Program Coordinator​/Job Coach

Program Coordinator/Job Coach – Full Time

About ACCESS

ACCESS, the place to start building your future today. ACCESS delivers a unique and diverse assortment of labour market services and support frameworks, including education, training, employment advising, and financial assistance to members of the urban Indigenous community. Our mission is to increase the Indigenous participation in the labour market. We develop strong partnerships with organizations and employers, understanding their employment needs and matching them to the needs of our trained and supported Indigenous clients, ensuring a successful outcome for both parties.

Our core values of Respect, Honor, Sharing, Kindness are active in our dynamic and supportive work environment.

What is Blade Runners?

Blade Runners connects the construction industry’s needs with opportunities for inner-city youth, with an Indigenous priority, aged 18 to 30 in Greater Vancouver. Blade Runners provides comprehensive support, including life skills training, safety education, and specialized employment preparation. With a 75% job placement rate since 1994 and a 100% completion rate, this award-winning program screens for youth readiness and fosters proactive relationships within the construction community.

This model’s success stems from its dedicated team, supportive employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustained employment.

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Blade Runners, the Job Coach is responsible for working closely with colleagues to select individuals for the program and support them in their training, employment, housing and building effective life skills. The Job Coach provides ongoing guidance in employment readiness, job retention, housing stability, and the development of effective life skills to support long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and process applicants to determine suitability for entry into the program including: participating in screening, interviewing and short-listing potential candidates for upcoming training
• Facilitate orientation sessions for those short-listed and select final cohort from those in attendance
• Liaise and build relationships with employers from the construction industry in order to develop jobs for participants of the program
• Provide support and direction to participants to facilitate their transition into employment
• Conduct regular visits to job site where participants are employed to ensure job maintenance
• Coordinate all duties related to participant intake, training, and follow-up support leading to successful job placement and beyond
• Liaise with and formalize working relationships with community organizations and agencies regarding homelessness, alcohol/drug issues, judicial services, food banks etc.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma/degree in social services or business or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities is considered an asset, along with a demonstrated ability to build respectful, culturally informed relationships
• 2 years’ experience working with at-risk youth
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse clients, including youth facing multiple barriers.
• Strong understanding of client confidentiality, privacy, and professional boundaries.
• Effective conflict resolution and de-escalation skills in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services available in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain flexible, adaptable, and solution-focused under pressure.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, independently determine priorities, and consistently meet deliverables and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to source new employment opportunities and develop, maintain, and strengthen key relationships with employers and industry partners.
• Confident in making public presentations to a diverse audience
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities paired with excellent listening and problem‑solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to…