Full-Time Employment Counsellor Employment Services

You could be the change agent in the life of a person who is experiencing barriers to sustainable employment!

The Employment Services Program at Ray of Hope provides the education counselling practical life skills and on-the-job training necessary for trainees to be resilient in the workplace. Many people have not had the opportunity to learn the fundamental work skills needed to overcome the challenges life presents and as part of our Employment Services team you could be instrumental in building the foundation that connects our trainees to sustainable meaningful work!

Young adults youth at risk persons with disabilities mental health or addictions issues or even newcomers to Canada will be looking to tap into your knowledge and support! Consider joining us as we continue to transform lives!

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLOR - EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
*Shift Schedule is Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:00pm & position includes bi-weekly pay access to our Employee Wellness Program and Staff Committee initiatives along with enrollment in Health Benefits and Registered Pension Plan DCPP following completion of the 3-month probation period!

Based on interview availability applications may be reviewed asap upon submission and qualified candidates contacted immediately. This posting will remain open for 2 weeks (Deadline: November 28 2025) OR until capacity so please apply at your earliest convenience for consideration - Thank you!

Overview

As part of our Employment Services team the Employment Counsellor will work collaboratively with our Employment Services Manager to support trainees by providing intake assessments and individual case management; life skills mental health disability and addictions focused workshops; coaching and supporting youth and adults facing significant barriers to employment including individuals who are long term Ontario Works recipients or Ontario Disability Support Plan recipients individuals who have disabilities mental health barriers are long-term unemployed have a history with the criminal justice system recovering from substance abuse and may be newcomers to the country.

The position has a vital role in job creation and retention by providing outreach for participants to employers follow-up support to employees with disabilities navigating workplace challenges creating accommodation plans and facilitating essential training and education to employers to enhance understanding and success for all parties.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive intake and assessment considering factors such as mental health disabilities addiction and potential wrap around supports needed for trainees to be successful throughout the program and beyond
• Develop individualize action plans and provide ongoing case management throughout the program
• Provide emotional and practical support to trainees including offering counselling guidance and strategies to help with barriers for success
• Advocate for trainees ensuring they have access to appropriate resource and services
• Refer trainees to other support services that can enhance their mental physical and emotional wellbeing
• Educate employers on the benefits strategies and accommodations that come with hiring program participants
• Facilitate mental health disability and addictions focused workshops/support groups in relation to employment
• Monitor trainees progress and conduct follow up assessments using a mental health trauma informed and disability lens
• Provide ongoing support through individual accommodation strategies to ensure a barrier-free work environment (workplace modifications adaptive equipment flexible schedules; modified job duties) and job coaching / support at the workplace
• Communicate with employers during trainee employment and report results to the manager
• Work with the Employment Services Manager to collect and track job placement data compiles data and prepare reports and correspondence regarding job development and placement efforts.
• Work collaboratively with the Employment Services Manager to educate employers in hiring individuals with disabilities by coordinating and facilitating recruitment days employer panels and targeted job fairs
• Represent Employment Services by giving service orientations and participating in meetings with individuals community partners educators and employers

Qualifications

Education

• Completion of related post-secondary education in human services or a related field (Bachelor degree or College Diploma in Career Counselling Social Work Human Resources)

Experience

• Increasingly responsible (approximately 2-4 years of full-time equivalent experience) experience in job development human services human resources or closely related field

Certifications

• Mental Health First Aid Certificate would be considered an asset
• Job Development Certificate - would be considered an asset
• Motivational Interviewing Certificate - would be considered an asset
• Career Development Certifications - would be considered an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities required to be successful in this position

• Proficient in reading writing speaking and understanding and giving directions in the English language
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population
• Familiarity with disability-related legislation and accommodation strategies and assistive technologies
• Possess strategies to effectively work with individuals experiencing employment barriers due to mental health disabilities
• Knowledge of modern office methods emerging technologies and standard office software
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in a group setting and familiar with group dynamics

Requirements

• Vulnerable Sector Check/Police Check
• Valid unrestricted Class G Ontario Drivers license
• Ministry of Transportation Drivers Abstract through Service Ontario
• Employment Medical Form including immunization record and fitness assessment

Physical Demands

• This position requires the incumbent to work predominantly in an office environment spending the majority of the time in a seated/standing position working at a computer/in front of a class
• The incumbent will predominantly work Monday through Friday during normal business hours; however the occasional evening or weekend shift may be required