Job Description: Employment Counsellor – Employment Assistance Services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Reports to: Executive Director, or designate

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) has helped people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions connect with quality employment since 1989.  REES offers a wide range of employment counselling and consultation services, connection Winnipeg jobseekers with employers.

This is a .8 FTE position (30 hours per week).  The Employment Counsellor (EC) will provide guidance, counselling support and labour market information to REES participants. This position combines English and American Sign Language (ASL) to promote overall communication strategies to both Deaf or Hard of Hearing and non-signing participants.  Additionally, the EC is responsible for providing participant-directed job search support, initiate employer contacts to secure employment for participants and outreach to new potential clients to add to the REES portfolio. REES uses a participant-centred, problem-solving approach in order to help individuals improve their employability and self-sustainability in the labour market. It also fosters the development of career/occupational decision-making, skills enhancement, job search skills and employment maintenance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related field, such as social services or education is an asset.
• Completion of post secondary education and several years’ experience related to counselling, or in an employment counselling-related profession, may replace formal
• American Sign Language (ASL)/English
• An established network of potential employers/participants on which to
• Excellent customer service, communication (oral and written), organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail/accuracy and the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines are critical.
• Effective problem-solving skills with an understanding of barriers to
• Experience in interpreting between American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
• A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
• Comfortable working with, and sensitive to, people with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as people of all backgrounds. REES maintains a respectful
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook Email, data entry,

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• This Employment Counsellor will work with participants from both Employment Assistance Services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Therefore, English and American Sign Language (ASL) are required.
• Explore employment options and support participants’ job search with concrete planning and
• Provide information on labour market trends. Most especially if the participant’s employment goals are unrealistic based on current job availability and/or skills that they are potentially bringing to the
• Create a Work/Career Action Plan for each participant utilizing the participant resources provided.
• Assist participants with the preparation of resumes/cover letters.
• Ensure that the participants are fully prepared for job interviews, including setting up mock interviews.
• Provide participants with supportive problem-solving regarding barriers to
• Provide the participant with appropriate leads (prospect lists and possible employment leads), information regarding career/job fairs and other networking opportunities that may aid in employment.
• Provide the necessary coaching/support for job search, cold calls, dressing for success, interview skills, etc. to ensure that the participants are fully prepared for job interviews (including setting up mock interviews).
• Liaise and maintain relationships with collaborating employers, community partners, agencies, government departments and educational institutions as required in an employment and/or participant related
• Maintain clear and concise participant records.

The Employment Counsellor will aid in the creation, modification, and facilitation of a variety of employability workshops and other presentations as required.

• Provide the necessary support for both employers and participants in the development of, or access to, training programs and employment maintenance to ensure the success of participant placements.
• Attend AGMs, committee meetings, career/job fairs and other meetings and conferences as approved by the Executive
• As part of the EC’s outreach and marketing – educate as to the programs/support that REES provides to both the employer and the participant. This would include in person cold calls and/or phone calls (virtual options are also available) to initiate and build relationships with new potential participants, employers, government and other non-profit agencies.

We encourage candidates with disabilities and lived experience to apply as well as candidates with diverse backgrounds.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.