Employment Counsellor

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, Employment Counsellor based out of our Hamilton location.

**Key Job Functions**
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of our services, eligibility of programs that we administer through Employment Ontario, and how we can support the individual needs of job seekers.
- Achieve individual and team performance goals by effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time, even in high-pressure environments.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders to generate and manage client referrals.
- Conduct comprehensive client assessments to evaluate employment-related strengths, needs, abilities, skills, and other key factors.
- Collaborate with clients to develop personalized Employment Action Plans aimed at achieving long-term job stability.
- Provide ongoing, face-to-face and virtual pre-employment support, including career counseling, job search training, skill-building, work preparation, and related services as outlined in the Employment Action Plan.
- Facilitate 1:1 interview preparation and mock interview sessions with clients in advance of potential or scheduled job interviews, tailoring each session to the client’s individual needs/barriers and the job opportunity.
- Provides 1:1 support to clients to assist with job matching and advocating for the client to secure an interview/employment.
- Facilitate engaging and informative 3-day workshop series with clients in relation to Resume and Cover Letter, Job Search Strategies, Interview Preparation, Career Development and Support and provide ongoing support to move the client forward into the 12-month retention program for clients closest to the labour market.
- Guide clients in accessing community resources to enhance job readiness, facilitating and monitoring referrals as required.
- Identify and arrange necessary accommodation and resources to help clients sustain employment.
- Provide services in a professional, welcoming, and safe manner while ensuring confidentiality and respect for client privacy.
- Stay informed about current labor market trends and emerging opportunities in local and regional industries.
- Assess and determine Job Seeker Financial Supports to facilitate skills development initiatives for clients (i.e., assessments, employment-related transportation, attire and grooming, work equipment and supplies, etc.)
- Keeps current with prevailing labor market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets.
- Collaborates with client to develop a career development support plan supporting career retention and career progression.
- Monitors and supports the client during job trials and placements through ongoing engagement and support.
- Works with your Supervisor to monitor and achieve individual targets - allocation and expenditure of Jobseeker Financial Supports, job matches to open job opportunities, successful transition of job starts clients to Post-Employment, client satisfaction.
- Continuously engaging and supporting clients with skills development and employment preparation activities, documenting progress in their action plan with up-to-date plan items and real-time case notes.
- Completes administrative functions, including scheduling appointments, and completing proof of employment documentation. Administers placement agreements for employer incentives and maintaining files to ensure compliance.
- Perform additional duties as required to support the role's objectives.

**Skills & Abilities**
- Critical Thinking/Problem
- 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