Employment Specialist

Ballad

But who is Ballad Group? Well, our training programs have built capacity in diverse areas including entrepreneurship, insurance, information and computer technology, construction, French language acquisition, hospitality, supply chain management, and more. We have delivered unique training programs for a variety of organizations, Indigenous Communities and on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development and Ministry of Seniors, Community & Social Services and Social Development Canada. 

But what about the WERC program? Well, the goal of the Edmonton WERC program is to develop and administer individually focused direct skill enhancement training and job placement to enable multi-barriered Albertans find and maintain employment.

The Opportunity

The Employment Specialist will play a key role within Ballad’s WERC program. This program is specifically designed to train Albertans to meet the dynamic job demands outlined by employers within multiple industries.  When appropriate, a paid job placement is granted to participants as part of the program where they can apply their skills obtained throughout the program.

The Employment Specialist will be responsible for the development, recruitment, and partnership management surrounding the employment sector in the Edmonton and surrounding region of Alberta. The partnership will ensure quality job placements are found for our WERC program participants.

The Employment Specialist must demonstrate strong relationship, communication, entrepreneurial and self-starter skills, as they will be expected to seek out new employment opportunities across the region and job matching employers to program participants. This requires someone to understand our program participants profile to successful match them with employment and meet the ever-changing needs of individual participants and employers.

As the key resource for the program for the primary office located in Edmonton the Employment Specialist will utilize excellent judgment to develop credible and meaningful relationships with program participants and other stakeholders, ensuring strictest confidentiality. This individual will work closely with the WERC staff and the program participants to identify opportunities and to resolve concerns.

It is anticipated that majority of the business development work will be focused in and around the Edmonton area.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement a business development strategy to attract employers and agencies aligned with Ballad and the WERC program, promoting activities internally and externally.

Source and finalize quality placements that benefit both participants and employers.

Collaborate with program staff to identify employers and participants for successful job matches.

Deliver a set number of job placements per month while managing employer relationships for up to 90 days and beyond.

Provide pre-employment support in resume and cover letter development, application assistance, and interview preparation.

Assess potential employers for alignment with participants’ skills, qualifications, and goals.

Coordinate job placement details, including hours, wages, and benefits, between participants and employers.

Maintain awareness of current employment opportunities and labour market trends.

Address attitudinal barriers and work to remove stigmas associated with employment for non-traditional candidates.

Represent Ballad at career fairs, trade shows, and other events as required.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date information in Ballad’s database and tracking reports.

Connect participants with employers for work experiences and job placements.

Provide input for active service management to ensure client success.

Follow up and complete associated reporting.

Perform general administration and other duties as assigned.

Experience

A professional with proven experience collaborating with diverse individuals and groups, building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and providing practical guidance for successful work placements.

The position requires the following skills, experiences and abilities:

Post-secondary education is an asset but not required

Prior experience in job placement and/or building customer relationships is preferred (an equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered)

Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)

Intermediate skill level working in online database tools

Exemplary verbal and written communication skills

A genuine desire to build relationships with various client population groups, employers, and internal/external stakeholders

Exceptional client service with the ability to present ideas and/or services to individuals and groups

Able to take initiative and be resourceful in seeking out placement opportunities, including the ability to reach out and make connections

Highly professional, driven, charismatic, reliable, and confident individua

Experience with pre-employment strategies and knowledge of the local labour market are considered assets

Exposure to diversity and inclusion programs is an asset

Further Notes

Must have a valid driver’s license

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate upon experience.

Full competitive benefits provided upon successful completion of three-month probationary period.

Candidates chosen for an interview will require three references. A secondary interview may be requested where a presentation showing initiative and problem-solving skills will be showcased