Job Development and Retention Consultant

WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE

Job Development and Retention Consultant

4-Month Contract 

Structure of the Position:       

• Reports to the Manager and works in collaboration with other staff
• Is accountable to WERC’s Board of Directors through the Manager
• Always represents WERC professionally and maintains client confidentiality
• Demonstrates empathy and compassion to all those who identify as a woman who use WERC services 
• WERC advocates for and provides equal and inclusive access to those who identify as a woman of diverse backgrounds and life circumstances

BASIC PURPOSE: 

The Job Development & Retention Consultant will be responsible for working with WERC staff and clients to:

• Provide a complete range of 1-1 employment services to clients and employers 
• Guide and support clients through their service plans to assist them in achieving their individual goals
• Partner with WERC clients to local employers and ensure successful placements 
• Manage financial commitments and payments for employer (LRES) incentives
• Aiding WERC clients with job retention and support through their employment

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prospect, identify and develop local employment opportunities 
• Conduct assessments to determine client’s workplace readiness - identifying career goals, interests, skills, aptitudes, barriers/restrictions, etc. 
• Actively seek out new employer partnerships while promoting WERC services and Employment Ontario’s (EO) initiatives.
• Understand employers unique hiring needs and make successful client matches 
• Provide post-hire job support to ensure the ongoing satisfaction of both parties 
• Assist the Manager with financial reporting at designated intervals, data tracking of Employment and Employer Financials
• Keep current with labour market conditions, demands and new developments
• Research local job opportunities using various platforms and search engines
• Maintain ongoing relationships with employers to encourage repeat partnership 
• Communicate local placement opportunities staff and online (as permitted)
• Assist clients with job search, job applications, research on industry/company/job, local labour market research, interview practice 

• Assist clients with personal development and career direction (i.e. directed discussions/coaching to identify transferable skills & referral to internal workshops) 
• Assisting client with job retention through their employment

• When appropriate, make formal and informal referrals to outside agencies for best support for the client and their needs

• Frequent meetings with client’s in office, to ensure needs and action plan, and to support wrap around supports to community agencies where it makes sense for client needs
• Creating Cover Letter and Resume’s for clients that are targeted to their skills and training for job searching & job placement focused
• Monitor and evaluate client’s employment action plan and employment activities in collaboration with WERC Team to ensure best support is being provided.
• Use of Electronic scheduling and note taking software (understanding of Windows, Microsoft 365 programs, CaMs, ESCases)

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Manage all required paperwork and record keeping for placements; prepare for annual audit 
• Oversee processing of placement claim forms and delivery of payments
• Complete case management and documentation for job placements and outcome retention supports; close files as needed or encourage re-engagement in services
• Ensure that all case files are up-to-date, accurate and kept confidential 

TEAM SUPPORT & PUBLIC RELATIONS:

• Cover front desk when required handling both walk-ins and telephone communications; provide an overview of WERC Services, respond to specific inquiries, and book intake/ongoing appointments as required.
• Assist staff members in other program areas as required, i.e. workshop coverage or supervision when external speakers are in attendance.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff/case management meetings
• Attend events/meetings in the community to promote WERC services
• Consistently represent the Centre in a positive and professional manner 

Group Facilitation:

• Develop and deliver a wide range of employment related workshops, using various platforms (in-person, virtual, etc.)
• Tailor workshop facilitation to individual comfort levels, learning styles, group dynamics, etc. 
• Review and update materials to ensure current and relevant subject matters

And other duties as assigned that meet the needs of The Women’s Employment Resource Centre

To be successful in the role you will have: 

• Post-secondary degree/diploma or equivalent in social services, employment counselling, career counselling, women studies or related discipline 
• Must have access to a vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance
• Familiarity with Employment Ontario funding model an asset 
• Previous experience working in the social services field with diverse populations.
• Experience providing coaching for individuals seeking employment including youth, women with disabilities, women in receipt of OW, newcomers and women with multiple barriers.
• Experience within Oxford County programs and resources is an asset. 
• Must possess a results-orientated attitude towards achieving targets and associated outcomes. 
• Strong ability to time manage and prioritize tasks efficiently
• Excellent Written and Verbal/Non-Verbal Communication Skills
• Understanding of the barriers to women’s employment including (but not limited to):

• How trauma affects employability
• Disabilities, Mental Health and Addictions
• Cross cultural sensitivities
• Poverty (housing and food instability)
• Childcare
• Transportation

• Must understand how Non for Profit businesses operate, including funding model, profitability, targets, client concerns 
• Champion a positive and satisfying work environment by supporting WERC’s core values and culture. 

Start Date:  August 26th, 2024

This position is a contract for the duration of 5 month, with the contract ending January 31, 2025. The job requirements are subject to change dependent of the organizational needs of the center.

32.5 Hours per week (One-hour unpaid lunch):  Monday – Thursday (9-4:30) & Friday (9-4)