Employment Counsellor (Employment Services)

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant, non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end chronic poverty in Toronto. Since 1896, we’ve worked to transform the lives of people living with poverty, going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services, and a pathway which enables street-involved youth, families in need, adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.
To make this happen, we are passionate about investing in the people we work with, and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need, a desire to transform the lives of our community members, and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect.
If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSM’s work, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer
As a staff member at YSM, some of the things you can look forward to include a values-based and highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staff’s mental health and well-being; meaningful, innovative and impactful work, with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, as well as flexible hybrid work arrangements. Our competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includes Group RRSP matching, annual leave and paid personal days, comprehensive health and dental care coverage, an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals, and numerous other perks.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Employment Counsellor who is passionate and called to support our participants to guide them towards positive transformation. This position supports the Employment Services (ES) program that serves participants who experience multiple and/or complex barriers to employment by providing more intensive support beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities. The Employment Counsellor will be responsible for program delivery under Employment Ontario guidelines and reports to the Employment Services Supervisor.
Responsibilities

• Document participant activity in YSM database and paper files in accordance with YSM and funder requirements
• Provide wrap-around care management support in collaboration with YSM staff to participants and maintaining customized training support plans
• Expense annual targeted expenditures for participant supports in consultation with Employment Services Supervisor
• Liaise with Employer Engagement team to ensure participants receive ongoing employment and career development support
• Research and incorporate current trends, labour market information and best practices in job retention and career development into daily work
• Collaborate with YSM Workforce Development staff and other departments for referrals, screening and assessment of participant suitability
• Provide individual job coaching/counselling/mentoring to support participants in conflict resolution, personal/professional development
• Develop and deliver skill-based learning content for pre-employment training workshops to support participants in capacity building and job retention

Qualifications

• Good time management, information tracking, and prioritization skills
• Exceptional communication skills (oral and written); excellent interpersonal, presentation and coaching skills
• Initiative to exercise sharp critical thinking skills and sound judgment to problem solve independently
• Understanding of cross cultural, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed practices
• Strong conflict resolution skills in managing group dynamics
• Knowledge of current employment-related legislation (e.g. ESA, OHRC)
• Flexible to work outside of standard hours when necessary
• Related post-secondary education in social work/community service work/adult education or equivalent experience
• High level of self-awareness; strong coping skills and supportive community (including faith community) needed to avoid emotional strain and potential burnout
• Comfort working in an unpredictable drop-in environment with participants experiencing various forms of trauma; able to quickly and sensitively respond to high-stress situations
• Experience with group facilitation, counselling, case management activities
• CPI, Mental Health, First Aid Training is an asset; A vulnerable sector police check will be required

The successful applicant will express a clear personal commitment to YSM principles of faith, mission, and values. This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) position.
Deadline For Application: April 28, 2023
Starting Date: Immediately
Resume and cover letter should articulate your alignment with the above qualifications, and why YSM’s values, principles of faith and mission uniquely resonate with you.
While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Learn more about YSM at www.ysm.ca
Date Posted: April 12, 2023