Employment & Education Partnerships Coordinator

Employment & Education Partnerships Coordinator

Contract Term: 1-Year

Position Type:Part-Time
Location:Toronto, ON
Reports To:ProgramDirector
Collaborates Closely With:ProgramTeam

Position Overview

TheEmployment & Education Partnerships Coordinatorplaysa central rolein supportingStepStonesyouth to access meaningful, part-time employment and education opportunities that accommodate their school schedules and personal growth goals. This role emphasizes buildingstrategic partnerships with employers, training programs, and post-secondary institutionsthat are committed to offering opportunities toStepStonesyouth.

TheCoordinatorcomplements theConnections Coordinators’work by advancing placement opportunities and preparing youth for success in the workforce and in learning environments. Youth support should be guided by the individualizededucation and employment plans developed by Connections Coordinators.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development & Employer Engagement

• Identify, build, andmaintainpartnerships with employers, training institutions, and corporate stakeholders

• Promote theStepStonesmodel and the mutual benefits of hiring or mentoringStepStonesyouth

• Develop flexible, part-time employment opportunities aligned with youth education plans

• Coordinate customized placements and workplace readiness in collaboration with Connections Coordinators andSupervisors

• Develop workplace partnerships that reflect equity, mentorship, and long-term success

• Work with employers after hire to ensure the success of the new hire. Check inon a monthly basisto review progress

• Maintain a roster of a minimum of 10 employers who are ready and able to hire new youth.

• Maintain a roster of a minimum of 10 employers who have currently hired youth and support this roster on an ongoing and regular basis.

• Ensure employersmaintainthe part time agreement and do not encourage youth to drop out or reduce school involvement.Most employers will not bepermittedto hire for more than 15 hours in the case that a youth has not completed post-education unless it is in the summer months

Youth-Focused Employment & Education Support

• Prepare youth for employment throughone to one:

• Resume building and job search

• Interview preparation and mock interviews

• Workplace expectations, communication coaching, and first-day readiness

• Assistwith job applications, training program enrollment, or alternative education pathways

• Celebrate progress and help youth navigate any setbacks along the way

• Tailor supports using theConnections Coordinators' education plansas a foundation

• Place a minimum of45youth in job placements per yearwhomaintainthese job placements for a minimum of5months each

• Utilize the education plan for each youth

Ongoing Support & Monitoring

• Conduct regular check-ins with youth and employer partners

• Coordinate access to supportssuch asclothing, TTC fares, equipment, oradditionalcoaching

• Troubleshoot issues or advocate for accommodations as needed

• Track outcomes, provide progress updates, and contribute to program evaluation

How This Role Supports the Team

This position works in collaboration with the Connections Coordinators by:

• Offering employment and education-specific coaching that complements community connection and life skills support

• Leadsexternal partnership building
  to securereal opportunities for youthso Coordinators can focus on wraparound and life skills support

• Aligning placements with youth goals and schedules alreadyidentifiedin program planning

• Contributing to shared outcomes around engagement, retention, and long-term success

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience inemployment services, workforce development, education access, or youth programming

• Minimum 3years experiencebuildingcorporate or community partnerships—especially with employers or post-secondary institutions

• Demonstrated success inyouth engagementand strengths-based practiceespecially when working with hard to service youth

• Understanding of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and youth-centered approaches

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Deep understanding of systemic barriers faced by youth in care or experiencing homelessness
  

Assets:

• Experience in employer outreach, DEI-informed hiring, or HR

• Familiarity with Torontoand surrounding area’sworkforce and education sectors

• Lived experienceor experience working with individualsin systems of care, foster care, homelessness, or related barriers

• Experience with cold outreach, corporate giving, HR,

• Experience with formal partnership

• Experience with barrier reduction strategies (e.g., transportation, housing, criminal record navigation)

Equal opportunity

StepStones values the unique skills and experiences each individual has to offer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation to participate fully in our recruitment processes, please let us know when we contact you.

StepStones is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We seek applicants who will strengthen our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with and for StepStones. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and therefore we seek to use employment equity to evaluate candidates who meet the required qualifications.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those applicants will be selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or in person submissions please.