ABOUT US

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard's program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the center of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Job Class

Union

Department

Developmental Services & Employment Services

Location

1464 Midland Ave Scarborough ON M1P 3B9

Status

Full-time, Permanent

Pay Rate

$59,358.04 per annum

Vacancy Number

DS-U25-27

Number of vacancies

1 - Internal applications only

Available

Immediately

Hours/Shifts

Days: Monday to Friday

40 hours/week, shifts varying 9am-5pm, 11am-7pm, depending on program needs.

Schedules may change depending on operational requirements.

The Community Integration and Employment Specialist works in a community-based setting with business owners, managers, employers and community partners to strengthen the financial stability of adults with Developmental Disabilities. This role will provide supported individuals with training to obtain paid employment, as well provide on the job support both to the individual and the employer.

This role works jointly between Springboard's Developmental Service Homes & Community Programs, Employment Service's Scarborough location, as well as and various employers' sites within the GTA.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Outreach and Liaison:

• Build and maintain working relationship with community partners and/or external resources through networking, advocating and educating on the program / individual needs.
• Educate and support employers on best practices when working with individuals with a developmental disability and or dual diagnoses.
• Network, advocate and educate community partners on program / participant needs.
• Advocate for workplace accommodations and accessibility best practices for supported individuals.
• Represent the agency in a professional manner at all times.
• Respond to participant/employer needs in a timely and satisfactory manner.

Community Case Management Support and Advocacy:

• Develop and maintain a positive and professional rapport with participants and participant's circle of support.
• Create a training guide to support Employment Service's ability to support individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• Develop participant surveys that will be conducted at the beginning and end of the programming to assess the knowledge and skills acquired and survey participants to identify types of employment supports they would want.
• Respond to participants' needs in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• Communicate programming related matters consistently and appropriately as per Springboard policies/procedures/practices and refer to available appropriate resource person when information is not available or unsure of answer.
• Proper and consistent application of Safe Management Group or CPI crisis intervention tools, methodologies and techniques.
• Manage crisis situations that may involve volatile behavior, including offering support and when to consult leadership for additional supports.
• Input case notes, update job development activity, and track outcomes using internal case management systems or funder portals.
• Address or resolve concerns/problems on time and follow applicable policies, procedures and protocols consistently when managing challenging behavior - including appropriate documentation and follow-up.

Workshop Development and Group Facilitation:

• Plan, facilitate and evaluate the Ready, Set Work, 8 week curriculum and other related interactive workshops and group sessions for individuals with developmental disabilities to build client confidence and skills.
• Adapt workshop content to meet the diverse needs of the participants, ensuring accessibility and engagement, and relevance and effectiveness.
• Engage in ongoing training related to job coaching, developmental disabilities, labor market trends, and inclusive employment.

Pre-Employment and Job Readiness Support

• Conduct comprehensive assessment to identify Individual's skills, needs, barriers, and potential employment goals.
• Meet regularly with individuals, prioritizing in-person meetings, to review progress and address challenges.
• Provide tailored support to individuals by joining them for employment activities (interviews, etc.), as required.
• Provide individualized job support via job matching and job carving, and placement considering by negotiating financial incentive contracts (subsidized) and non-subsidized contracts.
• Provide guidance on workplace expectations, professional behavior, and skills development.
• Refer supported individual's to relevant community resources, certifications, or training programs to enhance job readiness.
• Work closely with Employer Engagement Specialists from Employment Services to align job opportunities with client profiles.
• Determine suitability of participant placements, ensuring that placement is in line with individual goals of the participant.
• Provide follow-up coaching and periodic check-ins post-placement.

Workplace Expectations, Professionalism, and Compliance

• Effectively addresses any concerns with the participant or communicate them where appropriate to supervisor.
• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly reports / stats as required and prepare reports on individual progress, job starts, and program outcomes.
• Use applicable computer systems proficiently in entering data, managing databases and generating required correspondence, materials and periodic reports.
• Maintain professionalism and always adhere to workplace policies, ensuring focus and productivity in all environments.
• Travel within the GTA to attend employer site visits, trainings, networking events, community outreach activities, etc. Flexibility with schedule required to meet changing needs of supported individuals and other commitments.
• This role is in person at a variety of Springboard sites, including DS Homes, Community Program and Employment Office

Skills and Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, career development, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of recent experience in the following areas: employment counselling and job search, case management, marketing individuals to employers; employer outreach/liaising and engagement; job matching and placement retention of multibarrier clientele, and advocating for and support individuals with multiple barriers to employment.
• Demonstrated experience working with individual's with developmental disabilities and/or dual diagnosed adults.
• Proven experience in job coaching and placement retention.
• Understanding of market perceptions, employer motivation, labor marker trends and inclusive employment practices
• Proficiency in computer applications, i.e., MS Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Valid First Aid and Safe Management Certifications – Preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of practical application of current labor laws and workplace health & safety legislation.
• Ability to: match and place individuals with multiple barriers to employment with placements or educational/vocational skills training; communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear and concise manner;
• Proven ability to provide group facilitation to groups up to 12 at a time
• Ability to set priorities, plan and organize work in a fast-paced environment in order to meet tight deadlines and deliver results according to program guidelines;
• Strong skills in meeting and dealing with staff, supported individual, employers and the public tactfully and courteously; and compile financial and statistical reports accurately.
• Knowledge and experience with job carving with employers to increase success of placements.
• Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse challenging behaviors.
• Demonstrated use of core competencies in:

Attention to Quality – pay attention to their quality of work on which they depend on and plan activities carefully and notice gaps and correct them without having to be told.

Service Delivery Judgment – understand the program processes; think through when to make process changes and come up with ideas that improve service delivery.

Nice to have

• Ability to speak French
• Car and valid Driver's License are assets

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard.

Completion of satisfactory, professional references, and proof of education are requirements of employment.

The Deadline for Applications is July 27, 2025. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.