EMP-U25-05 Career Specialist - Prep for IES, Employment Services - Jobs in M1H Scarborough Ontario

Job Description

ABOUT USSpringboard #39;s mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.WHO WE AREPeople are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.THE OPPORTUNITYJob ClassUnionDepartmentEmployment Services Location3195 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON (Scarborough)StatusFull-time, Contract (12-Month Contract)Pay Rate $51,421.01 per annumVacancy NumberEMP-U25-05Number of vacancies 1AvailableImmediatelyHours/Shifts Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (five days per week in-office, based on operational needsflexibility for evenings/weekends. Schedules are subject to change to meet departmental needs.Preparation for Integrated Employment Services (Prep for IES) ProgramThe Prep for IES program provides tailored support for individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes. Unlike standard integrated employment services, this program prioritizes life stabilization, self-development, and employability skill-building before transitioning participants into the IES program.RequirementsWAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTEClient Assessment and Employment Planning

• Perform in-depth client assessments to evaluate employment readiness, life stabilization needs, and career goals, utilizing structured assessment tools and personalized intake discussions.
• Incorporate motivational interviewing techniques in assessments to uncover hidden barriers such as physical or mental health challenges.
• Create and adjust individualized Personalized Preparation Plans (PPP) that align with program standards, and address client stabilization needs by connecting them to resources.
• Stream clients into appropriate services, ensuring interventions meet program deliverables.
• Provide one-on-one support and career counselling, prioritizing in-person meetings, to review progress and address challenges.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including the Community Engagement Specialist, to develop holistic support strategies.
• Provide tailored support to clients by supporting them in self-exploration, resilience-building, and goal setting before transitioning to integrated employment services program. Utilize a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach when assessing client needs and developing Personalized Preparation Plans (PPP), ensuring that interventions address both employment-related and life stabilization barriers.
• Assess client digital literacy and provide tailored training in basic technology skills, including email navigation, online job searching, and virtual interview preparation.

Client Assessment and Employment Planning

• Provide guidance on navigating government and community resources, including accessing Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), subsidized childcare, and mental health supports.
• Assist clients with criminal backgrounds in understanding their rights, addressing employment-related stigma, and exploring record suspension options through partnerships with other organizations.
• Facilitate workshops and one-on-one sessions on resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, etc.
• Provide guidance on workplace expectations, professional behaviour, and skills development.
• Educate clients on AODA compliance and workplace accommodations to empower them with knowledge about their rights and potential supports in the workplace.

Employer and Community Engagement

• Build relationships with local employers and community organizations to create pathways for volunteer experiences, training opportunities, and gradual workforce integration.
• Leverage labour market insights to support with career exploration.
• Facilitate short-term job shadowing or volunteer placements to help clients gain confidence, build work experience, and develop professional networks before entering the workforce.
• Actively collaborate with the Community Engagement Specialist to develop outreach strategies that connect with potential clients from targeted inclusion groups.
• Engage in community-based outreach efforts, including attending local events, networking with organizations, and leveraging referral networks to increase program enrollment.
• Strengthen partnerships with settlement agencies, community centers, and faith-based organizations to ensure diverse client access.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date, accurate case notes and client records in compliance with funder and organizational standards.
• Prepare reports on client progress, and program outcomes.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data on client progress and ensure all KPIs are met or exceeded. Share impactful success stories, respecting client confidentiality, to showcase program value.

Workshop Development and Facilitation

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate interactive workshops, and group sessions to build client confidence and skills, aligned with Prep for IES learning modules, including Hope-Action Theory and Career Exploration Assessments.
• Adapt workshop content to meet the diverse needs of inclusion groups, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
• Incorporate client feedback into workshop improvements to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
• Deliver mental health and resilience-building workshops, covering topics such as mindfulness, coping with stress, etc. to help clients develop a strong foundation for integrating into employment.
• Teach clients how to build an online presence and effectively for job searching and professional networking.

Workplace Expectations, Professionalism, and Compliance

• Engage in ongoing training as required.
• Maintain professionalism and always adhere to workplace policies, ensuring focus and productivity in all environments.
• Adhere to the organization’s business casual dress code during work hours, whether onsite, online, or when working offsite.
• Maintain an on-camera presence during virtual meetings.
• Be available to work five in-office days per week. In-person attendance is a mandatory requirement of the role and cannot be accommodated for remote work on these days.
• Travel within the GTA to attend employer site visits, trainings, networking events, community outreach activities, etc.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed to support program goals or employer relationships.
• Perform additional tasks as required to support organizational needs, and program delivery.

WHO YOU ARERequired QualificationsEducation:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, career development, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field.

Experience:

• 2+ years in employment counselling, case management, or workforce development.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations and individuals facing employment barriers

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in MS Office and case management systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP).

• Multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic).
• Knowledge of local labour markets, employment programs, and inclusive hiring practices.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Foster strong, trusting relationships with clients, community partners, and other stakeholders
• Facilitate impactful outreach that drive measurable outcomes.
• Deliver accurate documentation and reports, demonstrating program success.
• Achieve targeted outcomes for inclusion groups, ensuring equitable opportunities for all clients.
• Increase client engagement and completion rates of the Prep for IES program, to meet KPIs and ensuring that at least 80% of participants successfully complete the six-week program and transition to IES.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of wraparound support services in addressing client stabilization needs (e.g., percentage of clients successfully connected to housing, mental health, or financial literacy resources).

APPLYThank you for your interest in working with Springboard.Completion of satisfactory, professional references, and proof of education are requirements of employment.The Deadline for Applications is Until filled. No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.