ABOUT US: At Immigrants Working Centre (IWC), we work with newcomers to Canada, recognizing them as essential partners in the growth and prosperity of our city and country. For more than 30 years, our team has worked closely with newcomers to engage and support their full social, civic and economic participation in Canada. Learn more at www.iwchamilton.ca.

JOB SUMMARY: The Employment Specialist works one-on-one with clients accessing Front-line Employment Services in order to promote access to employment by assisting Newcomer clients with resumes, cover letters, action plans, and interview skills, and by supporting general program activities. The Employment Specialist works to meet specific program outcomes as well as broader program goals.

Required skills/experience:

• Degree or post-graduate certificate in HR/Career Counselling.
• Experience in Employment Counselling and/or Job Development is an asset
• Professional English written and oral communication skills,
• Fluency in one of the following languages is required: Arabic, Spanish, Ukrainian, Dari/Pashto.
• Extensive and up-to-date knowledge of Hamilton’s labour market
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and collect information to assist in targeting the most suitable employment based on clients’ experience, education, and existing labour market factors
• Able to meet targets and goals
• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with clients
• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with employers
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Awareness of cultural diversity & sensitivity, anti-racism and anti-oppression practices
• Excellent cross-cultural skills

Duties and responsibilities:

Perform a full range of duties associated with Employment Counselling, Case Management and Job Development for the assigned portfolio including, but not limited to:

• Assessing clients’ employment and skills-development related needs for the development of individual employment action plans
• Assisting clients to develop job search skills and job search strategies
• Assessing the need for additional assistance such as further vocational training/skills upgrading and make appropriate referrals
• Providing solutions-based counselling in the areas of job search, job placement, career decision, job maintenance, or other identified employment needs
• Providing up-to-date labour market information
• Assisting clients with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and other job search activities as needed
• Assisting clients in the use of online resources and technology for job search activities
• Delivery of employment related workshops and seminars to clients as needed
• Collecting labour market information regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information
• Outreaching to potential employers, liaising and developing relationships with employers in industries aligned with clients’ career and employment goals.
• Marketing the skills and experiences of ready-to-work clients to employers, aiming to achieve employment outcomes.
• Attending industry related networking events and representing IWC on community committees
• Liaising with accrediting bodies, professional associations, government departments and other social, employment and community agencies as needed to facilitate clients’ progress
• Performing all other duties relevant to the position and program as required.