FOCUS Community Development Corporation

Job Developer - IESD

  Location: Angus Office, New Tecumseth, Essa, Wasaga Beach and surrounding areas Alliston, Angus, and Wasaga Beach office  

Position Profile:

The Job Developer will promote the full suite of FOCUS employer services and focus on outreach to the local business community to increase job opportunities for FOCUS’s clients. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Job Developer will support those job seekers furthest from the labour market and who have challenges connecting to sustainable employment. The position will place candidates in job opportunities appropriate to their goals and will develop accommodation strategies in consultation with the employer to support job retention. As a member of the FOCUS Employer Services Team, the Job Developer builds trust relationships with members of the business community by meeting their recruitment needs, thereby increasing job opportunities for program participants. This position will cultivate new employer contacts while maintaining positive relationships with existing employer partners.

Key Performance Indicators:

All Voicemail returned within one business day (24 hours)

All emails acknowledged within 2 business days (48 hours)

Customers will have a scheduled appointment within 1 week of contact

Active outreach to the business community to create positive relationships with employers to facilitate job placements and support job retention for job seekers in the Integrated Employment Service. Operational Performance Ensure that timely follow-up contact is completed for every client and that information and required documents are uploaded within 24 hours of contact.

Client case notes and required client/employer documentation are up to date on multiple platforms, including ES Cases and internal tracking sheets.

Effectively negotiate placement opportunities with employers and provide client support funding to fully utilize budgets based on the client and employer's eligibility for funding. Program Outcomes To meet all program targets (intake numbers, outcomes, customer satisfaction, etc.) per our funding agreements. These targets will be clearly defined at the beginning of each fiscal year in consultation with the Executive Director.

Key Functions:

1. Direct Client Assistance

a)    Utilize Solution-focused techniques and trauma-informed practices in all service provisions.

b)    Meet with clients, in-person or virtually (where required), to conduct initial job development intake appointments in collaboration with the Employment Consultant and Social Assistance Case Worker.

c)     Maintain ongoing contact with all clients in-person or by phone, email or text, share regular job leads, provide positive reinforcement and support, and stay updated on their employment status.

d)    Coach clients in employer expectations, job site and position requirements and appropriate workplace behaviour relative to job retention

e)    Participate in coordinated case management with the Employment Consultant and the Social Assistance Case Worker to ensure that appropriate supports and workplace accommodations are in place for clients and develop job retention strategies for the client and employer.

f)      In coordination with the Program Manager, move clients into the Outcomes phase once they have achieved goals in EAP for job retention monitoring based on approved IESD program outcomes and conduct a Customer Service Survey with the client.

2. Employer Engagement and Support

a)    Act as a point of contact for employers, providing information about all FOCUS Employer Services.

b)    Conduct outreach to employers to develop appropriate placement and/or job opportunities for clients.

c)     Provide information, training, and support to employers in using the FOCUS job board to post jobs and meet identified training needs.

d)    Provides resources to employers regarding labour market information, health, and safety, the Employment Standards Act, etc.

e)    Conduct evaluation of worksites to ensure the safety of clients.

f)      Collaborate with employers to develop training plans for client placements.

g)    Provide access to financial support available to the employer as appropriate by utilizing forms and processes for IESD to verify eligibility and the level of funding provided

h)    Conduct regular monitoring and worksite visits.

i)      Demonstrate the business value in hiring persons with disabilities and help to dispel commonly held myths or misunderstandings.

j)      Collect, screen and forward applicants on posts placed on behalf of employers.

k)     Gather and report on posting statistics monthly.

l)      Review client lists to identify whether new jobs posted by FOCUS are a match for current clients and work with the assigned Employment Consultant to make the match.  

