This is a full-time union position scheduled to work 35 hours per week. This is a fully on-site position with no remote or hybrid options, due to funder and role requirements.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Regional Site Manager, Site Manager, or Assistant Site Manager, the Career Advisor delivers comprehensive, client-centred employment services that support individuals in preparing for and securing meaningful employment.
The role includes conducting in-depth employability assessments, developing individualized Employment Action Plans, and providing coaching and job search support to enhance client readiness. Operating within a structured, performance-based environment, the Career Advisor is accountable for achieving service delivery targets aligned with funder requirements.
This position also functions as a key service integrator, applying a whole-person approach to identify client needs and facilitate timely referrals to other COSTI programs and community resources to support overall employment success.
The Career Advisor consistently demonstrates a professional, approachable, and engaging manner, fostering a welcoming environment for all individuals accessing services, including jobseekers, employers, and community partners, and maintaining a strong commitment to service excellence.
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITY
To deliver high-quality employment counselling and job readiness services that support clients in achieving employment outcomes, while meeting program performance targets and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
Job Title
Career Advisor
Function
Employment Counselling, Intake, Assessment, Job Readiness
Reports To
Regional Site Manager, Site Manager, or Assistant Site Manager.
Purpose
To support individuals in achieving meaningful and sustainable employment through comprehensive, client-centered employment counselling, job readiness development, and coordinated access to services and resources.
Key Contribution
The Career Advisor enables clients to progress from initial assessment to job readiness through structured counselling, individualized planning, and targeted skill development. By integrating services, coordinating referrals, and delivering measurable outcomes, the role directly contributes to client employment success and achievement of program performance targets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Intake, Assessment, and Employment Planning
- Conduct comprehensive client intakes using the Common Assessment Tool and Employment Service suitability indicators, potential employer requirements and labour market opportunities.
- Determine jobseeker eligibility for employment programs and services.
- Perform structured employability assessments to identify client skills, barriers, and employment goals.
- Develop individualized Employment Action Plans aligned with labour market opportunities and client readiness.
- Monitor client progress and adjust employment plans as required.
Employment Counselling and Job Readiness
- Provide one-on-one employment counselling to support job search strategies, career exploration, and employment readiness.
- Assist clients with job readiness support, including resume development, interview preparation, job search techniques, and job skills training
- Support clients in identifying and addressing barriers to employment through coaching and targeted interventions.
- Provide labour market information and guidance aligned with current industry trends.
Group Coaching Facilitation and Group Services
- Plan and deliver individualized and group coaching sessions on a daily/weekly basis on job readiness topics, including job search strategies, interview preparation, job skills training, job search, using online job boards and job searches.
- Facilitate both single-session and multi-week job readiness coaching sessions focusing on in-person and virtual formats, using online tools to enhance engagement, accessibility, and learning outcomes.
- Manage all group coaching logistics, including preparation of training spaces, setup of materials and equipment, and room reset following sessions.
- Track and analyze group coaching session enrollment, attendance, and client feedback to evaluate effectiveness, measure satisfaction, and support continuous improvement.
Service Navigation and Referrals
- Refer clients to training programs, education pathways, and community supports based on assessed needs.
- Assist clients in accessing appropriate financial support training opportunities and complete required financial support documentation
- Refer clients to other supports provided by COSTI, and to the community as required
- Support clients in accessing appropriate financial supports and training opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal staff (e.g., Job Developers) to ensure client readiness for job matching and placement
- Once the client has received readiness training and has been matched to a job, the Career Advisor refers the client to Retention Specialist for further support, coaching and on-the-job soft skills training, and logs the referral in the client information system
Case Management, Documentation, and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case notes and service records in accordance with funder requirements.
- