EMP-U25-20 Career Specialist, Integrated Employment Services

Springboard; Golden Horseshoe; Hybrid; CAD 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Employment Counsellor to join their team. In this impactful role, you will provide tailored support to individuals facing employment barriers, helping them achieve meaningful outcomes. You will conduct assessments, develop personalized employment plans, and facilitate workshops to enhance job readiness. This organization values inclusivity and offers a collaborative environment where your contributions will make a significant difference in the community. If you are passionate about empowering others and fostering positive change, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Savings plan

Career development initiatives

Employee Engagement Committee

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• 2+ years in employment counselling or workforce development required.
• Proficiency in MS Office and strong communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and create individualized Employment Action Plans.
• Facilitate workshops on resume writing and job search techniques.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation for clients.

Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

MS Office

Case Management Systems

Problem-Solving

Organizational Abilities

Education

Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work

Career Development

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tools

Common Assessment Tool (CAT)

Job description

ABOUT US

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and, of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Job Class: Union

Department: Employment Services

Location: 3195 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON (Scarborough)

Status: Full-time, Contract (Until March 31, 2026)

Pay Rate: $51,421.01 per annum

Vacancy Number: EMP-U25-20

Number of vacancies: 1

Available: Immediately

Hours/Shifts: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (three days per week in-office, based on operational needs) flexibility for evenings/weekends. Schedules are subject to change to meet departmental needs.

Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program

The IES program provides tailored support for individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes. By addressing the unique challenges of each client, we create pathways to sustainable employment that transform lives and strengthen communities.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Client Assessment and Employment Planning

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client skills, barriers, and goals using the Common Assessment Tool (CAT).
2. Incorporate motivational interviewing techniques in assessments to uncover hidden barriers such as physical or mental health challenges.
3. Create and adjust individualized Employment Action Plans that align with program standards and client career aspirations, and address client stabilization needs by connecting them to resources.
4. Stream clients into appropriate services, ensuring interventions meet program deliverables.
5. Meet regularly with clients (at least bi-weekly), prioritizing in-person meetings, to review progress and address challenges.
6. Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate tailored strategies for client employment success.
7. Provide tailored support to clients by joining them for employment activities (interviews, etc.), as required.

Pre-Employment and Job Readiness Support

1. Facilitate workshops and one-on-one sessions on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search techniques.
2. Provide guidance on workplace expectations, professional behaviour, and skills development.
3. Refer clients to relevant community resources, certifications, or training programs to enhance job readiness.
4. Work closely with Employer Engagement Specialists to align job opportunities with client profiles.
5. Educate clients on AODA compliance and workplace accommodations to empower them with knowledge about their rights and potential supports in the workplace.
6. Collaborate closely with Employer Engagement Specialists and Retention Specialists to ensure client strengths and barriers are effectively communicated and supported at all stages of the employment journey.

Retention and Post-Placement Support

1. Conduct regular follow-ups with clients and employers to ensure job retention and satisfaction.
2. Address workplace challenges by coordinating accommodations, conflict resolution, or additional supports.
3. Effectively track retention metrics, client feedback, and satisfaction to improve outcomes.
4. Meet monthly Job Start and retention KPIs by facilitating onboarding processes and supporting long-term employment goals.
5. Collaborate with Retention Specialists to anticipate and address potential post-placement and employment challenges.

Documentation and Reporting

1. Maintain up-to-date, accurate case notes and client records in compliance with funder and organizational standards.
2. Prepare reports on client progress, job starts, and program outcomes.
3. Collect Proof of Employment documentation and ensure all KPIs are met or exceeded.
4. Share impactful success stories, respecting client confidentiality, to showcase program value.

Workshop Development and Facilitation

1. Plan, deliver, and evaluate interactive workshops, and group sessions to build client confidence and skills.
2. Adapt workshop content to meet the diverse needs of inclusion groups, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
3. Incorporate client feedback into workshop improvements to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Workplace Expectations, Professionalism, and Compliance

1. Engage in ongoing training in motivational interviewing, disability awareness, and data-informed service delivery to enhance client support.
2. Maintain professionalism and always adhere to workplace policies, ensuring focus and productivity in all environments.
3. Adhere to the organization’s business casual dress code during work hours, whether onsite, online, or when working offsite.
4. Maintain an on-camera presence during virtual meetings.
5. Be available to work a hybrid model with at least three in-office days per week and additional onsite presence as required. In-person attendance is a mandatory requirement of the role and cannot be accommodated for remote work on these days.
6. Travel within the GTA to attend employer site visits, trainings, networking events, community outreach activities, etc.
7. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed to support program goals or employer relationships.
8. Replace work-from-home days with in-office or offsite attendance to support operational requirements.
9. Perform additional tasks as required to support organizational needs, and program delivery.

WHO YOU ARE

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, career development, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field.

Experience:

• 2+ years in employment counselling, case management, or workforce development.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations and individuals facing employment barriers.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in MS Office and case management systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP).
• Multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic).
• Knowledge of local labour markets, employment programs, and inclusive hiring practices.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Consistently meet or exceed Job Starts and other KPIs.
• Foster strong, trusting relationships with clients, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate impactful outreach that drive measurable outcomes.
• Deliver accurate documentation and reports, demonstrating program success.
• Achieve targeted outcomes for inclusion groups, ensuring equitable opportunities for all clients.

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard.

Completion of satisfactory, professional references, and proof of education are requirements of employment.

The Deadline for Applications is Until filled.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.