Employment/Employer Advisor

John Howard Society of Durham Region; Whitby; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

John Howard Society of Durham Region is seeking an Employment/Employer Advisor to deliver client-centered services within a performance-based program. You will conduct intake assessments, develop individualized goals, and provide targeted interventions to promote job readiness and long-term employment success.

The role includes job development, coaching, and case management across in-person, community-based, and itinerant settings, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for clients.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Career Development, Human Resources or related field.
• Experience in employment and general counselling with pre-employment support strategies.
• Proven success with diverse populations and labour market resources.
• Proficiency in case management, goal setting, and motivational interviewing.
• EOIS-CaMS and data management experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews and assessments to identify client needs and goals.
• Develop individualized employment and training plans and provide coaching for job readiness.
• Engage in job development activities to connect participants with opportunities.
• Deliver career development services and guidance, including referrals to education and training.
• Coordinate client services across office, community, and itinerant sites.
• Maintain timely case documentation in compliance with standards and funders.
• Support planning, workshops and certifications such as Smart Serve or Basic Food Safety.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Data collection

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Services

Tools

EOIS-CaMS

Windows

Office 365

Zoom

Social media tools

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Employment/Employer Advisor

DEPARTMENT

Employment & Training Services

BARGAINING UNIT

CUPE

SALARY GRADE

Class 5B Level 1

Wage23.85 per hourBenefitsExtended Health, Dental, LTD, Life, EAP and AccidentUnionCUPE 2936.13Closing DateInternal: September 9/26 External: September 18, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Services program at the John Howard Society is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Its goal is to help individuals achieve sustainable employment through a comprehensive range of services, including Information and Resource support, Client Service Planning and Coordination, Job Search assistance, Job Matching and Placement, and Job Retention support.

The Employment/Employer Advisor plays a key role in delivering client-centered services within this performance-based program. This role encompasses employment counselling, job development, advocacy, assessment, and case management to support clients in entering or re-entering the labour market. Services are delivered through in-person, community-based, and itinerant models, in alignment with agency and funder standards.

Key responsibilities include conducting intake interviews and assessments, developing individualized employment and training goals, and providing targeted interventions including intensive life stability and follow-up supports where needed to promote job readiness and long-term employment success. The Advisor also engages in job development activities to connect participants with employment opportunities and facilitate their successful integration into the labour market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Service User Assessment and Support

• Conduct personalized one-to-one assessments to identify clients’ motivation, skills, interests, abilities, and aptitudes using appropriate tools.
• Provide case management, interventions, and referrals to life stabilization supports that align with employment and training goals.
• Deliver career development services and guidance, including referrals to relevant education and training pathways.
• Facilitate job search strategies and employment readiness activities tailored to individual client needs.
• Implement job retention strategies and provide coaching to support employment maintenance and life stability.
• Plan and deliver employment-related workshops and certification training (e.g., Smart Serve, Basic Food Safety), offering current labour market information and workplace orientation.
• Provide services at office locations, in the community, or at designated itinerant sites to ensure accessibility and flexibility in service delivery.

Case Management / Documentation

• Manage a high-volume caseload of clients from diverse backgrounds, maintaining a strong focus on achieving high performance targets set by funders.
• Conduct regular monitoring and follow-ups to assess progress, promote job retention, and adjust service plans as needed.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case documentation in compliance with agency procedures and funder standards.
• Record and track client data and outcomes to support internal evaluation and funder accountability.
• Monitor and maintain financial client support documentation as required.

Community, Administration & Other

• Conduct job development activities, including employer outreach, relationship building, job matching, job carving and placement, and advocacy for clients, particularly those facing significant barriers to employment.
• Actively contribute to the promotion and outreach of JHS employment and training programs within the community.
• Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with employers, community agencies, and service providers.
• Make appropriate referrals to community and employment services, ensuring alignment with JHS service standards and values.
• Support the coordination of internal resources and services through effective communication with program staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education & Certifications:

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Career Development, Human Resources or related field.

Experience:

• Experience in employment and general counselling with a strong understanding of pre-employment support strategies, community resources, employment-related legislation and labour market resources.
• Proven success working with diverse populations, including youth, newcomers, internationally trained professionals, recipients of OW, EI, and ODSP, the long-term unemployed, and individuals with disabilities.
• Proficient in case management, goal setting, and motivational interviewing.
• Experience with EOIS-CaMS and other data management systems is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with clients in a sensitive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive manner
• Proficiency in Windows, Office 365 applications, and computerized career/job search tools.
• Experience in Zoom functionalities for hosting/co-hosting meetings and engagement features like polls, breakout rooms, and annotation mode.
• Proficiency in social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Hootsuite, and Wordpress.
• Strong self-management and organizational skills for efficient project goal attainment within tight timelines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and a collaborative team player.
• Ability to work in an environment that requires data collection, meeting deadlines, and achieving high volume targets.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in supporting team members and service users when/where required

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fast-paced environment with frequent demands to manage competing priorities.
• Requires managing a high-volume caseload while maintaining quality service delivery.
• Travel to community locations and itinerant service sites is required.
• Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
• May be exposed to biological hazards or communicable diseases.
• Physical activity could include walking, standing, sitting, and lifting.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Flexible hours as required.