including resume development, interview preparation, and navigating job postings.
• Engage employers to identify placement and employment opportunities and market clients accordingly.
• Assist employers in developing on-the-job training plans and monitor work placements to ensure positive learning and work experiences.
• Coordinate peer mentorship opportunities between clients and industry professionals.
• Collaborate with training institutions and partners (e.g., colleges) to support clients during training and job placement.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files; input client data in internal systems; generate reports, success stories, and testimonials.
• Participate in events, meetings, and outreach efforts to enhance program visibility and build connections in the community.
• Evaluate program delivery and make recommendations for service improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Career Development, Community Services, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in employment counselling, job coaching, or career services.
• Experience working with marginalized populations, particularly newcomers, women, youth, and social assistance recipients.
• Strong knowledge of the skilled trades sector, apprenticeship systems, and current labour market demands.
• Demonstrated ability to build employer relationships and support job placements.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills; ability to present to groups and engage clients in workshops.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and presentation tools; experience is an asset.
• Strong organizational, case management, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours. Some programs are delivered in the evenings and on weekends. Work schedules will be adjusted to accommodate required program delivery times.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of program delivery.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, client-focused environment.
• Preferrable to own and drive a vehicle.
• A clear, mandator vulnerable sector check is required.

Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants, refugees and equity seeking groups to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community to persons with disabilities to newcomers to Canada (including refugees) to Indigenous peoples to members of a visible minority to children or youth to women of all ages including seniors to the LGBTQ2 community.

Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.