Job Retention  

Support clients in maintaining employment by continuing service and support for up to 12 months after they have been employed.  To meet this objective, you will:

a)    Continue to support the client with full access to FOCUS’s services, financial support, and referral to other programs.

b)    Provide job coaching and support or link clients with mentors and coaches in the workplace to ensure retention.

c)     Collect verification of employment from the client in the form of Employer Letter, Pay Stub, Client Attestation and forward to Data Management to upload onto ES Cases to facilitate Performance Based Funding allocations at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.  Conduct Customer Service Surveys with clients as required, and document all client and employer contacts in ES Cases.

  Administrative/Organizational  

Maintain appropriate workloads and use effective time management techniques to ensure clients and tasks are handled in a timely manner.  To meet this objective, you will:

a)    Ensure that employer contacts are regularly updated in ES Cases and enter data on the Employer Matrix for funding on ES Cases, maintain internal tracking for Performance-Based Funding and Budgets for IESD.

b)    Accurately document job development activities in the client notes in ESCases and ensure that each entry is completed in a timely fashion.

c)     Maintain proficient use of the software and systems, including MS Office programs.

d)    Develop and maintain expertise in using electronic signature software, virtual meeting platforms, and LinkedIn – other virtual tools as required.

e)    Follow all internal practices to protect client privacy and all client documentation; remain knowledgeable about relevant privacy information.

f)      Ensure that all IES services are provided according to the program guidelines and to review those guidelines on an annual basis.

g)    Attend and participate fully in case conferencing, staff meetings, staff training, organizational planning, working groups and committees.

h)    Follow the policies and procedures outlined in the various program guidelines and ensure that all services are provided with the standards of service maintained by FOCUS and described in our Customer Service Charter, and that all services are consistent with FOCUS’ mission and values.  

Other duties as required, including going beyond the job description whenever necessary.

Required Competencies
a) Thorough knowledge of funding parameters, eligibility criteria for all FOCUS programs, reporting guidelines and file maintenance protocols.
b) Demonstrates understanding of vulnerable populations, labour market trends, local employer base, social services and education institutions.
c) Ability to counsel clients in a trauma-informed, supportive, solution-focused manner.
d) Ability to develop trusting relationships with members of the business community while supporting job seekers in a supportive, solution‐focused manner.
e) Understand the challenges facing the unemployed and those challenges specific to job seekers furthest from the labour market.
f) Ability to advocate to employers on behalf of individuals requiring assistance with job search and maintenance: strong negotiation skills.
g) Ability to deal with sensitive issues with discretion and to respond positively to challenges; ability to promote confidentiality as a norm.
h) Demonstrated good judgement and a clear understanding of appropriate service boundaries.
i) Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively within a cross-cultural team environment.
j) Ability to work with limited supervision and considerable self-direction.
k) Comfort working autonomously in off-site locations and promoting FOCUS’s programs and services in those communities.
l) Strong presentation/facilitation skills; high comfort level in public arenas.
m) Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing and appropriate professional development.
n) Remains current with technology related to the position and possesses strong computer skills.
o) Ability to solve problems by utilizing critical thinking skills and demonstrating adaptability to work effectively in a rapidly changing workplace.
p) Commitment to established agency performance standards, which includes productivity, personal responsibility, customer-centred service, collaborative team performance, entrepreneurial attitude and maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Essential Qualifications:
a) Post Secondary certificate, degree, or diploma in a relevant field (e.g. career or employment development, vocational rehabilitation, social work, counselling, or human resources.)
b) Strong customer service, negotiation and sales skills.
c) Knowledge of the local labour market.
d) Demonstrated experience in conducting and interpreting client needs assessments, coaching and mentoring clients, and working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
e) Experience building partnerships with employers, community agencies, and other stakeholders.
f) Successful track record of helping clients to overcome barriers to employment.
g) Excellent job search techniques, including resume preparation, interview skills, skills identification, and goal setting.
h) Solid understanding of privacy and confidentiality and other professional codes of conduct; must submit for a vulnerable sector check
i) Computer literacy and excellent documentation, case-noting and report-writing skills.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications:
• Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) Designation
• Proficiency in French and/or other languages in addition to English