Job Description

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

INTERIM HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ( IHAP)

LUSO Community Services is a neighbourhood resource centre dedicated to fostering inclusiveness and well being through the delivery of compassionate, responsive programs and services for individuals experiencing adversity

We provide programs and services in the London community for children, youth, families, and seniors of culturally diverse and ethnic backgrounds.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Employment Support Specialist will play a vital role in helping asylum seekers and refugees, helping them overcome barriers to employment and successfully integrate into the workforce. This role focuses on building job readiness, connecting clients to employment supports, and promotion sustainable employment outcomes while fostering dignity, independence and community inclusion.

The Employment Support Specialist will work closely with other LUSO team members providing support to asylum seekers and refugees to ensure a coordinated, collaborative and holistic approach to service delivery.

REPORTING:

The Employment Support Specialist will be an employee of LUSO Community Services. Day-to-day supervision/consultation will be provided by LUSO's Director of Settlement Services.

POSITION DETAILS

:

This is a full time position, 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday 9:00-5:00pm. Some evenings will be required. Services are provided in-person, this is not a virtual or hybrid position. Successful candidate must be able to start December 1st, 2025

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Intake & Assessment:

Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' skills, interests, career aspirations, work history, education, and employment barriers

Case Management:

Develop and implement individualized employment plans tailored to each client's goals and needs.

Employment Support:

Provide clients with assistance with job searching, resume building, interview preparation, application support, networking strategies,

Education:

Provide information on workplace rights, local labour laws, cultural expectations in the workplace. As well as sessions on effective job search strategies, Apprenticeship programs etc. This may be done one-to-one or in group sessions

Referrals & Resources:

Refer clients to relevant professional development courses, resources or employment specific organizations that can enhance their employability.

Community Outreach:

Participate in Job Fairs, Community outreach events, employment engagement events etc.

Collaboration:

Work closely with employment agencies, case managers, social workers, and other service providers as needed.

Follow-up & Monitoring:

Conduct follow-up to monitor clients' progress, and support adjustments needed in their employment plan. This may include accompanying clients to scheduled appointments as necessary, and provide emotional support, reassurance and encouragement throughout the employment process.

Documentation & Reporting:

Maintain detailed, accurate case notes and reports on client progress and outcomes in accordance with agency and funding requirements. Prepare monthly and quarterly reports

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

Provide services in a welcoming and respectful manner that fosters inclusion, dignity and trust Provide client centered services using trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches Operate in accordance with policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols of LUSO Community Services. Constructive participation as a member of the LUSO staff team by furthering collective team goals and representing the principles and values of LUSO Community Services in all interaction with others Work independently and effectively in a team and with other professionals in the community. Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Settlement Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Post secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in employment, social services, or case management.

Experience:

At least 1-3 years of experience in employment services, or as a career coach, career counsellor, job developer etc.

Knowledge of Employment Sector:

Knowledge of various career assessment tools and techniques as well as familiarity with local labour market. employment trends, ESA, training programs, as well as employment resources and community services.

Experience with Specific Populations:

Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable newcomer populations. Knowledge of immigration processes, refugee protection systems, and employment authorization procedures.

Communication Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write detailed reports and case notes.

Organizational Skills:

Ability to manage a caseload of clients, work under pressure and meet deadlines effectively.

Compassionate & Non-judgmental:

Ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds. Strong understanding of cross-cultural communication, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive practices. Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team Motivated, self-starter and ability to work in a fast-paced environment Capacity to build relationships with community members, and other professionals Flexibility and ability to work some evenings and/or weekends if required to meet position outcomes Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft Office Suite Ability to communicate in a second language an asset in particular: Spanish, Valid Driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle required Must obtain a Vulnerable Person's Police Screening- before commencing employment

Wages: $27.00-$27.70 per hour

Additionally, LUSO offers:

Health & Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, LTD & Employee Assistance Program Paid winter shut-down between Christmas and New Years Paid sick / personal days

TO APPLY SEND RESUME AND DETAILED COVER LETTER

AS ONE PDF DOCUMENT

This is an Internal and External posting.

If you are interested in applying, submit your RESUME & COVER LETTER

TO: luso@lusocentre.org or through Indeed.ca

Subject Line: IHAP- EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE IS HIRED

All applications are screened on the basis of the qualifications outlined in the job descriptions. This includes a review of the applicants' education, experience and skills.

Only applications meeting the criteria and selected for an interview will be contacted.

No Telephone Calls Please

LUSO Community Services is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 16 months

Pay: $27.00-$27.70 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person