EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST – JOB DESCRIPTION
Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging career? Are you looking for a position that allows you to operate independently but also as part of a dynamic team? Are you looking to work for a company that is active in the economic growth of your community? CareerQuest Inc., assist individuals across the GTA, Barrie, Oshawa and surrounding areas in finding meaningful employment and we are starting with you.
Our four core values are; Expertise, Professionalism, Integrity and Cost Effectiveness.
We offer a rewarding and professional work environment, the ability to work independently while remaining part of an energetic team, as well as a competitive salary plus commission.
Position Summary:
The role of the Employment Specialist is to assist with all tasks related to the delivery of CareerQuest's employment services, e.g. paid and unpaid work placements, job monitoring, job coaching, etc. The Employment Specialist's primary task will be to assist individuals in landing permanent paid employment, and to engage in job development activities to ensure all client work placements are arranged in a timely manner. Once a potential employer has been identified, the Employment Specialist accompanies the client to an interview, negotiates job duties, and prepares the written agreement. The Employment Specialist then monitors the placement on a weekly/bi-weekly basis and proactively addresses any issues which may arise. The Employment Specialist is responsible for all administrative tasks related to the delivery of CareerQuest's employment services, but will also be called upon to act as a Job Coach on occasion; this requires the Employment Specialist to attend at a worksite and assist the client to meet employer expectations by learning job tasks, company policies, etc. This individual will sometimes deliver the Job Search Training Program and assist clients to develop effective strategies to overcome weaknesses in their abilities, work histories, etc. The Employment Specialist exhibits superior communication skills, and has the ability to problem solve complex issues.
Responsibilities:
- Acting as an Employment Specialist and carrying out all tasks assigned by the Employment Services Coordinator or a member of the senior management staff.
- Proactively engaging in job development activities to arrange paid/unpaid work placements and facilitate workers' integration to worksites.
- Attending interviews with clients.
- Preparing work placement agreements and ensuring all parties have signed prior to the commencement date.
- Conducting monitoring of work placements by telephone or in person; proactively addressing any challenges which may interfere with successful completion of duties.
- Assisting workers in developing strategies to address areas of weakness in their work performance.
- Liaising with employers to resolve client work barriers.
- Documenting all activities and writing detailed monthly monitoring reports.
- Delivering the Job Search Training Program (JSTP) and/or employment related workshops in our training centres with a focus on improving client employability; writing resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, etc., as required.
- On occasion, acting as a Job Coach by attending at the client's worksite and providing assistance to the worker to meet employer expectations by learning company policies and procedures, specific job tasks, general employment-related expectations, and appropriate social and professional behaviours and attitudes.
- Proactively engaging in problem resolution to ensure an efficient and effective outcome.
- Acting as a positive role model for clients by maintaining a professional presence at all times.
- Escalating issues which require the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manager or senior management's attention to the individual empowered to respond.
- Accepting and providing constructive feedback.
- Ensuring that discretion and confidentiality are exercised in relation to all types of client and internal organizational information.
- Acting in accordance with all CareerQuest Inc. corporate policies, including the Privacy Policy, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Discrimination & Harassment Policy, etc.
Minimum Qualifications and Key Abilities:
- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree/College Diploma from a recognized university/college.
- Must have daily access to a personal vehicle and be licensed and insured to operate it.
- Work experience in a vocational rehabilitation or employment services environment as a Counsellor, Job Developer, Job Coach, Instructor/Facilitator, etc.
- Sound time management and organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously when required.
- Well-developed interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency with the Windows Vista operating system, MS Office applications, and internet browsing software.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree/diploma/certification in a related field such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Career Counseling, Certified Return to Work, Psychology, etc.
- Currently hold or will acquire Registered Rehabilitation Professional / Certified Vocational Professional designation (or similar) within 6 months of beginning employment.
(Please note this requires a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.) - Experience as an Employment Specialist, Case Manager, or Counsellor in the vocational rehabilitation industry; experience with CareerQuest is preferred.
Please submit your cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word format to: employment@careerquestcanada.com. Please reference in the subject line #8262.