Employment & Settlement Counsellor

Building Multicultural Communities (BMC) is a charity established in 1987 that provides settlement and social services to newcomers, immigrants and the larger community in the Peel Region. Our mandate and core business is to enable less advantaged individuals, families and groups in the community to reach their full potential, enhance their life skills, and create a better future. BMC has a variety of specialized programs that cater to specific demographics and focus on providing different services such as (Settlement, Mental Health, Youth Development, Employment, and Seniors Support) making BMC a one-stop-shop for needed services. As an Employment & Settlement Counsellor you will be responsible for assessing clients’ skills and abilities, delivering employment readiness workshops (resume writing, interview techniques, job search), and providing solution-focused counselling, referrals, advocacy, and settlement support for individuals and families.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess client’s knowledge, skills and abilities to identify employability skills and develop a personalized service plan 
• Create and develop workshop materials based on the program guidelines and adapt delivery methods to meet participant’s needs 
• Enroll program participants into life skills and job readiness training 
• Plan, develop and deliver training sessions on different topics such as employment, job search skills, workplace health & safety etc. 
• Critique resumes/cover letters accurately and suggest current trends 
• Assist clients to set employment goals in the short and long term 
• Provide support 1:1 or in group setting, maintain accurate records of clients assisted, type of services provided and follow-up 
• Provide settlement services related to housing, education, immigration, access to social assistance and government services, health care services, employment, etc 
• Provide referrals and guidance on settlement related issues to newcomers. 
• Identify, outreach, orient and recruit appropriate program participants 
• Maintain and update employer database and tracking system 
• Work in conjunction with the Employment Development Specialist to plan and coordinate regular meetings with employers 
• Remain current on Peel and Halton Labour Market trends and the most effective job search strategies, techniques and monitor the marketplace trends 
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting through BMC database(s) and IRCC iCARE system.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, yearly written report(s) or as required 
• Any other related duties complementary to the job 
• Reports to Executive Director or his/her designate 

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• University Graduate or Diploma in Training, Human Services profession and/or a Certificate in Career Development or similar. 
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated work experience in employment & settlement services. 
• Knowledge of labour market issues and trends as they relate to the geographic, demographic and economic aspects of Peel, Halton and GTA 
• Knowledge of employment search techniques through Internet, career information, resume, interview techniques and labour market trends 
• Extensive knowledge of the immigration system, and services available to assist newcomers, refugees and their families. 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, presentation and facilitation skills 
• Strong leadership skills to guide, motivate and inspire program participants to take action to successfully complete the program 
• Ability to work with diverse people and communities with awareness to socio-economic and cultural barriers 
• Capability to handle multiple priorities with ease and professionalism; able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision 
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office 365), Adobe software and web based databases (iCARE/CTIMS). 
• Must be fluent in English; the ability to speak, read, and write in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi, or Spanish is an asset
• Adaptive to flexible working hours including evenings and weekends as needed 
• Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector is required as part of the hiring process 
• Must have own transposition, driver license and insurance to use your vehicle for job related travelling