Employment Counsellor

Position: Employment Training Specialist (ETS)

Immediate Supervisor: Program Supervisor

Status: 6 month term, with possibility of becoming permanent

Hours : 30 hours/week

Application Deadline: December 5, 2025

**Salary**: $29,290 annually
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**POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

steps2work is an employment and training centre that specializes in assisting people with mental health, and learning challenges. Staff supports clients in identifying, obtaining and maintaining employment through provision of comprehensive assessment, employment, and support services.

Employment Training Specialists assist participants by providing vocational evaluations, assessments, community based work experiences, supported job searches and support during the transition to successful employment. As a team, the Employment Training Specialists collaborate and share information on individuals through a case management and service coordination process, and manage a range of sensitive relationships with client advocates, referring professionals, service providers, and employers.

Referral sources are primarily through professional Vocational Counselors within the provincial department of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation - EAPD or Community Mental Health Workers from the Winnipeg and Interlake Regional Health Authorities.

**I) Vocational Counseling and Placement**
- In cooperation with the participant and the referring Counselor, identifies realistic vocational goals
- As required, assists participants in learning bus schedules and routes
- Develops and coordinates job placements in the business community
- Provides short term Job Coaching and/or emotional support to participants in work experiences, or paid employment
- Act as a liaison between participants and employers
- In cooperation with the referring Counselors, assists participants in addressing and resolving issues which may affect employment acquisition or maintenance
- Provides assistance to participants in cover letter and resume development, job searching, and interviewing techniques
- In cooperation with the participant and the referring Counselor, identifies and negotiates appropriate Work Assessment and Work Experience placements
- Provides ongoing support and direction to participants in their job search activities
- Identifies financial and other employment-related solutions to employers to maximize participants’ employment opportunities
- Provides ongoing support to participants in employment for a minimum of 12 weeks, and thereafter as authorized by the referring Counselor

**II) Caseload Management**
- Maintains accurate and current vocational related information in a file format
- Maintains records of daily activities, and work-related expenses as per steps2work policies and procedures
- Conducts meetings with clients, referring counselors, employers, and other parties to discuss client progress, administrative and vocational related issues
- Prepares appropriate electronic and hardcopy documentation for participants, referring counselors and employers. These would include Memos of Understanding, Update Reports, Progress Notes and other related documentation

**III) Other Duties**
- Participates in staff meetings
- Participates in or facilitates Orientation and group training sessions
- Participates in or facilitates the presentation of employment skills group training sessions and workshops
- Participates in or facilitates Steps’ Enhanced Client Services’ - ‘Personal Wellness’ programming

**SKILLS REQUIRED**
- Understanding of the local labour market and labour market issues
- Knowledge and understanding of the target population served
- Experience in contacting employers
- Experience in job development
- Ability to provide vocational counseling, job search support, site supported counseling, and job coaching to persons with mental health challenges
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks within limited time frames
- Ability to negotiate and communicate vocational opportunities to individuals within the business community
- Ability to communicate effectively on behalf of participants with members of the business community
- Ability to assist participants to address and resolve personal and work-related issues
- Ability to resolve vocationally-related issues involving participants, referring workers and employers
- Ability to write concise, effective reports
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with service agencies, referring sources, colleagues and employers
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a professional team

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- Previous management experience is an asset
- Previous Job Coaching experience is an asset
- Transportation/Travel Information: Own transportation, own vehicle, willing to travel, valid