Employment Supports
The Employment Resource Centre is available for Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) clients only.
The Employment Resource Centre offers many supports to clients who are searching for a job or need help finding a job. Clients can use, free of charge, computers, printers, fax machines, photocopiers and telephones.
Location, contact information and hours
The Employment Resource Centre is located at 200 John Street West in Oshawa, in the upstairs of the Midtown Mall. The Employment Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact Information
Telephone: 905-666-6239
Toll-free: 1-888-721-0622
Bell Relay Line: 905-660-6223
Interpreter Language Line: 1-800-523-1786
Fax: 905-432-7602
Here are some of the supports and services we provide:
| Ontario Works workshops and calendars |
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A variety of online live workshops are available through the Employment Resource Centre for Ontario Works clients. The online live workshops are free of charge, and are available by referral from your Ontario Works Caseworker or Employment Counsellor.
Please view our workshop calendars below for a description of the available workshops and their scheduled times.
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| Employment Placement Program |
| If you need help finding a job, you can meet with an Employment Counsellor.
We can help you with:
- Access to training.
- Goal setting (long-term and short-term goals).
- Interview skills.
- Job search supports.
- Referrals to internal programs and external agencies.
- Resumé building and feedback.
- Volunteer placements.
We can help you by:
- Giving you direct access and referrals to employers.
- Providing you with job leads.
- Supporting you and your employer during your first six months after hire.
Financial support may be available for transportation, clothes, cellphones, child care expenses and other needs. Contact your Employment Counsellor to learn more about the benefits available to you.
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| Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) |
| Young and expectant parents ages 16 to 25 are eligible to participate in the LEAP program. This program is available if you do not have your Grade 12 diploma and receive financial assistance through Ontario Works. LEAP assists participants in obtaining high school diplomas and General Education Diploma (GED); provides parenting support and resources; and helps with finding and preparing for employment. |
| Self-Employment Program |
| The Self-Employment Program (SEP) is an employment program for Ontario Works clients who want to be self-employed, but still need financial assistance. SEP is available to help clients with business ideas. SEP is a two-week workshop that provides coaching and support. It offers 60 weeks of access to SEP supports.
The support includes a combination of:
- In-class learning.
- Ongoing coaching.
- Various benefits to assist with becoming financially self-sufficient.
Please note: SEP does not provide business start-up costs or business loans. Clients must meet the program goal deadlines and benchmarks to stay eligible for Self-Employment Program benefits. Clients must have a plan to leave Ontario Works through self-employment through this program.
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| REACH Youth Program |
| Our REACH Youth Program is for young adults aged 18 to 24. This program offers employment counselling and works with young adults to plan for their education, volunteering, and obtaining employment. |
| Volunteer Placement Program |
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Ontario Works clients may find gaps in their employment. They may reach barriers that make it hard to find a job. Volunteer placements are great for clients who need more skills and experience.
The Volunteer Placement Program puts people in volunteer positions. These are often non-profit community agencies. Consultants help find volunteer opportunities. Ontario Works participants can gain skills and experience. Consultants also work with community agencies to meet their volunteer needs.
Services for participants include:
- Goal setting to determine volunteer and employment goals.
- Resumé development that is marketed to the volunteer field.
- Assistance with finding a volunteer placement in the community, or a placement with a partner agency.
- Volunteer placements of up to 70 hours per month, up to six months in length.
- Opportunities to participate in short-term special events.
- Provide ongoing support while in your volunteer placement.
- Support with the expenses associated with volunteering.
- Obtain references, network with employers, and build your resumé.
Services for non-profit community agencies include:
- Screening and placement for available volunteer positions.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or private insurance coverage for your volunteers during placement.
- Assistance finding volunteers for short-term placements and special events (e.g. call centres or fundraisers).
- Volunteers can be replaced or rotated as required.
- Experience matching volunteers with your volunteer needs.
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Education and skills training centres
The following centres provide education and skills training, including beginner levels and skills upgrading:
Job search websites
The following sites may help you with finding a job in Durham:
