POSITION SUMMARY:

• Assess clients and provide guidance/support in their job search.
• Provide information to employers and related consumer groups about deafness and hearing loss.
• Present workshops and seminars focused on accessibility issues related to employment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

• Develop job leads for culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing job seekers
• Accept referrals and assess client's personal and vocational needs in relation to employment
• Provide client consultation in relation to employment needs
• Provide job readiness preparation e.g. resume preparation, interviewing skills, accommodation requirements and interpersonal skills
• Assess and assist clients' independence in their job search
• Contact and liaise with other agencies, government offices and other services for client support
• Provide follow up upon attainment of employment
• Provide intervention in employment situations in relation to employee/employer crises, difficulties with accommodation concerns and human rights issues
• Accept employer inquiries and provide appropriate information and client referrals
• Provide appropriate supportive counselling
• Initiate referrals to other services as required by client needs
• Liaise, act as resource and confer with other consultants, agencies and services in relation to program information and confidential client information
• Provide appropriate back up support in the absence of other staff
• Attend case conferences in relation to client requirements
• Visit employer workplaces, provide information and assessments related to accessibility issues
• Increase clients’ literacy in areas such as filling out job application forms, reading job postings, understanding interview questions
• Provide necessary education, communication devices and communication to ensure an accessible workplace and co-ordinator instruction in sign language
• Provide information and education to clients about CHS services and relevant policies and procedures
• Provide special assistance for clients in need, when required
• Assist clients in development of social skills and life skills related to employment issues
• Provide on going research and maintain information on community resources, government programs etc.
• Work with client to promote independence and advocacy
• Other duties as assigned

Administration:

• Initiate, maintain and update accurate client referral reports, notes to file, files, and other information as required by CHS/government policies and procedures
• Initiate and follow up on correspondence and telephone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
• Maintain waiting list as required
• Update and maintain confidential client files
• Keep accurate records, statistics and provide reports as required by MTCU, CHS and other funding source guidelines
• Complete monthly tallies of client & employer contacts as required
• Initiate and respond to correspondence in relation to agency services and employment issues
• Maintain and update manual and computerized employer contact lists as required
• Initiate and prepare funding proposals/applications for new projects as required
• Update and maintain resource information and files
• Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

• Initiate, prepare and participate in  workshops for employers on deaf and hard of hearing issues
• Represent CHS on external committees
• Provide general information and act as a resource on employment issues in response to telephone calls and queries
• Advocate for accessibility, employment rights and accommodation in employer visits
• Initiate, prepare and participate in workshops for culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing client/community in relation to employment issues

Professional Development:

• Attend internal staff meetings
• Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
• Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
• Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (Advanced-Plus)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Regional Director, Ottawa

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Business, or Career Counselling or equivalent
• 3-5 years employment consulting experience
• Experience in job development, job trials and job placement
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Valid driver's licence and access to a vehicle
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required
• Regular local travel; occasional out of town travel e.g. ASL classes, professional development, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet
• Must be bilingual in ASL and English
• Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment