Youth Employment (IPS) Support

For many young people experiencing mental health challenges, finding a job is about much more than earning a paycheck. Meaningful employment creates confidence, purpose, independence, social connection, and hope for the future. Yet for youth struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, or other mental health concerns, entering the workforce can feel overwhelming.

Designed with youth, for youth, Kickstand is Alberta's Integrated Youth Services initiative offering wraparound services for everything young people aged 11-25 may need on their journeys to wellness and adulthood. Services are FREE including mental health support, substance use services, peer support, primary care, Indigenous wellness, and social services. Our goal is simple: ensure no young person has to navigate life's challenges alone.

We are seeking support to implement the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment model at one Kickstand Centre. IPS is widely recognized as one of the most effective approaches for helping people achieve their employment and education goals. Through this pilot project, a dedicated Career and Employment Advisor will work one-on-one with approximately 36 young people over four months. Youth will receive individualized support tailored to their goals, strengths, and interests, including career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, workplace readiness skills, and ongoing support after securing employment or entering training or education.

What makes this project unique is that employment support will be integrated directly within Kickstand's existing model of care. Rather than requiring youth to navigate multiple systems or tell their story repeatedly, they will be able to access employment support alongside the mental health, wellness, and social services they may already be receiving.

Young people want opportunities -Kickstand's IPS program will help them find jobs, build careers, and create brighter futures. We are doing more than helping young people find work; we are helping them build confidence, develop independence, strengthen their wellbeing, and take important steps toward the future they envision for themselves.

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment pilot program will help approximately 36 youth/young adults with 1:1 support to achieve their employment, career, or education goals. 

Many of today's young people experience significant challenges. Anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, financial hardship, social isolation, housing instability, discrimination, and other barriers make it difficult to enter the workforce and find meaningful work. For many youth, finding a job can feel out of reach despite having tremendous strengths, potential, and aspirations.

Through this project, participants will receive highly personalized 1:1 support to identify and pursue meaningful employment and educational opportunities. Youth will gain practical skills such as resume writing, job searching, interview preparation, workplace communication, and career planning. Quality ongoing support will ensure work placements benefit both the employer and the youth to be sustainable and successful long-term.

At its heart, we are helping young people move from uncertainty to opportunity. We are walking along-side young people helping them gain the confidence and skills needed to unlock their potential, pursue their goals, and build success.