Employment Counsellor

55 Gordon St, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2, Canada

Job Description

Pay Rate: $45,000 per annum. We also offer comprehensive, 100% employer paid benefits, flexible work environment, and access to our superb sport, fitness, and recreational facilities.

Start Date : May 2025

You Belong!

We exist to unlock potential through the innovation of accessibility and to create a better, barrier-free life for all Canadians. We strive to achieve this by reimagining accessibility and redefining the way Canadians live, work and play. Our organization values being person-centred, genuine, flexible, innovative, and collaborative.

As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from all persons, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide variations and accommodations at all stages of the employment and are committed to improving our process to be more accessible and equitable.

We understand that no one will ever meet all the qualifications or feel completely confident in performing every duty listed, and that’s okay! We are committed to the ongoing learning and development of our employees and gladly provide on-the-job training and mentorship. Unless it says required (bolded for emphasis), please do not let any other qualification or duty discourage you from applying.

If you have any issues with the online application or have any questions about the job, please email careers@abilitiescentre.org. We look forward to learning more about you and how you may be the person we’re looking for through your application!

The Position:

Reporting to Manager, Employment & Community Services, the Employment Counsellor will act as a mentor to job seekers facing barriers to employment and will be responsible for providing guidance through one-to-one coaching sessions and on-the-job support. The Employment Counsellor will be accountable for the development and implementation of processes and procedures as it relates to employment coaching and job development. They will work within Abilities Centre job development framework, supporting job seekers to find and retain meaningful employment; and they will possess a strong knowledge and understanding of employment programs, services and the everchanging labour market.

What You’ll Do:

• Assess and plan:
  • You will manage and prioritize a minimum caseload of 30+ job seekers efficiently and effectively.
  • You will utilize a person-centered approach to identify employment barriers, goals, and service needs to develop individualized employment plans for job seekers.
  • You will conduct intakes and assessments prior to commencement of services and complete action plans in collaboration with job seekers.
  • You will be responsible for completing and reviewing job seeker related documentation in department database.
  • You will adopt a unique and creative thinking approach when supporting job seekers.
  • You will plan, organize, and update individualized action plans to suit individuals needs to ensure relevancy and success for each job seeker.
• Job Development and Operations:
  • You will work collaboratively with the Manager to develop, review, revise, and operationalize quarterly plans, specifically as they relate to identified job development outcome measures.
  • You will work with the Senior Coordinator, Employment & Community Services to develop and deliver resources ensuring job seekers are supported and successful in the job development stage.
  • You will source and match paid employment opportunities that meet job seekers’ skills, capabilities, interests, and experiences with the needs of the employer.
  • You will provide on-going job development support to job seekers including, but not limited to, job searching, job application, interview preparation, etc.
  • You will coordinate with the Research department to identify and establish needs of communities and gaps in services, and you will design and implement services based on the identified gaps.
  • In partnership with the Research and the Employment team, you will implement the Program Impact Framework to measure and collect data related.
• Deliver and evaluate:
  • You will work in one-to-one settings to ensure job seekers are on the right track in relation to their career goal(s) and skill development.
  • You will document progression and impact of all job seekers.
  • You will research, develop, and implement learning material related to the different skill development and social enterprise program.
  • You will strategize and collaborate with the Manager and the Research team to identify service objectives and create innovative program models related to employment readiness.
• Support and foster:
  • You will support youth and adults of all backgrounds and abilities with the development of necessary life skills, pre-employment skills, and job search tools and techniques.
  • You will support job seekers in developing skills required to research, interview for, and secure employment.
  • You will monitor individuals progress and collaborate with other members of the employment team to ensure success in job securement and retention.
  • You will collaborate with job seekers, partners, interns, and families to develop transition plans that clearly outline next steps to assist participants in their pathway to school, work, volunteer, and community engagement.
• Communicate and collaborate:
  • You will actively participate in team meetings, staff meetings, debriefs, and case reviews, and provide additional administrative support to the Employment team as needed.
  • You will discuss and provide constructive, descriptive feedback to job seekers.
  • You will establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
  • You will collaborate with the Manager to research, develop, and assess the feasibility of new and innovative initiatives that complement and enhance existing services.
  • You will support the Manager and Senior Coordinator, Employment & Community Services to identify and foster strong partnerships and working relationships with stakeholders whose vision and values align with Abilities Centre.
• Other duties as assigned by Manager, Employment & Community Services.

What You Bring:

• Education and knowledge:
  • You have post-secondary education in Social Services, Developmental Services, Community Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Career Counselling or Adult Education, or related.
  • You have 1-3 years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  • You have experience applying a variety of tools and techniques that focus on and promote inclusion and adaptation of activities to meet the needs, abilities, and communication styles of individuals.
  • You are familiar with job searching techniques, local provincial labour markets, interviewing skills, workplace accommodations, and return-to-work programming.
    • Familiarity with employment related legislation such as Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) employment requirements, Ontario Human Rights requirements, Employment Standards Act (ESA), and Occupational Health & Safety Act is considered an asset.
• Compassion, Communication and Relationship Building:
  • You exhibit a high level of emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and an awareness of barriers to success, including learning limitations.
  • You have effective planning, organizing and time management skills, and can work independently without close supervision.
  • You are self-motivated, results-oriented, and you demonstrate initiative and contribute to a work environment that values and encourages innovation.
  • You have exceptional oral and written communication skills and are comfortable presenting to large groups.
  • You can make connections with peers, leaders, and stakeholders.
  • You can facilitate decision-making, influence without authority, collaborate across teams, and achieve results through effective negotiation and problem-solving.
  • You are a team player, flexible, and can handle multiple tasks and demands efficiently.
• Administrative Requirements:
  • It is required that you have a current, clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector from the last 6 months.
  • It is required that you have a current, valid First Aid and CPR ‘C’ / AED.
    • CVRP and/or RRP certifications is considered an asset.
    • Crisis Intervention and Prevention certification is considered an asset.
  • You are flexible regarding work schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends.
  • You have access to reliable transportation.

Deadline to apply is Friday, May 2, 2025, at 7:00PM

55 Gordon St, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2, Canada