Job Placement Specialist

**_VPI Working Solutions Inc embraces and encourages inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)._**

**_ While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by the Human Resources team._**

**_ If you are invited to an interview and require an 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._**

**About Us**:
Founded in 1988, VPI has provided working solutions to individuals and organizations for 30 years. We are based in Mississauga and have 17 branch locations across Southern Ontario.

We provide employment programs, assessments and supportive vocational services that help residents of Ontario improve job readiness, explore training, and get back to work.

We facilitate several Employment Ontario programs to help job seekers find work and training opportunities. We also work directly with employers who are looking to hire. These free programs and services are provided at no cost to job seekers or employers

**What We Are Looking For**:
**Full-Time Employment Services - Job Placement Specialist in our Ajax branch.**

The Job Placement Specialist plays an integral role in supporting unemployed clients find meaningful employment, strengthening relationships with existing employers and identifying needs for additional employer events. Achieving individual targets is a primary contributor to the branch meeting its targets. In addition, the JPS directly impacts the branch by securing and spending budget for each fiscal year. This position will be available to assist with other business needs, as determined by the Director, Job Development.

**Key Job Functions**:

- Client Management & Achieving Targets_:

- Updates and case manage client service plan in real time
- Assists clients in obtaining meaningful employment through one-on-one job coaching including resume critique, mock interviews and referrals to pre-employment services workshops and training
- Assesses a client’s motivation through motivational interviewing during the intake and assessment and further assesses the individualized employment action plan for supports in a job development orientation meeting
- Supports clients through independent job search activities by monitoring weekly collection of job logs and targeted employer lists
- Advocates for and promotes clients’ skillsets to employers through effective sales and marketing techniques, while ensuring fit for both the employer and client to support positive employment outcomes
- Provides job retention supports to clients and employers by maintaining regular contact throughout the placement period and identifying an on-the-job monitoring plan to support and provide guidance for successful employment outcomes and ongoing job retention
- Outreach to employers to support clients to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, which includes Job Carving using a strength-based approach reviewing the job tasks based on clients hard and softs skills and including any accommodations as required, to ensure client success.
- Provides backup for temporarily vacant JPS positions, as required, across different programs and regions
- Tracks, monitors, and achieves individual targets, as mandated by the funder and the Supervisor, Job Development, pertaining to placements, job matching and placement incentive (JMPI), participant suitability criteria, placement and employer incentives and personal support expenditures
- Fulfills administrative support requirements including supporting the maintenance of program performance commitments, file closures and follow-up activities in line with internal and funder policy
- Employer Relations and Events:_
- Keeps current with prevailing labour market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets to support service coordination and job development
- Strengthens new and existing employer relationships through placement & training agreement negotiations
- Monitors and supports placement through site visits and follow up activity as per the Placement Monitoring schedule and agreement
- Maintains involvement in the local community, by organizing and attending events such as hiring and job fairs, employer panels, and networking groups
- Works with the Business Development Unit to identify needs in the branch for targeted and structured employer events and outreach
- Other duties pertaining to the position, as required

**To be successful in the role you will have**:

- Two to three years of experience meeting and exceeding targets as a Job Placement Specialist or a proven track record in business development or staffing and recruitment
- Interpersonal skills - Ability to build lastin