Employment Counsellor - Etobicoke

Position Title: Employment Counsellor

Organization Structure: Reports to Programs Manager

Job Status: Full-time

Job Classification: Counsellor

Location: Etobicoke (in office, no hybrid/remote) 

Number of Positions: 2 vacant positions 

Wage: $26.45/hour for 35 hours/week

This is a bargaining unit position.

We advise all applicants with work permits that obtaining employment with Polycultural will not guarantee the approval of any application for Permanent Resident status and emphasize that Polycultural’s positions do not currently qualify under the government’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) initiatives.

About Polycultural

Be a part of Polycultural Immigrant and Community services! Founded in 1993, Polycultural is dedicated to hosting an open and inclusive environment for all. We are a multicultural melting-pot perfectly reflecting Canada’s diversity. We are like a family, have a culture filled with care and genuine connection with a very inclusive environment for all. With a diverse range of programs and services, we help individuals and families build a brighter future in Canada. Serving clients from over eight different locations across the GTA and Orangeville in more than 20 languages.

Polycultural offers a comprehensive benefits, including paid time off at Christmas (for eligible employees), employer paid Extended Health and Dental, RRSP match, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and WorkPerks!

Scope

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable Employment Counsellors to join our dynamic team. The Employment Counsellor role operates in a high-volume, high-demand environment, requiring exceptional organizational skills, the ability to prioritize effectively, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

The Employment Counsellor is responsible for providing employment-related supports to clients in the Engage, Explore, Progress, Start, and Succeed stages of the Integrated Employment Services program. Responsibilities include generating referrals for unemployed, newcomers, youth, OW recipients, conducting common assessment and employment action plan development with the clients, facilitating workshops to help clients develop employment related skills, arrange skills training, and conducting regular follow-ups and coaching sessions with clients.

In-person services must be delivered at our Bloor St W, Etobicoke office location. Hours are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide full range of employment-related services to eligible job seekers
• Conduct outreach to achieve client volume targets for each client stream and inclusion groups
• Deliver intake, common assessment, and collaborative development of individualized employment action plan, which captures activities, goals and pre-employment services required to progress the client towards employment
• Offer guidance in trade certification or professional licensing, and assistance with job search techniques and process
• Provide comprehensive information on labour market, regulated professions, and job search
• Organize and facilitate workshops on employment related topics
• Conduct regular contact appointments with each client with focus on improving the client's job readiness for current labour market opportunities and progressing them towards their employment goals
• Support each client to secure and maintain employment by providing supports to transition into employment and manage barriers
• Assist clients with succeeding in work, career development, and crisis response
• Deliver retention services, including monitoring checkpoints and ongoing supports to achieve the next employment milestone
• Maintain and expand client’s base through community penetration and itinerate functions, which includes off-site visits, developing outreach materials, and promoting community networks
• Maintain strong working relations with agency programs and partner agencies
• Maintain accurate records of clients assisted and services provided
• Effectively track and provide accurate reporting for manager
• Organize and update regularly employment related materials and tools for easy access. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communications

Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communications and the exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoids problems, and develops entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service

Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, clients, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Employment Counseling, Psychology, or Education and at least three (3) years experience in employment counseling or a combination of experience and education that fulfills the requirements
• Knowledge of labour market, employment assessment, job search techniques and process, trade certification, and professional licensing pathways
• Demonstrated strong employment counseling skills
• Strong organizational skills to manage large caseload, data, and reporting
• Knowledge of immigration and refugee services and of the ethno-specific programs and services within the GTA
• Familiarity with issues facing newcomers in Canadian urban setting and systemic barriers facing integration in education, social, cultural, and economic aspects of Canadian life
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in outreach, community development, and marketing of programs and services
• Ability to work flexible schedules on as needed basis
• A second language is an asset
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license

Other Requirements

• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when an offer is made) 

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks that job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process, to please advise Human Resources if contacted for an interview/testing so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please contact Human Resources directly.

We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.

No phone calls please.