Employment Counsellor

vpi inc.; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

VPI Employment Services is seeking an Employment Counsellor to guide individuals through career development, job transition, and resume and interview preparation. You will assess skills, interests, and qualifications to help clients explore options and create individualized Employment Action Plans for progression toward sustainable employment.

You will collaborate with the Branch Manager and community partners to connect job seekers with opportunities, monitor progress, and ensure high-quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• Experience delivering employment counseling or career services preferred.
• Strong knowledge of local labor markets and resources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments to evaluate employment-related needs and goals.
• Deliver counseling in a professional, welcoming, and confidential manner.
• Develop personalized Employment Action Plans with clients for sustainable employment.
• Provide pre-employment support: career coaching, resume writing, interview prep.
• Assist clients with accessing Job Seeker Financial Supports and related services.
• Maintain up-to-date client files across CRM systems and internal portals.

Skills

Critical thinking

Active listening

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Time management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work/psychology or related field

Tools

CRM software

Job description

VPI is a Service Provider for Employment Ontario, which is funded by the Ontario Government to support jobseekers and employers. VPI has been delivering employment programs for more than 30 years and is based in Mississauga, operating in multiple locations across Southern Ontario. Our organizational values rest on 4-pillars which are Ethics, Passion, Innovation, and Courage which support the desire and passion to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve.

VPI Employment Services embraces and encourages inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices and creating a work environment that encourages and supports our team members be their authentic selves.

This position is being recruited to fill an existing vacancy.

We are seeking out individuals who have the passion and drive to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve. Providing exceptional client experience; creating an environment where clients feel safe, heard, supported, and see progression with skill development, and life stabilization support, leading to sustainable employment and career development.

Role Overview

The Employment Counsellor provides guidance and support to individuals seeking employment, career development, or job transition services. They assess clients’ skills, interests, and qualifications to help them explore career options, identify job opportunities, and develop individualized Employment Action plan. The role includes offering support on resume writing, interview preparation, as well as providing resources for skill development and training. Employment Counsellors also work with employers to understand hiring needs and connect qualified candidates with job openings. They may also assist clients with overcoming personal barriers to employment and work to enhance overall employability.

Key Job Functions

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments to evaluate employment-related strengths, needs, abilities, skills, barriers, while clearly explaining program requirements, available services, and participant expectations.
• Deliver services in a professional, welcoming, and safe manner while maintaining confidentiality and respecting client privacy.
• Collaborate with clients to develop personalized Employment Action Plans focused on achieving sustainable employment while providing individualized job-matching support.
• Provide ongoing pre-employment support, including career counselling, job-search coaching, skills development, and life stabilization referrals identified in the Employment Action Plan.
• Facilitate individualized interview preparation and mock interview sessions tailored to each client’s needs, barriers, and employment opportunities.
• Assess client eligibility for Job Seeker Financial Supports and determine appropriate funding for employment-related needs, including assessments, transportation, attire, grooming, equipment, and supplies.
• Collaborate with clients to develop career development support plans focused on long-term job retention and career advancement.
• Work collaboratively with the Branch Manager to monitor and achieve individual and team performance targets, including Job Seeker Financial Support allocations and expenditures, job matches, successful transitions to post-employment services, and client satisfaction.
• Maintain complete and up-to-date client files across multiple CRM databases and internal portals, including case notes, action plan items, and calendar entries.
• Remain informed of current conditions and emerging developments within local and regional labor markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, attend community events, and generate and manage client referrals.
• Perform additional duties as required to support the objectives of the role.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong critical-thinking, judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent active listening, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to build rapport and maintain lasting professional relationships with job seekers, employers, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
• Effective information-gathering skills with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable using technology and identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies.
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Able to work effectively and remain resilient in a fast-paced, client-centered environment.
• Self-motivated, confident, and proactive, with the initiative to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong commitment to providing responsive, high-quality customer service.
• Outgoing and enthusiastic about learning how employers’ needs can align with available services to create mutual value.
• Results-driven and comfortable working toward established individual and team performance targets.

VPI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals and ensure employment decisions are made without discrimination based on any protected characteristic under applicable laws.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VPI is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise us in advance of any accommodation needs.