Employment Specialist
COMPETITION NO. SP25-12

About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Information**:**

Part-time support opportunity (temporary): October 2025 to April 2026

Hourly rate: $39.99
Hours: 21 hours per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8:30 to 4:30

Reporting To: Manager, Employment Services
Department: Employment Services
Campus Location: Oshawa Employment Services (300 Taunton Rd E #18, Oshawa).

Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a complex position which requires the coordination and management of potential services for the client through awareness of all available resources of the Employment Ontario, Employment Services program. The incumbent is the Employment Specialist of all clients inquiring about our employment services. This is accomplished by reviewing potential eligibility, suitability of clients and if appropriate, assessment, the development of an Employment Action Plan, advocacy, guidance and follow up on next course of action. This is accomplished through several individual meetings with clients. Employment Specialist also works on determining available resources (workshops, training, etc.) for clients and referring clients to on-site and community services. Collaborate with Job Developer to assist with client’s employment needs. The incumbent may occasionally advocate on the client’s behalf with employers. This position also requires the development of an Employment Action Plan.

The position requires consistent documentation, maintenance of client records and utilization of SSM/provincial/internal forms and submission of statistical information as identified by Employment Services Program guidelines. Employment Specialists are responsible for the overall client experience and ensuring the values and ideals outlined in the SSM Employment Services Program guidelines are upheld. It also involves excellent time management skills to manage a large caseload and achieve required program outcomes.

Case Management:

• Discuss program services and determines if services provided can make individual employable; refer individual to other support and community services when program or location are inappropriate;
• Screen and conduct intake assessments with potential participants to determine eligibility and suitability for Employment Services;
• Conduct one-on-one sessions to assist clients in separating stabilization needs from employment needs, identifying interests, abilities and skills, clarifying employment, training or career goals, obtaining information about career and employment opportunities, identifying steps to becoming employable, determining most appropriate employment, education and/or training; meet SSM and Ministry program targets/KPIs;
• Assist clients with the creation and follow through of Employment Action plans; Develop and update participants’ employment action plans to include training goals and information gathered through employment counselling services;
• Provide educational/vocational information to participants or direct them to available community sources;
• Case conference with Job developer to refer clients to job development services, unsubsidized and subsidized opportunities to establish appropriate job/placement best suited to client’s needs and goals;
• Case conference with Job developer and other ES to clarify realistic expectations/goals for the client;
• Evaluate all outcomes and maintain a follow up/monitoring system to determine long-term retention rates and increased performance base funding;
• Explore new resources to stay current and provide additional information on job search techniques and create alternate delivery methods;
• Available for support to participants conducting job search;
• Provide group employment workshops covering areas such as career, education, job seeking and job keeping;
• Management of client files. Reviewing timely submitted financial training supports;
• Provide documentation to administrative support staff to facilitate training supports;
• Collect information using the Common Assessment Tool to assist in determining clients’ suitability and eligibility;
• Development, delivery and facilitation of group interaction, group exercises and roleplays independently and in co-delivery with other staff, including follow up and job maintenance workshops;
• Provide individual and group employment advice to multi-barriered clients;
• Occasionally address workplace concerns with participants
• Provide, mediation, needs assessments, discuss options and work towards solutions that are in the best interests of all parties;
• Provide support to clients in the resource center/reception on a weekly basis.

Administration/ Documentation/ File Management:

• Prepare documentation for program services including employment action plans and SSM/Ministry approved programs
• Verify client information into CaMS/ES Cases on an as needed basis;
• Ensure, in consultation with work team, current procedures are updated to respond to Employment Services Program guidelines;
• Collaborate with Job Developer to ensure client files are up to date;
• Develop and maintain up to date client documentation including case notes as per file/database template;
• Participate in team analysis of statistical reports generated by CaMS and ES Cases in response to continuous improvement and evaluation of KPI’s;
• Prepare, produce and deliver materials and make follow up calls to clients at outcome (one, three, six and twelve months after outcome).

Resource Centre/ Reception (on rotation with other Team Members):

New Clients/Walk-Ins/Referred Clients:

• Provide reception to new and existing clients;
• Explain available program and services;
• Assess needs, eligibility, suitability and motivation;
• Assist clients with registration including, explanation of services available, client privileges and responsibilities, explanation of procedures;
• Provide individual needs assessments;
• Contact clients via phone, email and/or text;
• Book appointment and/or refer to other suitable programs/services and/or organizations/agencies;
• Track/document referrals, contact attempts and fail to report.

Outreach/ Recruitment/ Marketing:

• Promote program services to prospective participants and the community at large; maintain pro-active liaison with community agencies, partners and employers;
• Analyze the local labour market to determine skills development needs and occupational training opportunities;
• Act as a resource person for clients by promoting services offered by Durham College and other providers;
• Travel to community agencies within Durham Region;
• Participate in community events; Participate in the development of annual marketing plan.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a two-year diploma in Social Service Worker, Community & Justice Services or Social Welfare & Social Development or Human Resources.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related work experience is required.
• Certificates or training in Career Counselling or Career Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are assets.
• Requires a working knowledge of workplace legislation and Health & Safety laws.
• Cognitive skills training i.e., behavior strategies, negotiation is an asset.
• Superior written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge in labour market trends, employment conditions and community agencies.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Candidate must have reliable transportation to travel to itinerant sites.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 8:00 p.m. EST on October 6, 2025. Competition number SP25-12.

Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON

Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.