Employment Counsellor, Job ID #8168

JVS Toronto•Markham, ON

11d•CA$56,366 - CA$57,495•Onsite

About The Position

The JVS Integrated Employment Services (IES), funded by MLITSD and managed by WCG, provides employment services to unemployed individuals of all ages, financial backgrounds and skills to help them gain and retain employment within their field or a related field. To achieve its goal, the program provides a range of services including one-on-one employment counselling, employment workshops, job development/placement services and job retention supports. In addition, IES collaborates with other programs to ensure efficient and smooth operations through streamlining client referrals to appropriate services. YouthReach connects youth ages 15 to 30 with community services, schools, and businesses to help them achieve their goals. This position supports vulnerable youth in the City of Toronto, including those who are facing barriers to employment or progression in their lives due to past or present experiences of conflict with the law. The program assists youth by providing meaningful opportunities to enhance their workplace skills and achieve personal success through employment, accessing services, or enrolling in education or training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling or Social Services with placement experience, or a related degree with 3-5 years of counselling experience. International degrees must be evaluated for Canadian equivalency
Strong knowledge and understanding of current legislation relevant to youth who are in conflict with the law and the Youth Criminal Justice System
An understanding of barriers to employment success and knowledge of current local labor market trends, community services and resources
Ability to take innovative and resourceful approaches to assist youth with achieving their employment goals
Demonstrated understanding of the needs of vulnerable youth with an ability to develop and maintain relationships with young people
Possess current working knowledge of employment-related issues and learning approaches to support youth with developing job readiness skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with a varied client population and effectively deal with a variety of professional and psychosocial challenges
Sensitivity and tact to deal effectively with youth from different backgrounds and life circumstances and engage them in the employment counselling process
Strong customer service skills and experience taking initiative; demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills; experience with writing reports to agency standards
Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to learn systems used by the agency (e.g. Salesforce)
A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required for this position

Nice To Haves

Employment Ontario knowledge and exposure
Certification from an organization such as VRA Canada or ICCI
A valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle would be an asset, as local travel is required

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service by helping vulnerable youth clarify needs and determine actions/solutions through assessment, case management, and counselling
Collaborate with both YouthReach and IES teams to ensure smooth services to youth participants
Conduct intakes and Common Assessments, administer program activities both in the office and offsite in the community
Provide individual employment counselling and case management duties, including information and referral services, monitor client progress with ongoing follow-up; produce statistical documentation
Conduct extensive outreach to recruit eligible clients and ensure program targets are met
Prepare and facilitate employability workshops on occasion; conduct program information sessions for community partners and prospective clients
Attend external meetings and join community network groups; develop ongoing partnerships with youth-serving organizations and establish consistent referral pathways
Carry out job matching activities to connect youth with employment opportunities or education/training; liaise with Job Developers for employer insights and potential job placements
Develop service plans that demonstrate the coordination of appropriate interventions to support employment goals; apply a variety of counselling techniques that encourages ongoing youth engagement
Collaborate with other JVS programs and community services to enhance client employment pathways and service plans
Maintain complete, updated client files, case notes, and documentation on a Salesforce database
Have knowledge of current local labour market trends, community services, and resources across the City of Toronto