Department: Employment Centre
Affiliation: Unionized Position
Location:  1385 Huntingwood Drive, Scarborough, ON M1S 3J1
Position Type: Permanent position, Contract
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day 
Extended Hours: Dependent on needs of the program
Compensation/Salary: $27. 66- $33.46/ hr
Start Date: ASAP up to March 26, 2027

Who we are:

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

Who we are looking for:

In partnership with the Opportunities Fund, Tropicana Community Services is launching a Persons with Disabilities Project which is aimed at supporting and preparing persons with disabilities for job readiness and identifying sustainable opportunities.

Tropicana Community Services is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Job Coach/Trainer to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment. The successful candidate will work closely with clients to help them build the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in the workforce. This is a rewarding role that directly impacts the lives of people with disabilities by empowering them to find and maintain meaningful employment opportunities.


What you will do:

Job Coaching, Case Management, and Facilitation

  • Conduct assessments and help clients identify their skills, interests, values
  • In person Facilitation of workshops and creative activities (for use in remote, on-site, in-school, and/or in the general community settings) according to program needs and demands
  • Develop and maintain rapport with clients (i.e. program participants, parents/guardians) to track participants’ progress in the program
  • Supports program participants with self-disclosed disabilities in identifying immediate job goals and helps them understand the conditions and specifications of those occupations.
  • Completes personalized needs assessments with program participants, including evaluating and interpreting collected information to support them in targeting the most suitable employment opportunities based on their experience, education, and disabilities, and existing labour market factors.
  • Researches and provides participants with additional information relevant to their job goals, including career paths, training certifications, and apprenticeships.
  • Provides job coaching to program participants on appropriate work habits, behaviours, and attitudes during their participation in the program and in the workplace, taking into consideration their self-disclosed disabilities and any required accommodations that are necessary to help them achieve successful outcomes.
  • Provides individualized employability skills coaching and training sessions to participants, focusing on overcoming barriers to employment and job maintenance.
  • Supports clients with creating effective resumes and cover letters and provides them with coaching to prepare them for successful interviews.
  • Provides effective one-on-one and group-based support to program participants to develop personal management skills, including self-awareness, flexibility, adaptability, budgeting, and other topics.
  • Maintains regular and consistent follow-up with participants during all phases of the program, providing repeat coaching to ensure positive outcomes.

Job Development, Retention, and Program Outreach

  • Generate new relationships with employers in a variety of industries to ensure successful job development for program participants.
  • Supports employers in identifying their employment and training needs and conducts site visits to ensure employers can provide accessible and accommodating safe workplace environments for program participants.
  • Matches program participants with suitable employment opportunities based on their vocational interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
  • Visits and monitors participants on-the-job during their placements to observe progress and provide additional real-time support when needed.
  • Facilitates communication between program participants and placement employers to mediate issues as needed.
  • Finds suitable alternative employment opportunities for program participants who do not retain their initial job placement.
  • Participates in conducting outreach to recruit eligible participants into the program from equity deserving groups, including 2SLGBTQI+, racialized minorities and others, through community events, job fairs, social media channels, and other strategies.
  • Delivers information sessions for community partners and other interestholders to promote the program and generate qualified referrals.
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

What You Need For This Role

  • A post-secondary degree or diploma in human services such as counselling or social work or a related field relevant to the position’s duties is highly preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in job coaching, career counselling and/or job development, or other experience that is directly transferrable to the duties of the position is required.
  • Prior experience in serving persons with disabilities within the employment services industry, utilizing the Disability Severity Assessment tool, and/or experience with government-funded employment programs considered a desirable asset.
  • Candidates who possess the above qualifications as well as existing relationships with employers that can be relied upon to provide employment opportunities for program participants will be prioritized.
  • Proven track record achieving results and experience with meeting assigned targets.
  • Professional, warm, and courteous approach to client service, with a high level of respect for the diversity of the people served.
  • Excellent rapport and relationship-building skills to develop and maintain effective connections with program participants, employers, community partners, and other stakeholders, interest holders to achieve goals.
  • High ethics and confidentiality standards, with the ability to uphold the organization’s core values.
  • Proven experience in maintaining sensitive information and exhibiting tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Bilingualism is considered an asset.
  • Ability to multi-task to meet deadlines and goals.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Outlook 365 applications, including MS Teams and SharePoint. Must possess aptitude and willingness to learn and work with new online systems and technologies. 
  • Willingness and flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours when required to ensure the team meets all objectives. 
  • Dedicated work ethic with a positive and client-centered approach to work.  
  • Knowledge of social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
  • Ability to work in an inclusive multicultural/multiracial welcoming environment

What We Offer 

  • Competitive base salary, step Increase for the first 2 years of employment  
  • Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits 
  • Options for company-matched RRSP programs 
  • Career growth and development opportunities 
  • A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community 
  • Employee Assistance Program 

How to Apply

Candidates are asked to submit a completed résumé, and cover letter, to https://tropicana.bamboohr.com/careers/120, no later than 5:00 pm, November 30, 2024.
Internal candidates are asked to submit a completed résumé, cover letter to HR, no later than 5:00 pm, November 30, 2024

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 

It is a condition of employment that new employees provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start date of employment. This means that all new employees must have received all doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada prior to their start date. Applicants who have appropriate written proof of a medical reason, or a reason pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code, for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may provide such documentation to the Human Resources department. Such situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tropicana Community Services is committed to creating an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Please inform the Human Resources department, at the time of your application, of any requirement for accommodation in order for us to assess all employees in a fair and equitable manner.