Employment Services Caseworker, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)(Hybrid)

About this position

Employment Services Caseworker, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)(Hybrid)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Reports to: Coordinator, Employment Services

Employment Status: Full time Permanent

Bargaining Unit Status:  Included

Annual Salary:   $58,572.80 - $70,345.60

Language requirements: English is essential. French is considered and asset.  

Bona Fide occupational requirement (BFOR): N/A 

Schedule: Hybrid schedule. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Some evenings and weekends may be required

Reference Number: 24-011

Closing Date: February 29, 2024

Posting Stage: Internal/ External

About us:

Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa and a registered charity. It provides mental health services, employment programs, emergency shelter, community, health and housing services, and justice programs to youth in the Ottawa area, serving between 2,500 and 3,000 at‑risk individuals aged 12+ and their families every month. YSB employs 350 caring professionals in a unionized environment in over 26 locations across Ottawa.

The ODSP Employment Services Caseworker role at the Youth Services Bureau - Employment Services is a pivotal position demanding a strong commitment to exemplary, purpose-driven customer service. Serving as the primary point of contact for ODSP ES Clients, this position requires in-depth knowledge of our services and referral processes to facilitate informed decision-making.

Under the general direction of the Director of Employment Services and immediate supervision of the Coordinator of the ODSP ES Program, the ODSP Employment Supports Program Caseworker is responsible to provide direct individualised services to clients in accordance with policies and directives established within the YSB.

What you will do:

Service Responsibilities – Direct Client Service:

1. Client Engagement:
   • Conduct intake interviews and determine employability and potential barriers to employment
   • In collaboration with Program Coordinator and Job Development Team, understand desired locations, types of jobs and work environments identified by job seekers who have completed the intake process
   • Provide employment services under the ODSP Employment Services Program including formal on-the-job training, job search and job development activities
   • Create resume's, cover letters and job application on behalf of clients
   • Provide support via phone, video, or as required on-site job coaching in the early stages of employment to set up the employer to provide support and supervision
   • Develop and facilitate employment and interest-based workshops; topics based on trends, needs and gaps identified through feedback and team sessions both virtually and in-person
   • Establish and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with various stakeholders, including clients, employers and community partners
2. Program Success and Promotion:
   • Actively market the Integrated Employment Services (IES/ODSP) program internally and externally to ensure appropriate referrals
   • Train and support employers to implement and sustain training and accommodation plans
   • Ensure familiarity with pertinent legislation, regulations, guidelines and policies as well as community services.
3. Performance Measurement:
   • Collect appropriate information for performance measurement of YSB employment services
   • Ensure IES/ODSP services adhere to program guidelines and review them annually

Responsibilities to the Organization:

• Support other Employment Services staff, attend meetings, and actively participate in organizational activities
• Engage in cross-team service coordination, collaboration, and training
• Represent the agency in the community as needed
• Contribute to program and services development and evaluation.
• Participate in hiring, training and supervision of students.
• Actively pursue opportunities to develop job-related skills and knowledge
• Assist with goal setting for the program and team, contributing to continuous improvement practices
• Stay informed on trends, developments and research that may impact the lives of individuals with disabilities
• Follow policies and procedures outlined in program guidelines and agency policy
• Follows safe work practices as established by the YSB and the Program.
• Complete a variety of administrative tasks and maintain files as per YBS’s procedure
• Maintain in-office procedures, ensuring client privacy and relevant documentation

This opportunity may be right for you if you have:

• Degree or Diploma in social sciences, employment counselling, developmental, social or community Services
• Minimum of two years related client service experience working with public in an employment setting  (virtual/in-person)
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current labour market trends, employment support services, vocational training opportunities, employment related web sites and youth and adult learning approaches
• Familiar with Ontario Works and Employment Insurance initiatives
• Knowledge of Employment Ontario programs and services
• Knowledge of job search strategies and techniques
• Experience working with diverse client profile
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Detail and task-oriented with demonstrated self-management and time-management skills
• Excellent customer service skills and proven ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment with co-workers, clients, and community partners
• Strong teamwork, cooperation, listening, planning and organizing skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suites and strong digital skills to navigate multiple technology platforms and adapt to evolving technologies.
• Additional language skills will be considered a strong asset (i.e. Somali, Arabic, etc.)
• Experience working in a recruitment or employment support agency considered an asset
• Access to vehicle and hold valid driver’s license
• Familiar with Ontario Works and Employment Insurance initiatives
• Familiar with local employment, educational and training resources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French considered an asset
• Experience working in a recruitment or employment support agency considered an asset
• Knowledge of/and or experience working with business community/ networking with employers or HR recruiters considered an asset
• Knowledge of/ and or experience in the High Tech sector considered an asset

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

What we offer:

• 15 days of annual vacation + 1 personal day;
• 100% YSB-paid group health benefits;
• Pension plan from Day 1;
• A team where you get to be yourself everyday and where you have the freedom to innovate.

Join us!

If you think this vacancy is a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Please visit the career section of our website to submit your resume and one-page cover letter. Don’t just tell us what we want to hear, tell us your story and why you would make a great addition to our team.

We know applying to a job takes time and thank all candidates for their interest. While we are not able to get back to every candidate, we will ensure shortlisted applicants are aware of their status and will do our best to provide feedback if that can be helpful.

At YSB, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ community and/or people with intersectional identities. Accommodation will be made available for applicants with a disability throughout the hiring process, kindly make your needs known in advance. The selected candidate will be required to follow all mandatory Covid 19 safety protocols.