POSITION:                          Employment Counsellor

REPORTS TO:                  Employment Programs Manager

HOURS:                                35 hours/week (Full time)

RATE OF PAY:               $22-$25.91 and group benefits after passing probation

Summary:             

The Job Search Workshop Program offers short-term pre-employment workshops, and individual employment counselling designed for recent immigrants (landed immigrants, convention refugees or live in care-givers) to assist them in finding employment in their field.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver the new Job Search Workshops (JSW) curriculum components, which includes assessment and Occupational Blueprint and Job Search Workshops modules in a computerized format
• Assist clients with resumes and cover letters, cold calling, interview skills, and action plan development
• Provide individual counselling support to clients in person, over the phone and by e-mail as needed, while providing suitable referrals to internal and external programs/services
• Provide appropriate referrals for job search coaching, mentoring coaching, work experience placements and paid employment
• Research and apply labour market and job search information relevant to internationally-trained professionals and trades people
• Identify and access additional resources, such as internal and external guest speakers, resource materials, articles and program support information relevant to the JSW program
• Schedule workshops and delivery of curriculum according to the goals of the program and clients’ needs
• Undertake internal and external outreach, contribute to the e-newsletter, website and preparation of other promotional materials; such as program flyers and brochures
• Develop contacts with external agencies for purposes of referrals and networking; deliver off-site orientation sessions and workshops as needed
• Maintain statistics on client/service activities.
• Assist with updating and closing client files by performing regular follow up and updating files in order to enter information in the iCAM system
• Submit accurate and detailed monthly reports as required
• Assist in the evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and present solutions to enhance service on an ongoing basis and as part of the larger agency service system
• Work as part of the JSW team to ensure smooth delivery and coordination of services to clients
• Participate in team, staff and JSW Coordination meetings and all other agency events as required
• Handle other duties as assigned by Program Manager

Qualifications:

• Post secondary education, preferably in Employment/Career Counselling or related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years work experience as an employment counsellor and group facilitator
• Thorough knowledge of all facets of job search ; including an understanding of current labour market trends and resources
• Demonstrated ability in developing goals and action plans with participants
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge working with diverse groups
• Sensitivity to and understanding of issues of concern to immigrants and refugees
• Proficiency in MS Office, ability to deliver computerized interactive employment modules
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills; as well as a positive attitude towards change
• Initiative, energy and persistence to complete tasks as well as excellent time management and teamwork skills
• Problem solving skills and resourcefulness in meeting clients’ employment support needs
• Knowledge and understanding of adult learning principles an asset
• Completion of COSTI Job Search Workshop facilitator training and knowledge of iCAMS an asset
• Ability to work day time and some evenings
• Access to a car and a valid driver’s license an asset

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter with reference number 012-003 by Feb 24th, 2012 to:

Human Resources Officer

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre

3650 Dixie Rd., Suite 103

Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9

FAX: (905) 629-0791, Email: recruiting@dbnc.ca

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre is an equal opportunity employer.