Integrated Employment Specialist

Job Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor, Employment Services, this position is responsible for the delivery of employment services supporting unemployed and under-employed individuals to obtain and sustain employment and to meet employer needs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assess job seekers to determine barriers to employment, career interests/goals, training eligibility and labour market re-integration potential.
• Assist job seekers, through the development/ creation of a resume, mock interviews, skills testing etc. to prepare for referral and application for employment/placement opportunities.
• Assist job seekers to research/prepare and submit successful applications for training.
• Screen and refer active job seekers for internal and external training/employment/placement opportunities.
• Refer active job seekers to internal and external programs to support/overcome employment barriers.
• Promote, support and maintain services (screening, resume and job search assistance) within the Resource Centre.
• Deliver orientation sessions, workshops and other employability skills training for job seekers.
• Communicate with internal supports and community agencies for mutual referral and program purposes.
• Coordinate opportunities for community agencies to participate in various aspects of Regional Programs (job fairs, employer panels, mock Interviews, presentations etc.).
• Coordinate education and awareness training for job seekers and community agencies.
• Follow up on exit plans and provide post program support to participants.
• Intensively support, through weekly contact, participants to maintain employment through job task analysis/identification and assist participants with strategies to be successful.
• Maintain regular and consistent follow up through weekly contact with internal supports/community agencies and participants to monitor progress and problem solve/trouble shoot when necessary.
• Liaise with other internal and external professional staff to provide service coordination on behalf of participants.
• Compile monthly statistics and related reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural or Social Sciences, or a Social Services Worker Diploma.
• Minimum of three (3) years in the employment field including both employment counselling, supporting job seekers towards obtaining/maintaining employment and placement services, working with employers/community agencies/training providers in the area of recruitment and relationship management.
• Excellent knowledge of vocational and employment counselling / interviewing techniques, identification of employment barriers and employment action planning are essential.
• Proven ability to learn, organize thought and employ a variety of solutions and superior interpersonal skills including good listening, verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Social Assistance Management Software (SAMS).
• Working knowledge of Employment Standards and Family Law Act, Ontario Works Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Tenant Protections Act and other relevant legislation.

Working/ Employment Conditions

Working Conditions

• Travel will be required, incumbent must provide their own transportation. 
• Flexibility in working hours may also be required.

Employment Conditions

• Current (obtained within the past six (6) months), original and acceptable Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen, by the first day of employment.