Employment/Employer Advisor

Employment/Employer Advisor

Location Base: Oshawa & Whitby, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-time (Permanent & Fixed Term Contracts)
Hours of Work: 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday
Wage: $23.85/hour to start
Salary Grade: Class 5B
Reports To: Program Coordinator, Employment Services
Union: CUPE

Vacancies:

• Full-time Permanent – includes Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Mileage, RRSP.
• Full-time Fixed Term (until March 31, 2026) – includes Accident Insurance, Mileage and RRSP.

About Us

The John Howard Society is dedicated to supporting individuals in building healthy, independent lives through evidence-based programs and services. Our Employment Services program, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, empowers individuals to achieve sustainable employment through a comprehensive range of supports, from career planning to job placement and retention.

Position Summary

The Employment/Employer Advisor plays a key role in delivering client-centered services within this performance-based program. This role combines employment counselling, job development, advocacy, assessment, and case management to support clients in entering or re-entering the labour market.

Services are delivered through in-office, community-based, and itinerant models, ensuring accessibility for all participants, and are provided in alignment with agency and funding standards.

Key functions include conducting intake interviews and assessments, developing individualized employment and training goals, and providing targeted interventions such as intensive life stability supports where required to promote job readiness and long-term employment success. The Advisor also engages in job development activities to connect participants with employment opportunities, advocating for clients—particularly those facing significant barriers to employment—and facilitating successful integration into the labour market.

Key Responsibilities

Client Assessment & Employment Support

• Conduct personalized one-to-one assessments to identify clients' motivation, skills, interests, abilities, and aptitudes using appropriate tools.
• Provide career counselling, case management, interventions, and referrals to life stabilization supports that align with employment and training goals.
• Deliver career development services and guidance, including referrals to relevant education and training pathways.
• Facilitate job search strategies and employment readiness activities tailored to individual client needs.
• Implement job retention strategies and provide coaching to support employment maintenance and life stability.
• Plan and deliver employment-related workshops and certification training (e.g., Smart Serve, Basic Food Safety), offering current labour market information and workplace orientation.
• Provide services at office locations, in the community, or at designated itinerant sites to ensure accessibility and flexibility in service delivery.

Case Management & Documentation

• Manage a high-volume caseload of clients from diverse backgrounds, maintaining a strong focus on achieving high performance targets set by funders.
• Conduct regular monitoring and follow-ups to assess progress, promote job retention, and adjust service plans as needed.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case documentation in compliance with agency procedures and funder standards.
• Record and track client data and outcomes to support internal evaluation and funder accountability.
• Monitor and maintain financial client support documentation as required.

Job Development & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with employers to secure job opportunities through employer outreach, job matching, job carving, placement, and advocacy for clients.
• Actively contribute to the promotion and outreach of JHS employment and training programs within the community.
• Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with employers, community agencies, and service providers.
• Make appropriate referrals to community and employment services, ensuring alignment with JHS service standards and values.
• Support coordination of internal resources and services through effective communication with program staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities as required.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Career Development, Human Resources, or a related field.

Experience

• Experience in employment and general counselling with a strong understanding of pre-employment support strategies, community resources, employment-related legislation, and labour market resources.
• Proven success working with diverse populations, including youth, newcomers, internationally trained professionals, recipients of OW, EI, and ODSP, the long-term unemployed, and individuals with disabilities.
• Proficient in case management, goal setting, and motivational interviewing.
• Experience with EOIS-CaMS and other data management systems is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with clients in a sensitive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive manner.
• Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office 365, computerized career/job search tools, and online meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom—hosting/co-hosting, polls, breakout rooms, annotation mode).
• Proficiency in social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Hootsuite, and Wordpress.
• Strong self-management and organizational skills for efficient project goal attainment within tight timelines.
• Ability to work in an environment that requires data collection, meeting deadlines, and achieving high-volume targets.
• Flexibility and adaptability in supporting team members and service users when and where required.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced environment with frequent demands to manage competing priorities.
• Requires managing a high-volume caseload while maintaining quality service delivery.
• Travel to community locations and itinerant service sites is required.
• Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
• May be exposed to biological hazards or communicable diseases.
• Physical activity could include walking, standing, sitting, and lifting.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Flexible hours, including evenings, as required.
• CUPE-represented position

How to Apply

Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to:

Applications will be reviewed until October 19, 2025.