ES-U26-27 Employer Engagement Specialist, Integrated Employment Services

Springboard•Toronto, ON

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employer Engagement Specialist works in a community-based setting with at risk, correctional or special needs clients as well as business owners, managers, employers and community partners to support the Employment programs in accordance with funder guidelines. In addition, assistance with workshop facilitation is also required. The position encompasses the primary functions of employer engagement, marketing, managing stipend contracts, job matching, coaching and retention to provide clients with employment and community service experience through subsidized placements. The position also involves liaising and maintaining positive relationships with employers, community - based agencies and business associations. This role may be required to work flexible hours and in more than one location while assisting clients with employment/ service placement maintenance.

Requirements

Post-secondary diploma/degree in marketing, business development, career development, or a related field.
2+ years in employer engagement, recruitment, or workforce development.
Proven track record working with diverse client populations and building employer partnerships.
Strong communication, mathematical skills, judgment, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
Advanced proficiency in MS Office, CRM systems, and digital tools.
Experience with data analysis and reporting.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Career Development, (e.g., CCDP) and/or Human Resources.
Knowledge of local labour markets and workforce needs.
Multilingual capabilities (e.g., French, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic).
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for travel within the GTA.
First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Develop tailored employer engagement strategies to support hiring needs and promote inclusive practices.
Advocate for diverse hiring practices to create opportunities for inclusion groups.
Conduct regular employer outreach in-person, including site visits, to build partnerships and identify job opportunities.
Maintain a detailed and updated job registry of current job openings and employer contacts.
Advocate for job carving opportunities to create customized roles that align with clients’ specific skills and abilities.
Align recruitment efforts with client goals, ensuring sustainable placements, and Job Starts for at least one year.
Consistently meet KPI’s for Job Starts, and placements to ensure program success.
Provide tailored support to clients by joining them for employment activities (interviews, etc.), as required.
Collaborate with Career Specialists to match clients to suitable roles, ensuring alignment with client skills and employer needs.
Collaborate with Retention Specialists to incorporate retention strategies during job development, ensuring employers are prepared to support clients post-placement.
Oversee the onboarding process and provide ongoing support to ensure successful placements, and Job Starts.
Conduct regular follow-ups with employers and clients to monitor progress and address challenges, focusing on long-term job maintenance.
Facilitate direct referrals and maintain strong employer-client relationships.
Plan and execute employer-focused events such as job fairs, workshops, networking sessions, etc.
Plan and facilitate meet-and-greet events where employers can interact directly with job-ready clients to strengthen alignment.
Actively engage with employers during events to enhance partnerships and job placement and employment opportunities.
Track and report outcomes of events to assess effectiveness.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate case notes of client and employer interactions, placements, and outcomes using case management systems, in compliance with funder and organizational standards.
Ensure the allocated funding for placements is effectively utilized, consistently monitored, and gradually spent.
Use mathematical and negotiation skills to manage and track contracts, claims, and expenditures.
Compile reports to track metrics such as placement success rates, employer satisfaction, and retention outcomes.
Define and track employer success metrics (e.g., increased retention rates for diverse hires), showcasing the benefits of inclusive hiring.
Collect and manage employer claims, contracts, and Proof of Employment documentation.
Stay informed about labour market trends, inclusive hiring practices, and employment legislation to refine engagement strategies.
Use data analytics to improve placement and employment outcomes for inclusion groups and meet performance-based funding goals.
Innovate recruitment strategies to address barriers for clients with complex needs.
Create customized engagement plans for small and medium-sized businesses, addressing barriers to inclusive hiring (e.g., shared staffing models, subsidized accommodations, etc.).
Participate in ongoing professional development in inclusive hiring practices, data-driven engagement strategies, employer-client relationship management, etc.
Maintain professionalism and always adhere to workplace policies, ensuring focus and productivity in all environments.
Adhere to the organization’s business casual dress code during work hours, whether onsite, online, or when working offsite.
Maintain an on-camera presence during virtual meetings.
Be available to work a hybrid model with at least two 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.
Travel within the GTA to attend employer site visits, trainings, networking events, community outreach activities, etc.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed to support program goals or employer relationships.
Replace work-from-home days with in-office or offsite attendance for employer networking, team collaboration, or other organizational needs.
Perform additional tasks as required to support organizational needs, and program delivery.