Employment Supports

Please view our workshop calendars for a description of the available workshops and their scheduled times:

• There will be no workshops until further notice.

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.

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. 

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.