Outdoor Education, Outdoor Adventure, Youth Employment and Skills

Job Title: Work Placement Coordinator
Positions: 2 positions
Organization: Outward Bound Canada
Location: Hybrid within Canada, with preference given to candidates located near one of Outward Bound Canada’s operating regions (Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island, BC; Calgary, AB; or Haliburton, ON). This role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to support program and participant needs, as well as travel and in-person program delivery.

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role. Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

WHO WE ARE

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through transformative adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership, preparing youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society.

We are deeply committed to addressing barriers to access and creating opportunities for marginalized populations. We believe in fostering diversity and inclusion so that the outdoor sector reflects the rich diversity of Canada.

CONTEXT

The Outward Bound Canada Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program is an innovative program funded through the federal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy grants. The program combines highly engaging outdoor education experiences that challenge youth in unique learning environments and fosters self-growth, empowerment and develops socio-emotional competencies and also serves as a catalyst to re-engage youth with their inner potential. The outdoor component of the program is layered with experiential centre-based training that further develops employability and future skills along with relevant entry level outdoor industry certifications. Each region (Ontario, BC and Alberta) will serve 20 youth (aged 15-29) participants who will be selected through the outreach and intake process each year. This program is particularly relevant to youth that have not experienced success in traditional educational and training models or are dis-engaged with the labour market.

Outward Bound Canada’s Youth Career Catalyst program features an individualised intake process to ensure youth are matched with the right training experience, in addition to wrap-around supports that provide mentorship, coaching and career mapping. The goal is to provide them (participants) with the necessary skills and assets to prepare them to successfully compete for and retain employment.

THE ROLE

The Supported Work Experience Coordinator with the Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) grant plays a key regional role in connecting program participants to meaningful employment experiences and supporting both participants and employers throughout the work experience phase.

This hybrid position combines elements of program facilitation, case management, and employer coordination. The Coordinators will maintain close relationships with local employers, manage the logistical and administrative aspects of participant placements, and provide ongoing mentorship and support in collaboration with regional Facilitators and the Grant Work Placement Manager.

WHAT WE OFFER

Location: Hybrid within Canada, with preference given to candidates located near one of Outward Bound Canada’s operating regions (Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island, BC; Calgary, AB; or Haliburton, ON). This role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to support program and participant needs, as well as travel and in-person program delivery.

• Salary Range: $50000 - $60000
• Benefits: Health Care Spending Account Fund & Employee Assistance Plan
• Term: February - October 2026 (9 month contract), possibility of extension based on funding
• Supervisor: Grant Work Placement Manager
• Anticipated Start Date: February 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Experience Coordination & Employer Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional employers to create inclusive, supportive work experience opportunities for YCC participants.
• Coordinate and track required work placement documentation, including contracts, evaluation forms, and reimbursement submissions.
• Support employers with onboarding, workplace inclusion, accommodations, and communication strategies to ensure successful placements.
• Visit placement sites (virtually or in-person) to foster positive relationships and address emerging challenges.
• Collaborate with the Grant Work Placement Manager on national employer engagement, communications, and reporting.

Participant Support & Case Management

• Work closely with instructors and facilitators to support participants through their journey, ensuring successful completion of the program and readiness for work placements.
• Collaborate with regional Facilitators to identify and address barriers to retention, providing individualized supports or referrals where needed.
• Assist with the development and distribution of resources, including toolkits and mentorship materials, to enhance participant experiences.
• Maintain accurate participant records, progress notes, and outcome data in program tracking systems (eg. CampBrain, Google Suite).

Program Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with regional Facilitators during the training phase to understand participants’ needs, strengths, and career goals.
• Support the delivery of selected training components (eg. career readiness workshops, workplace communication sessions).
• Support Facilitators in tracking participant workplace learning goals, completing evaluation surveys, and reflecting on career growth.
• Contribute to team meetings, debriefs, and shared case management discussions to ensure coordinated support across the program.
• Provide feedback on curriculum and program delivery to inform continuous improvement.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Maintain organized digital files for employer and participant documentation.
• Support accurate and timely submission of grant-related data, including hours verification and placement outcomes.
• Contribute to progress summaries and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and monitor completion of surveys and evaluations from both employers and participants.

WHAT YOU BRING

OBC recognizes relevant skills and knowledge can be gained through volunteer and life experiences as well as professional and educational backgrounds. Please outline in a brief cover letter how you have gained the following experiences, and how you would apply them to this role.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

Education or training in a relevant field (such as social services, career counselling, education, or human resources) or equivalent combination of training and lived/professional experience supporting youth, employment, or outdoor programs.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with youth, employers, and community partners
• Experience mentoring or coaching young people through employment, education, or life transitions
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail in coordinating multiple tasks and maintaining accurate records
• Experience supporting employers with onboarding, communication, and inclusion practices
• Ability to problem-solve, stay adaptable, and respond to evolving needs with creativity and professionalism
• Collaborative team member who contributes to a positive and supportive working culture
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strength-based, and equity-centered approaches to youth and community work
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and virtual communication tools
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check and ability to travel regionally

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Ability to travel regionally for outreach, training, and support
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Standard First Aid and CPR certification
• Familiarity with Google Suite and online communication platforms

ASSETS

• Experience or knowledge of working with equity denied groups, particularly Indigenous, racialized, disabled & those part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
• Knowledge of regional youth-serving organizations and local employer networks
• Experience with CampBrain or similar program databases
• Career Development Practitioner training or certification
• Wilderness First Aid or equivalent certification
• Previous experience with Outward Bound Canada or similar experiential learning programs

APPLY

APPLICATION LINK HERE.

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