ABOUT US
Springboard'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 ARE
People 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 OPPORTUNITY
Job Class
Union
Department
Employment Services
Location
3195 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON (Scarborough)
Status
Full-time, Contract (ending February 28, 2025)
Pay Rate
51,421.01 per annum
Vacancy Number
EMP-U24-57
Number of vacancies
Available
Immediately
Hours / Shifts
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Schedules are subject to change to meet departmental needs.
The Employment Specialist will provide assistance, counsel, and information to clients on all aspects of employment search and career planning, with a focus on supporting clients at every step to secure employment directly. This role emphasizes not just teaching clients the skills but actively liaising them to job opportunities. The position encompasses the primary functions of intake, assessment, documentation, case management, group facilitation, and program development to directly connect clients with employment opportunities and educational / vocational training through subsidized placements. In addition to connecting clients with jobs, the role includes the training and orientation of staff, students, and volunteers. The position involves liaising, building, and maintaining positive relationships within the community to facilitate community engagement.
Requirements
WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
Oversight, Engagement
- Case Management : Provide targeted employment counselling and support for at-risk youth and adults, maintaining contact with clients at a minimum of every two weeks. Responsibilities include intake, needs and risk assessment, contracting, Return to Work Action Plan implementation and follow-up, administration of aptitude and abilities tests, assessment of client need for assistance, and referral to appropriate services. Develop, facilitate, and evaluate group / individual training workshops in areas such as career exploration, job search techniques, employability skills, resume writing, interview techniques, cover letter writing, and essential / life skills. Provide clear teaching and instruction to clients regarding pre-employment issues and follow-up as appropriate, ensuring clients are supported every step of the way to reach our program targets. Track and report on client progress to demonstrate program effectiveness .
- Community Outreach / Employer Engagement : Conduct community outreach and assist with the placement of clients, and advocate on the clients’ behalf when making referrals or conducting outreach. Achieve program employment goals through effective employer engagement strategies.
- Conflict Management : Manage crisis situations that may involve volatile behavior, offering support and suggestions on how to manage such situations.
- Clerical / Administrative : Manage client forms and records; maintain accurate, timely documentation in client files of client involvement and interaction; generate and provide periodic statistical and financial reports and pertinent documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with agency and funder standards; ensure quality assurance with respect to assigned tasks to ensure compliance with the program and funder standards.
- Professional Development : Participation in workshops or training sessions related to employment trends or case management.
- Success Stories Management : Collect and share impactful success stories from clients, community partners, stakeholders, employers, etc. to demonstrate program effectiveness and engage stakeholders for community support.
WHO YOU ARE
Required Qualifications
Post-secondary diploma / degree in social service field.Three (3) years related work experience in (refer to position summary) : employment case management, employment counselling for and needs assessment of at-risk youth and adults; facilitating and evaluating workshops in employability skills, career exploration, and life skills; administration of aptitude and abilities tests and the use of the results for assessment and placement purposes.Demonstrated knowledge of and clear understanding of labor market trends, market perceptions, and current labor laws.Demonstrated skills in : case management, intake, needs and risk assessment, appropriate referrals.Proficient in computer software, e.g., MS Suite; Outlook; Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.Commitment to hands-on client support a minimum of every two weeks and achieving outcome targets, with a track record of meeting or exceeding program goals.Experience in using data to track client progress and program success, and in making data-driven adjustments to improve outcomes.Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear and concise manner; exercise discretion and handle confidential information appropriately as per funder and legal standards; prioritize, plan, organize, and prioritize work in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment in order to meet tight deadlines and deliver results according to program guidelines with minimal supervision and interruption in service delivery.Demonstrated effective crisis intervention skills in diffusing confrontational situations and the ability to deal with people tactfully and courteously.Proven ability to build and maintain strong community partnerships to enhance client employment opportunities.Experienced and competent in completing and administering Better Jobs Ontario applications.Preferred Qualifications
Experience in outreach and marketing and working with at-risk / high-risk youth and adultsComprehensive knowledge of issues faced by multi-barriered youth and adultsKnowledge of Employment Ontario suite of programs as well as other employment training programsClear understanding of market perceptions, employer motivation, work habits, and employability skillsDemonstrated ability to provide group facilitation and collect and disseminate labour market information to clients regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements, and other occupational informationFirst Aid / CPR certificationAbility to travelAbility to communicate in French, verbally and in written formAPPLY
Thank 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.