POSITION SUMMARY:

•    Assess clients and provide guidance/support in their job search.
•    Provide information to employers and related consumer groups about deafness and hearing loss.
•    Present workshops and seminars focused on accessibility issues related to employment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Develop job leads for culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing job seekers
•    Accept referrals and assess client's personal and vocational needs in relation to employment
•    Provide client consultation in relation to employment needs
•    Provide job readiness preparation E.g.: assistance in developing career goals, resume preparation, interviewing skills, accommodation requirements and interpersonal skills
•    Assess and assist clients' independence in their job search
•    Contact and liaise with other agencies, government offices and other services for client support
•    Provide follow up upon attainment of employment
•    Provide intervention in employment situations in relation to employee/employer crises, difficulties with accommodation concerns and human rights issues
•    Accept employer inquires and provide appropriate information and client referrals
•    Provide appropriate supportive counselling
•    Initiate referrals to other services as required by client needs
•    Liaise, act as resource and confer with other consultants, agencies and services in relation to program information and confidential client information
•    Provide appropriate back up support in the absence of other staff
•    Attend case conferences in relation to client requirements
•    Visit employer workplaces, provide information and assessments related to accessibility issues
•    Increase clients’ literacy in areas such as filling out job application forms, reading job postings, understanding interview questions and written aptitude tests
•    Provide necessary education, communication devices and communication to ensure an accessible workplace and co-ordinator instruction in sign language
•    Provide information and education to clients about CHS services and relevant policies and procedures
•    Provide special assistance for clients in need, when required
•    Assist clients in development of social skills and life skills related to employment issues
•    Provide on going research and maintain information on community resources, government programs etc.
•    Initiate, facilitate and maintain support groups, job hunt clubs and other groups as required
•    Work with client to promote independence and advocacy
•    Other duties as assigned

Administration:

•    Initiate, maintain and update accurate client referral reports, notes to file, files, and other information as required by CHS/government policies and procedures
•    Initiate and follow up on correspondence and telephone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
•    Maintain waiting list as required
•    Update and maintain confidential client files
•    Keep accurate records, statistics and provide reports as required by CEIC, CHS and other funding source guidelines
•    Complete monthly tallies of client & employer contacts as required
•    Initiate and respond to correspondence in relation to agency services and employment issues
•    Maintain and update manual and computerized employer contact lists as required
•    Initiate and prepare funding proposals/applications for new projects as required
•    Update and maintain resource information and files
•    Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

•    Initiate, prepare and participate in  workshops for employers on deaf and hard of hearing issues
•    Represent CHS on external committees
•    Provide general information and act as a resource on employment issues in response to telephone calls and queries
•    Advocate for accessibility, employment rights and accommodation in employer visits
•    Initiate, prepare and participate in workshops for culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing client/community in relation to employment issues

Professional Development:

•    Attend internal staff meetings
•    Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
•    Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
•    Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (Advanced-Plus)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Manager, Employment Services, Toronto Region

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Business, or Career Counselling or equivalent
•    3-5 years employment consulting experience
•    Experience in job development, job trials and job placement
•    Excellent problem-solving skills
•    Valid driver's licence and access to a vehicle
•    Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required
•    Regular local travel; occasional out of town travel e.g. ASL classes, professional development, etc.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet
•    Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or willingness to learn
•    Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment