Work in Tech

STARLING COMMUNITY SERVICES IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.

There is one Full-Time permanent Employment Specialist position available starting on October 15, 2024, working 37.5 hours per week.

Your Role:

Assesses individuals to determine their employment barriers, strengths and interests. Assists clients in exploring employment and career options, develops employment action plans, and assists clients to secure and maintain employment and/or pursue education or vocational training. Works as part of the wider employment services team to identify job leads and support sustainable, meaningful employment options for clients. Prospects and recruits employers and employment opportunities, matching clients with appropriate employers. Promotes clients to the employer community, identifying job leads and tapping into the hidden job market. Provides individualized coaching to clients to support on-the-job learning and job retention. Supports clients to maintain positive employment relationships. Manages individual allocation of participant support and monitors employer incentive expenditures. Coordinates case management functions to ensure the client’s successful transition into the labour market. Facilitates job search and employment preparation workshops as required.

Tasks:

Client Service:

1. Conducts intakes and client assessments to determine service eligibility, employment and career planning needs; recommends resources and makes appropriate referrals.
2. Supports clients in the Resource Centre.
3. Administers formal and informal assessments designed to determine the interests, aptitudes and abilities of clients.
4. Assists clients to develop a marketable cover letter, resume, portfolio, business cards, and online presence.
5. Supports clients to enhance interview skills and teaches effective self-marketing methods including cold calling.
6. Completes online applications with or for clients.
7. Assists clients in completing education funding applications.
8. Builds rapport and maintains contact with clients to establish an effective counselling relationship.
9. Performs employment, career and personal management counselling to support clients in areas such as budgeting, hygiene, self-esteem, communication and conflict resolution.
10. Provides ongoing job maintenance services to program participants.
11. Provides barrier reduction assistance for clients, including referrals to crisis support, housing support, income support, and other external community resources.
12. Facilitates job search, career development, health and safety and job maintenance workshops to groups or individuals.
13. Delivers outreach workshops within the community.
14. Manages client behaviour and activity in resource centre, workshop and 1:1 setting using appropriate techniques
15. Carries portfolios in program areas such as specific client groups, assessments, apprenticeships, outreach, etc.
16. Arranges and/or facilitates workplace tours to familiarize clients with the work environment and enhance knowledge of the labour market.
17. Assists clients in connecting with training and educational institutes.

Employment Placement:

1. Completes searches to identify employment opportunities in the open and hidden job markets; prospects, secures and follows up job leads and matches/places clients with appropriate employers.
2. Conducts market research and liaises with employers to identify trends and recruit employers.
3. Meets with employers to determine suitability for placement activities.
4. Conducts health and safety inspections on the job site and ensures that employers meet funder requirements as they relate to health and safety for placement.
5. Builds and maintains effective relationships with employers and community partners to further employment opportunities for clients.
6. Stays current on labour market information related to job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information.
7. Connects with employers to gather and share current local labour market information.

Job Coaching:

1. Facilitates the training of participants on the job site and provides the employer or coworkers with strategies for teaching techniques and on-site training.
2. Teaches participants the necessary life and job-related skills for success at the work site e.g. telephone use, public transit, dress requirements and safety issues.
3. Develops practical strategies and teaches participants to implement strategies at the work site for independent problem solving.
4. Learns the policies and procedures for specific work sites such as WHMIS, vacation requests, sick days, reporting structures and teaches the participants to follow established company procedures.
5. Negotiates further job coaching services with the employer and client if necessary.
6. Provides follow-up services to employers and clients as required including ongoing job maintenance services and reference checking.

Administration:

1. Works in partnerships to deliver programs, meet funding targets and achieve individual and program goals.
2. Under the supervision of the Manager or Supervisor, assists with training, supporting and evaluating students and volunteers.
3. Maintains electronic and hard copy client and employer files and databases according to agency and funding guidelines; prepares for file audit requirements.
4. Coordinates distribution of incentives to employers, supports clients, monitors spending and maintains all required documentation.
5. Completes all required placement documentation and submits for approval.
6. Assists with the development and implementation of the marketing strategy and promotions.
7. Develops a variety of reporting forms including action plans, monthly statistics and reports.
8. Maintains online job board.
9. Develops and updates workshop content to meet current trends and participant needs.

Your Talents and Experience:

Degree or diploma in social sciences, business or education, and minimum of 1-year related experience in employment counselling or employment placement. Holds or is working towards a Career Development Practitioner designation, or equivalent. Strong commitment to customer service is essential; previous experience working in a community based, not-for-profit environment advantageous. Required to perform well in a fast-paced, ever evolving and results oriented environment. Strong communication, customer service and organizational skills are essential. Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and Employment Standards Act an asset. Must have the ability and confidence to generate new and maintain existing business contacts. Outside sales, marketing, and cold calling experience is an asset. An understanding of occupational health and safety legislation is an asset. Some evening work will be required. Weekend work may be required. Working knowledge of MS Office and various social media platforms. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are essential for this position.

What’s in it for you?

• Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.
• Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.
• Job Band G (hourly wages): Min - $26.62, Mid - $28.83, Max - $32.54
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan.
• Eligible for Health and Dental Benefits after 3 months of employment.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly) + 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.

• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (no cost)
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with TravelWise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Agency Orientation and Training modules.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Responsive Leadership Training Program (leadership positions only).
• Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on October 04, 2024.

This is an internal and external posting.

The Agency requires all employees to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check prior to commencing employment. We require certain positions to obtain a Medical Certification.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying.

If you require any support with submitting your application, or through the interview process, please contact the Human Resources department at hr@lutherwood.ca or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.