CharityVillage

Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence?  Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and workforce development, then consider a career with Centre for Skills Development!

Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, with locations in Oakville, Milton and Clarkson, Centre for Skills delivers high caliber employment services, language training & settlement services, skilled trades training and literacy upgrading. Providing people with opportunities to build a better future and making a positive impact on peoples’ lives is integral to the business of Centre for Skills.  For more information, visit: centreforskills.ca   

Job Number: 444
Job Title: Employment / Student Support Specialist
Department: Skilled Trades
Location: Burlington On-site
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Hours of Work: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Reports To: Program Coordinator
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: March 31, 2026

The Employment / Student Support Specialist provides employment, job search, and mental health support to clients who participate in the Skilled Trades programs. 

These are your responsibilities:

• Conduct assessment of skilled trades clients/students, identifying their employment, training, and support needs.
• Assist with program recruitment activities for skilled trades programs including conducting information sessions, applicant interviews, applicant Shop Day activities. 
• Participate in community outreach to promote program services, client referrals, and develop partnerships with education, health and community support systems. 
• Work closely with program team to complete accurate and timely reporting, achieving funder targets, and ensure program operates efficiently and effectively.

Trades Employment

• Assist trades students prepare for their job search including resume preparation, interview skills practice, and general employability skills. Support students post-graduation as they continue to job search and progress through their first year of employment.   
• Administer and implement EO-Employment Services components of support to participants registered in Centre for Skills Skilled Trades programs (from registration through follow-up).
• Facilitate group workshops on employability and job search related specific to trades students and the skilled trades sector. 
• Work closely with the Workforce Development Specialists and program team to help coordinate student placements/employment and conducting follow up as needed.  Accompany students on class visits to local employers. 

Mental Health

• Conduct client needs assessments, develop and implement client support plans for skilled trades students, addressing needs related to mental health, life stabilization, learning disabilities etc.
• Provide skilled trades clients timely one- on- one brief support counseling and referrals as needed. 
• Using client-centered approach, advocate on behalf of clients in association with their instructors and community support network.
• Prepare, update, and facilitate mental health related components of program.
• Provide crisis intervention and exercise good judgment in emergency and or/crisis situations.

What you need to bring to this job:

• Diploma or degree in a related field. Suitable educational equivalents may be considered for individuals with 5+ years of highly related experience in a similar role within a workforce development setting.
• Certification in ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, SafeTalk, TAMI an asset
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with employment counselling, case management, mental health counselling/coaching, addictions and/or crisis intervention
• Experience working with adults from culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, youth, OW/ODSP recipients, and multi-barriered clients; Preference will be given to those with EO experience
• Knowledge and experience with Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Counselling, and the Common Assessment Tool and/or similar model for conducting intake assessments
• Ability to create a safe, comfortable environment for clients to work within
• Demonstrated ability to work in a target driven outcome-based model; accountable to achieving monthly targets
• Strong knowledge of job search techniques, career development, and issues relating to unemployment; within the skilled trades an asset
• Familiarity with signs and symptoms of mental illness with knowledge of local resources
• Professional and cooperative teamwork approach, positive attitude, excellent customer service skills
• Ability to deescalate situations where clients may be acting in a negative or inappropriate manner
• Ability to assist in complex, client life circumstances and maintain healthy boundaries
• Knowledge of case management including, local resources and access to services
• Excellent skills in client assessments, crisis intervention skills, and client advocacy skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Highly skilled using MS Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook), social media platforms and career-related software.