Employment / Student Support Specialist - Centre for Skills Development

CharityVillage; Burlington; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre for Skills Development is seeking an Employment / Student Support Specialist in Burlington to provide vital support for clients in Skilled Trades programs. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, facilitating workshops, and providing mental health support. Ideal candidates will have strong qualifications in counselling, client support, and crisis intervention, with expertise in job search strategies. Join a dedicated team making a positive impact on diverse client communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in employment counselling, case management, or mental health counselling.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and various counselling models and assessments.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds, including newcomers and multi-barriered clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of clients' employment and training needs.
• Assist in program recruitment and community outreach.
• Provide support counseling and crisis intervention as needed.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Client Advocacy

Career Development

Client Assessments

Communication

Detail Orientation

Education

Diploma or degree in a related field

Educational equivalents for individuals with 5+ years experience

Tools

MS Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development

Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and workforce development, then consider a career with Centre for Skills Development!

Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, with locations in Oakville, Milton and Clarkson, Centre for Skills delivers high caliber employment services, language training & settlement services, skilled trades training and literacy upgrading. Providing people with opportunities to build a better future and making a positive impact on peoples’ lives is integral to the business of Centre for Skills. For more information, visit: centreforskills.ca

Job Number:444
Job Title:Employment / Student Support Specialist
Department:Skilled Trades
Location:Burlington On-site
Schedule:Monday to Friday, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Hours of Work:Full-time (35 hours per week)
Reports To: Program Coordinator
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: March 31, 2026

The Employment / Student Support Specialist provides employment, job search, and mental health support to clients who participate in the Skilled Trades programs.

These are your responsibilities:

• Conduct assessment of skilled trades clients/students, identifying their employment, training, and support needs.
• Assist with program recruitment activities for skilled trades programs including conducting information sessions, applicant interviews, applicant Shop Day activities.
• Participate in community outreach to promote program services, client referrals, and develop partnerships with education, health and community support systems.
• Work closely with program team to complete accurate and timely reporting, achieving funder targets, and ensure program operates efficiently and effectively.

Trades Employment

• Assist trades students prepare for their job search including resume preparation, interview skills practice, and general employability skills. Support students post-graduation as they continue to job search and progress through their first year of employment.
• Administer and implement EO-Employment Services components of support to participants registered in Centre for Skills Skilled Trades programs (from registration through follow-up).
• Facilitate group workshops on employability and job search related specific to trades students and the skilled trades sector.
• Work closely with the Workforce Development Specialists and program team to help coordinate student placements/employment and conducting follow up as needed. Accompany students on class visits to local employers.

Mental Health

• Conduct client needs assessments, develop and implement client support plans for skilled trades students, addressing needs related to mental health, life stabilization, learning disabilities etc.
• Provide skilled trades clients timely one- on- one brief support counseling and referrals as needed.
• Using client-centered approach, advocate on behalf of clients in association with their instructors and community support network.
• Prepare, update, and facilitate mental health related components of program.
• Provide crisis intervention and exercise good judgment in emergency and or/crisis situations.

What you need to bring to this job:

• Diploma or degree in a related field. Suitable educational equivalents may be considered for individuals with 5+ years of highly related experience in a similar role within a workforce development setting.
• Certification in ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, SafeTalk, TAMI an asset
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with employment counselling, case management, mental health counselling/coaching, addictions and/or crisis intervention
• Experience working with adults from culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, youth, OW/ODSP recipients, and multi-barriered clients; Preference will be given to those with EO experience
• Knowledge and experience with Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Counselling, and the Common Assessment Tool and/or similar model for conducting intake assessments
• Ability to create a safe, comfortable environment for clients to work within
• Demonstrated ability to work in a target driven outcome-based model; accountable to achieving monthly targets
• Strong knowledge of job search techniques, career development, and issues relating to unemployment; within the skilled trades an asset
• Familiarity with signs and symptoms of mental illness with knowledge of local resources
• Professional and cooperative teamwork approach, positive attitude, excellent customer service skills
• Ability to deescalate situations where clients may be acting in a negative or inappropriate manner
• Ability to assist in complex, client life circumstances and maintain healthy boundaries
• Knowledge of case management including, local resources and access to services
• Excellent skills in client assessments, crisis intervention skills, and client advocacy skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Highly skilled using MS Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook), social media platforms and career-related software.