Better Jobs Ontario Coordinator

VPI is a Service Provider for Employment Ontario, which is funded by the Ontario Government to support jobseekers and employers. VPI has been delivering employment programs for more than 30 years. We are based in Mississauga and have 17 branches across Southern Ontario. Our organizational values rest on 4-pillars which are Ethics, Passion, Innovation, and Courage which support the desire and passion to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve.

VPI Employment Services embraces and encourages inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices and creating a work environment that encourages and supports our team members be their authentic selves.

We are seeking out individuals who have the passion and drive to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve. Providing exceptional client experience; creating an environment where clients feel safe, heard, supported, and see progression with skill development, and life stabilization support, leading to sustainable employment and career development.

We are looking for a Permanent Full-time, Better Jobs Ontario Coordinator based out of our Head Office in Mississauga. This position is hybrid-remote.

Key Job Functions

• Understands suitability and eligibility criteria for Better Jobs Ontario applications and will be responsible for overseeing the application process including registration to information sessions, preparation, and submission of application, and general follow-up ensuring all required information is collected and complete.
• Responsible for assessing each applicant against the BJO eligibility and suitability requirements. This includes responsibility for completing the Second Career Eligibility and Suitability Assessment Template.
• Verifies Eligibility – Determines if individuals meet the baseline requirement for further assessment and consideration.
• Confirms Suitability (relative need/priority for skills training) – Determines if eligible individuals meet the recommended threshold.
• Assesses Financial Need – Determines the number of financial assistance individuals who have been found to be both eligible and suitable to participate will receive through the BJO program.
• Develops an individualized strategy with each client, as part of their broader ES Employment Action Plan/Service Plan, to plan and organize each required step of the application process, aligned to each client’s educational goals:
• Recommendation to Register in BJO (based on Eligibility and Suitability)
• Support clients conduct Labour Market Research and Research Training Institutions
• Support clients retrieve Letter of Acceptance from Training Provider (public and private)
• Review the application for completeness and accuracy; follow the submission checklist
• Submit Application (as per local/regional guidelines and with the support of the Manager)
• Keeps abreast of a local community network of supports, and/or the ability to effectively use tools and resources provided, to make recommendations of referrals to clients that will address success in the education program
• Provides clients with guidance to use and access relevant resources including but not limited to technical support for online resources to assist with the achievement of educational goals.
• Provide good customer service, promote client engagement, and handle client complaints in an effective manner
• Acts as the subject matter expert for the BJO program
• Facilitate BJO group workshops (online weekly and in-person when needed)
• Keep current with prevailing labor market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets to support service coordination and job development, supporting clients to make educated decisions towards in-demand occupations and industries
• Continues to provide support to clients as they transition into education/training; maintain contact with clients throughout their entire schooling period and then refer back to their Counsellors
• Collaborates and communicates with the service delivery team on the status and progress of an application, timely acceptance of referrals to BJO, and timely return of referrals to the lead caseworker when BJO is not a suitable option
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation and records in multiple systems – VPI’s case management system and the Ministry’s case management system, including required data entry between the 2 systems
• Develops a thorough understanding of the Ministry’s portal to provide instruction and guidance to clients on the use of the Ministry’s BJO Digital Portal
• Liaise and collaborate with the Ministry in a timely manner; this includes receiving feedback from the Ministry about submitted applications, amending applications where needed, and addressing/resolving issues as required

Achieving Targets

• Maintains engagement with each client assigned to caseload by ensuring consistent contact on a bi-weekly basis.
• Ensures continuous progression of client’s BJO pathway.
• Maintains and shares information on available community services, including all services available through our funder, government ministries, and agencies.
• Monitors end dates of training and follow up with the client to return to service.

Administrative and Other Tasks

• Completes administrative portion of BJO program as outlined by the Ministry.
• Maintains real-time, accurate documentation and case notes according to internal best practices and program guidelines.
• Ensures all meetings, appointments, and timelines are scheduled in advance using VPI’s internal system and kept up to date in real-time.
• Responds to all client enquiries and provide assistance in a timely manner, as required.
• Other duties pertaining to the position, as required.
• Consistently support the achievement of all branch targets.

Education, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in Employment Counseling, Human Resources, or another related discipline; experience in employment counselling or related field will be considered an asset.

The following credentials are considered an asset:

• Diploma in a Career and Work Counsellor Program
• College Career Development Practitioner Certificate
• CHRP
• RRP
• CCRC
• CRTWC or CDMP
• CVP
• RVP
• RCSS
• Strong knowledge of BJO program and requirements
• Knowledge of the local Labour Market as well as the local community resources
• Knowledge of vocational evaluation, career exploration, and case management are an asset
• Comfortable inputting information directly into the database while conducting intakes and client appointments
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills; strong written and verbal communication skills
• Effective listening and relationship-building skills to foster relationships with clients based on open communication, respect, trust, and inclusion

Skills & Abilities

• Critical Thinking/Problem-solving
• Active listening skills
• Rapport Building
• Time Management/Multi-tasking skills
• Organizational skills
• Information gathering skills.
• Comfortable with technology, ever-improving processes, and efficiencies.
• Possess integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Self-confidence/Resilience
• Judgement/Decision making.
• Ability to build lasting professional relationships with employers and job seekers.
• Self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Customer service
• Initiative
• Communication
• Comfortable with managing targets.

If you are invited to an interview and require accommodation at any stage in the process, please notify us by clicking here. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for recruitment purposes only.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by the Human Resources team.