Integrated Employment Services Worker

Organization Introduction:

At Margaret's Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret's hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients.

Job purpose:

The Integrated Employment Services (IES) Worker will be responsible for the initial engagement, intake, and assessment of clients – primarily from marginalized and vulnerable populations, including but not limited to racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities, and individuals struggling with poverty, homelessness, and mental health & addictions issues.

The IES Worker ensures a client-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to identifying employment readiness, barriers, and goals. By facilitating thorough assessments and service planning, the IES Worker will support clients in accessing individualized pathways toward sustainable employment.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following:

· Conduct comprehensive intake and assessments for new clients to determine eligibility for program, employment readiness, individual strengths, barriers, and support needs in a culturally safe, aware, sensitive, and equitable way that recognizes and respects the unique history and experiences of each individual

o Respond to client inquiries and requests for assessments in accordance with the outlined Customer Services Charter

o Access and process applications submitted through RASP, ensuring timely responses to applicants to complete formal assessment

o Access and process referrals from Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), ensuring a seamless process from social assistance to employment

· Develop service coordination and intake strategies to ensure successful achievement of targets, community collaboration and wrap-around supports, and fulfilment of volume targets

· Coordinate intake logistics, including contacting referrals, informing them of program requirements and offerings, scheduling assessment appointments, and onboarding into the program

· Participate in forming individualized service plans based on intake and assessment information, outlining steps for job readiness, training, or employment pathways

· Build rapport with clients through a trauma-informed and client-focused approach, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment

· Provide additional assistance for core services such as resume development, job matching, job coaching support, job readiness training, interview preparation, career exploration, and targeted job development or customized employment opportunities

· Develop employment action plans for clients which capture employment goals, activities, implicated parties, sequence of services, client progress and employment outcomes after completion of assessment

· Coordinate Integrated Employment Services with support needs and other wraparound supports to help clients achieve their employment goals

· Identify immediate client needs (e.g., housing, mental health, income support) and make appropriate referrals to community resources and pathways established within the Employment Services Network and Employment Service Delivery (IESD) guidelines

· Collaborate with other caseworkers, community partners, and referring agencies to ensure smooth referral pathways and continuity of care during intake and avoiding duplication of services

· Facilitate program orientation and pre-employment learning modules aligned with funder guidelines

· Support clients in accessing upskilling or education opportunities and securing job placements

· Maintain regular client check-ins post-assessment to monitor progress and provide additional support as needed and ensure retention of clients to meet outcome targets

· Support participants through job placement and up to six months post-employment, documenting follow-ups and outcomes

· Keep abreast of labour market information to assist clients in developing occupational goals and suitable training opportunities (e.g. up-to-date information on employment opportunities through the Job Bank and other relevant job vacancy listing services and information)

· Ensure participant information is entered correctly in a timely manner and updated often to ensure proper data collection and agency targets are met, and maintain documentation as per agency and funder guidelines, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F. 31 (FIPPA)

· Recruit clients through outreach activities, including contacting partner organizations, community agencies, and using digital tools to promote program availability

· Actively collaborate with the service system manager and the broader employment service network to ensure coordinated service delivery and continuous improvement

· Actively recruit clients by reaching out to caseworkers, organizations, and online platforms via email/phone/digital flyers/etc.

· Administer evaluation tools and collect client satisfaction surveys, as required

· Represent the agency at external events and support internal placement opportunities where possible

· Perform other tasks and duties as required and assigned

Qualifications:

· Post-secondary education in Social Services, or a related field

· Minimum 1 year of experience in employment services facilitation, social services, or related fields

· Demonstrated experience conducting client intake, needs assessments, or case management, preferably within employment or social services

· Strong knowledge of social issues which impact individuals of a vulnerable population such as those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, minorities, new immigrants, refugees, etc.

· Strong understanding of barriers to employment, and strategies for client engagement and retention

· Knowledge of the Employment Ontario (EO) Integrated Employment Services model and experience working within government-funded employment programs strongly preferred

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, outcome-driven environment

· Proficiency in digital tools and electronic case management systems

· Knowledge and experience working with Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program case workers and managers an asset

· Must be able to work independently and be self-directed in carrying out the IES Program

· Familiarity using Career Assessment Tools a great asset

· Demonstrated skills providing services using virtual tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, web apps, Microsoft Office programs, etc.

Working conditions:

• Primarily work indoors
• Under normal circumstances, work in close proximity with others with near-constant interaction with clients and/or residents and fellow staff

Physical requirements

• Use of hands – typing to input client information into database and case management software
• Use of PPE – face mask, face shield, gloves, gowns, etc.

Margarets is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need accommodation for the interview process, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to your scheduled interview.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Toronto, ON M4W 2N1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Employment Services: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person