31-25 / Employment Counsellor

CICS is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to empower newcomers in settling and integrating as contributing members of Canadian society through diverse, professional and innovative programs and services.  We work to enable newcomers to fully integrate, participate and contribute to all spheres of Canadian society.  Our success stems from our workforce culture bound by three core values: Compassion, Inclusion and Collaboration.

Ref.: 31-25 / Employment Counsellor 

Job Title: Employment Counsellor (contract until March 31, 2026, with possibility of renewal pending the availability of funding)

Work location: Immigrant Resource Centre

Team: Employment Services

Hours: 35 hours per week; require working irregular hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays

Salary Range: $49,650- $55,892

Current Rate: $27.28 per hour

Status: Unionized

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Screening and Client Intake

• Conduct interviews and comprehensive assessments in CaMS system to streamline clients, determine employment needs, skills, level of support, and program suitability;
• Summarize initial assessment results and assist clients to develop Employment Action Plan (EAP). 

Workshop Facilitation

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate skills training and job search support workshops that enhance clients’ job readiness and skills, improve workplace communications, etc.;
• Work with project team to evaluate program approaches and adjust training activities based on perceived clients needs.
• Deliver financial literacy workshops tailored to the needs of diverse clients, covering topics such as budgeting, banking, credit, and financial planning, and provide basic one-on-one financial guidance as it relates to employment readiness.

Employment Counselling

• Work closely with clients to assess, update, and determine job readiness, employability, initial and further training needs and other employment related support in alignment with the My EO Service Delivery Model;
• Assist in facilitating referrals of the clients to additional education or vocational training and/or external support resources;
• Provide one-on-one counselling to clients to achieve employment goals as outlined in the EAP; 
• Follow up with participants to assess progress and record outcomes. 

Job Development 

• Work and interact with employers in the local community to identify employment opportunities that help create job leads; 
• Develop new employer contacts and ensure diverse employment opportunities are available for participants; 
• Plan and organize recruitment activities with employers regularly; 
• Promote and administer Employer Financial Incentives Program(s). 
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships and communication with internal and external groups.

Job Search Support 

• Assist clients in targeting the suitable employment based on their skills, experience, education, and existing labour market factors; 
• Collect labour market information for clients regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information; 
• Assist clients to develop job search materials including resumes and cover letters, and review clients’ job search materials; 
• Equip clients with skills to handle specific job interviews; 
• Follow up on employed clients for job retention by conducting regular check-ins with employers and clients to identify and address issues.

Other Responsibilities 

• Generate and maintain all records pertaining to each client, and assist in report writing; 
• Compile statistical and narrative reports at regular intervals; 
• Establish and maintain excellent service quality for clients; 
• Work collectively with the project team to meet contractual targets and deadlines.

Qualifications:

• Canadian University degree or equivalent in a related field, such as Career Counselling, Social Services or related discipline;
• Demonstrated experience in employment/social services, job development or related fields; 
• Strong financial knowledge, including personal finance, budgeting, and credit management.
• Accounting knowledge is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of My EO Service Delivery Model, Guidelines and Services Standards;
• Knowledge of CRM systems including EOIS-CaMS, FutureFit AI, and OCMS;
• Knowledge of financial support resources for both employers and clients is an asset;
• Knowledge of Better Jobs Ontario, Bridging Programs, and other training resources; 
• Good understanding of the employment needs of local job seekers, including newcomers, temporary residents, Ontario Works recipients, and ODSP clients;
• Good understanding of all facets of job search and career development including an understanding of labour market trends and resources; 
• Thorough knowledge of job search strategies and techniques; 
• Excellent skills in program organization and workshop facilitation; 
• Excellent outreach and communication skills to develop and maintain professional relationships with employers, generate job leads and secure jobs for clients; 
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, as well as a second language commonly used by clientele, such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi and South Asian languages; 
• Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite; 
• Able to travel in the GTA, possesses a valid Ontario driver license and access to a vehicle to carry out duties is preferred; 
• Satisfactory results in vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory.