Retention Specialist ODSP - Mississauga, Ontario

At Achev, we believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to build a better life and a successful future. For more than 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping diverse Canadians and newcomers achieve their full potential. Today, we are one of the largest providers ...

Job description

At Achev, we believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to build a better life and a successful future. For more than 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping diverse Canadians and newcomers achieve their full potential. Today, we are one of the largest providers of employment, newcomer, language, and youth services in the Greater Toronto Area. Our dedicated team of nearly 400 staff delivers a wide range of innovative, high-quality, and personalized programs and services that empower our clients to prosper and our communities to thrive.We thrive in a OneAchev culture where collaboration and an integrated service delivery will positively impact Achev's resiliency, agility, success, and growth.

Join us in helping diverse Canadians and newcomers achieve their full potential

Achev's latest Impact Report:

Summary

As part of the Retention team, the Retention Specialist provides holistic, wraparound services to support the employability of individuals, including ODSP and OW recipients. This role is well-suited for someone with strong knowledge of ODSP Employment Supports, OW processes, disability-related accommodations, and community resources. The Retention Specialist assists individuals in achieving their employment goals through targeted employment support and comprehensive case management. Using a strengths-based approach, the role focuses on building trust, enhancing confidence, and gradually guiding clients toward successful employment outcomes and long-term job retention.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with an integrated service delivery and case management model including case conferencing, service referrals to support program participants towards sustainable employment and job retention
• Provide one-to-one follow up for job or career coaching, to address issues similar to re-employment or provide referral to further training and education and/or life skills and internal case conferencing or with OW, ODSP partner organizations for integrated services.
• Collaborate with clients to develop and implement detailed Employment Action Plans (EAPs) aligned with their employment goals and provide on the job support as needed
• Partner with Employer Liaisons to match participants with suitable job opportunities and support their successful transition into the workforce
• Provide counselling and coaching in life skills that support successful employment based on the needs of each participant and/or referrals to external organizations for specialized services include disability, health mental health & addiction, etc.
• Conduct regular follow-ups and maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes in line with program standards and documentation requirements
• Monitor progress checkpoints, submit claims, and provide ongoing retention support to promote sustained employment
• Collaborate with social service agencies, training providers, and employers to coordinate comprehensive support for clients
• Stay informed on labour market trends, community resources, and relevant policies, including Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), immigration pathways, and youth employment initiatives
• Work in an itinerant capacity, with responsibilities requiring travel to multiple Achev Peel locations (Malton, Brampton East, and Brampton South). Support other sites across the Greater Toronto Area (Richmond Hill, Toronto & Don Mills), as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program goals and organizational priorities

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Human Services, Career Development, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 1 year experience in retention, workforce development, ODSP /Employment Ontario/Employment Services model is preferred.
• Strong documentation and case management skills, with the ability to manage sensitive information in accordance with confidentiality and privacy regulations
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism; a trauma-informed approach is considered an asset
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with employers, community partners, and clients
• Experience using coaching techniques to support client engagement, goal-setting, and barrier reduction through individualized strategies
• Familiarity with Ontario Works (OW), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), immigration pathways, and local employment and training programs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and client management systems (CaMS)
• Training in mental health first aid, crisis intervention, or de-escalation techniques is an asset

The salary for this role is $ per year.

The ideal candidate for this position will work with a high performing team in a in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. Having a proactive attitude, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role. Multilingualism or lived cultural experience is considered a strong asset. The candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including newcomers, youth, and social assistance recipients, and proactively develop solutions to potential barriers.

We're looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We especially welcome applications from members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. So, if you're excited about this role or another one, please apply on our website