Employment Counsellor, PWD

POSITION TYPE: Full Time Contract >6 months

DEPARTMENT: Tropicana Employment Center 

AFFILIATION: Unionized Position

LOCATION: Scarborough, ON

HOURS: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day 

EXTENDED HOURS: Dependent on needs of the program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Employment Counsellor supports individuals with disabilities and youth between the ages of 18 to 29 in achieving meaningful, sustainable employment. This role blends individualized employment counselling and coordinating career-oriented networking and mentoring opportunities through training, and in-group networking. The successful candidate will empower clients, build inclusive employment pathways, and foster partnerships with mentors, employers, service providers, and community stakeholders.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

Employment Counselling & Case Management

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments (skills, interests, abilities, and readiness).
• Develop and implement individualized employment action plans with measurable goals.
• Provide one-on-one, strengths-based counselling and ongoing support.
• Assist clients in overcoming employment barriers (e.g., accessibility, confidence, transportation, disclosure).
• Maintain accurate, timely case notes and documentation in compliance with program requirements.

 Job Development, Placement & Retention

• Support job search activities including resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation.
• Identify and match clients to suitable employment opportunities aligned with labour market trends.
• Coordinate job placements and support onboarding processes.
• Provide on-site and/or virtual job coaching to enhance workplace integration.
• Collaborate with employers to implement accommodations and address performance concerns.
• Develop retention strategies to support long-term employment success.

netWORKS Program Facilitation

• Lead the delivery of the netWORKS program, including intake, screening, and participant onboarding.
• Recruit and engage up to 200 youth annually using outreach and marketing strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate group orientations, employment workshops, and networking sessions.
• Support participants in building professional profiles and connections through platforms such as Ten Thousand Coffees.
• Promote and facilitate participation in employer networking and mentorship opportunities.
• Provide ongoing coaching, check-ins, and individualized support to youth participants.

 Employer Engagement & Community Networking

• Conduct outreach to employers to develop job opportunities and mentorship pathways.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, mentors, and community partners.
• Educate employers on inclusive hiring practices, accessibility, and workplace accommodations.
• Support the development of inclusive and accessible workplace environments.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of employer contacts, job leads, and networking opportunities.

Program Administration, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track participant progress, employment outcomes, and program metrics.
• Maintain accurate data entry, participant records, and confidentiality standards.
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders, including funders.
• Participate in program evaluation, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attend team meetings, training sessions, and partner meetings to share updates and best practices.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Career Development, Rehabilitation, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in employment counselling, job coaching, or workforce development.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities and/or youth is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of disability inclusion, accessibility, and accommodation practices.
• Experience facilitating workshops, group sessions, and networking events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and virtual platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and motivational interviewing abilities.
  
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits
  
• Career growth and development opportunities
• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community
• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. 

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.