Employment Counsellor

**Position Summary**

The Employment Counsellor is the first point of contact for all NEW job seekers; their job is to welcome people and convey a friendly, professional, knowledgeable and efficient atmosphere. Their role is as the ‘anchor’ to the job search/case management process and assess client needs. This position requires a responsive employment counsellor who is client focused and knowledgeable re: the Employment Ontario model and job search barriers. You are collaborative, take initiative, and work within the policies and are accountable and responsible for specific targets. You are a lifelong learner, who is passionate about connecting marginalized community members to employment opportunities.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

**INTAKE & ASSESSMENT (30%)**
- Conduct motivational interviewing at intake within a Sustainable Livelihoods Framework: The framework focuses on understanding the context that creates and perpetuates a client’s vulnerability to poverty, to support more active, strategic interventions. It focuses on a client’s assets rather than deficits. Assets can range from access to the basics of food, finances, and shelter to social networks to individual skill and knowledge to self-confidence, self-esteem, and personal resilience
- Ensure intake paperwork is completed for minimum 30 booked clients on a monthly basis;each intake takes approximately 30 minutes
- Ensure all clients information, intake, registration and service plan is documented in each client physical files as well as on Salesforce and on CaMS.
- Provide employment/training information and referrals on the phone, online and in person; assess eligibility criteria on CaMS database
- Fill out intake forms and start the client file
- Refer clients for service coordination outcomes; appropriate resources and programs for clients’ specific needs (health centres, legal clinics, childcare centres, educational institutions, etc.).
- Accept referred clients from internal LINC, Ontario Works and NSP teams; facilitate internal referrals to LINC, NSP and OW training programs on site at NEW.
- Meet customer service standards of returning client calls within 24 hours; and clients avoid waiting for more than one week.

**INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT (45%)**
- Complete a holistic assessment and provide accurate up-to-date information, orientation, referrals and support for designated caseload clients on an as needed basis.
- Conducts weekly follow ups with clients, which consist of: cold calling employers, connect clients to employers through LinkedIn, accompanying clients to networking opportunities, tailoring resumes to specific job postings, etc.
- Identify barriers to employment/training and assist clients onsite with job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing résumé, cover letters and job interview preparation.
- Assess need for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid or further vocational training and refer clients to the appropriate services.
- Maintain client service record and relevant documentation (weekly)
- Collect labour market information for clients regarding job openings on weekly basis.
- Facilitate monthly workshops designed to connect clients to local employers
- Meet high standards of customer service and ensure pro-active case management.

**TEAMWORK (25%)**
- Collaborate with onsite staff in case of client emergency or crisis intervention
- Support other Employment Ontario programs as required and as needed
- Participate in paid training and professional development as determined by your Manager

**Competencies**
- A strong customer service orientation
- A “can do” attitude
- An engaged demeanour; committed to the work
- A self-starter in problem-solving; or quick to seek out support from the Manager or colleagues as required
- Strong ability to work in a team-oriented setting
- A quick learner - who becomes knowledgeable about the responsibilities and expectations of team members
- Demonstrated accuracy and timeliness for data input
- An openness to resolve any inter-personal conflict
- Maintains client and file confidentialities

**Qualifications**
- 3 - 5 years’ experience as an Employment Counsellor
- 3 - 5 years’ experience in using common assessment tools/ACEC to assess client needs and demonstrated ability to link clients to employment.
- A Bachelor's degree in social work, social services or relevant field
- Knowledge and experience with Employment Ontario programs such as Canada Ontario Job Grant, Better Jobs Ontario, and Employment Services are required.
- Certification in Career Counseling would be an asset.
- Available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace and an anti-oppression framework.
- Experience working with databases and data entry.
- Fluency in a second language such as Spanish, Ukrainian, Cantonese, Arabic or Urdu is an asset.
- Knowledge of labour market information.
- Strong facilitation skills.
- Detai