Job Preparation 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 **Full-time**, **Job Preparation Counsellor** for our **Hamilton** 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.
- Collaborates with Employment Counsellor in preparation for referral of new job-ready clients by meeting in advance of referral with EC to become familiar with the client and their employment goals as well as reviewing the EAP in full (case notes, plan item activities completed to date, current and ongoing activities
- Coordinate with client to determine need and use Jobseeker Financial Supports relating to skills development opportunities (i.e., assessments, employment-related transportation, clothing/grooming, work equipment/supplies, etc.)
- Assists clients in obtaining meaningful employment through one-on-one job preparation support
- Develop and enhance the client’s cover letter and resume to include all skills enhancement activities completed as part of Pre-Employment, tailored to their occupational goal and specific jobs being applied to
- 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
- Keeps current with prevailing labor market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets.
- Reviewing available job opportunities provided by Employer Services and making recommendations based on alignment with the occupational goal and potential fit
- Collaborates with client and Career Development & Support Counsellor to develop an initial work transition and career development & support plan.
- Monitors and supports the client during job trials and placements through ongoing engagement and support
- Works with Branch Manager to monitor and achieve individual targets - allocation and expenditure of Jobseeker Financial Supports, job matches to open job opportunities, successful transition of job start 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 paperwork, which includes administering placement agreements for employer incentives and maintaining files to ensure compliance.
- Works closely with Employer Services to identify key industries and occupations for targeted and structured employer events and outreach.
- 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 with employers and job seekers.
- Self-motivated
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Customer Service
- Initiative
- Communication
- Outgoing and enjoy getting to know other businesses and how their needs and our services can align that bring mutual value.
- Comfortable with managing targets

**_
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