Employment Worker

**ABOUT US**

The Afghan Women’s Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services is a settlement agency providing a wide range of services to immigrants and a SAH (sponsorship agreement holder). Our vision is of refugees and immigrants, especially those who have experienced wars and persecution and those who are marginalized, leading self-sufficient and dignified lives in a socially inclusive society. AWO works with refugees and immigrants, with a special focus on women and their families. Our mission is to improve immigrants and refugees' quality of life and to promote their social and economic inclusion in order to assist them to become contributing members of society and to live in dignity.

**POSITION**:
Currently, AWO is seeking to hire an Employment Worker/Counsellor to support our clients develop the skills they need to succeed in their employment goals and enter the job market. This includes pre-employment skill development, job readiness, and job search training, seeking job opportunities, interview support, and ongoing job support.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- To prepare an accurate assessment of each individual clients’ situation e.g. barriers, skills, education, experience, motivation, and employment readiness
- Provides informative and supportive counseling, referrals, and group activities to individuals to assist them in their job search process
- Provide one on one employment counseling
- Develops and delivers Job Search Workshops
- Arrange in-house job readiness training for clients who require to enter the workforce
- Organize itinerant services such as customer service and restaurant trainings.
- Refer clients to other employment-related trainings available in the community to enhance their employability skills
- Refer clients to other employment services/ resources in the community to address their particular employment needs
- Follows up with clients on a regular basis
- Maintains accurate program statistics and client files
- Promotes public awareness of the information and resources available from the government and community
- Works closely with Settlement and Language Services programming staff to promote the integration of services including assisting in the promotion, delivery, and evaluation of services.
- Distribute and review evaluation materials
- Attend Local immigration Partnership (LIP) and other related meetings
- Assist participants in networking with employers and monitor their progress
- Assist clients to identify educational requirements and developing training plans
- Facilitate employment workshops including resume writing, interview skills, and workplace rights
- Work with clients who have language barriers and cultural differences, or other needs that affect their employment prospects
- Help clients deal with barriers to achieving their career plans
- Provide current labor market information to help clients make their occupational or employment decisions
- Market clients to potential employers and help clients find job or work experience
- Assist clients with implementing effective employment search strategies, writing resume and interview skills
- Write reports and make data entry on OCMS

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in a related field. Employment and Work Counsellor diploma or equivalent an asset.
- At least 3 years of experience in individual counseling and group facilitation.
- Demonstrated ability in developing goals and action plans with clients.
- Must have strong case management skills and teamwork skills.
- Knowledge of labour market trends and relevant and current Employment legislation.
- Experience in outreaching to the employer, community, marketing strategies, and making placements. Experience working with immigrants and refugees
- Relevant university/college education and/or with two years of related experience
- Knowledge of issues that commonly impact newcomers,
- **Fluency in English and other languages specific to the client group, preferably Dari or Pashto, Farsi, Arabic languages**:

- Committed to a holistic and culturally appropriate approach
- Ability to work as a team member and independently
- Ability to motivate clients
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the newcomer and multicultural communities. Knowledge of immigrant employment issues.
- Computer literacy is required.
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a team and with other professionals in the community.

AWO is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

**Salary**: $26.30 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Yes - AWO has an active protocol for the pandemic following provincial an