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 for our Ajax branch.

**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.
- Conducts intake and needs assessment for clients accessing assisted services, including Common Assessment Tool.
- Understand and assess the clients’ motivation to participate in ES services and commitment to finding employment.
- Determine suitability and eligibility for employment-related financial support and provide Jobseeker Financial Support as appropriate.
- Working with each client on a 1:1 basis to develop an individualized action plan, including activities within the Pre-Employment phase: life stabilization supports, exploring labor market information and resources alongside the client to understand and validate their employment goal leading to appropriate skills enhancement and skills assessment activities.
- Keeps current with prevailing labor market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets.
- Collaborates with Job Preparation Counsellor for referral of job-ready clients by meeting in advance to support the progression of the client’s plan into the next phase (Employment Preparation).
- Documenting the progress in their action plan with up-to-date plan items and real-time, accurate case notes.
- Completes administrative functions, including scheduling appointments, completing required documentation, and maintaining files to ensure compliance.
- Other duties pertaining to the position, as required.

**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.
- Self-motivated
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Customer Service
- Initiative
- Communication
- Comfortable managing targets

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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._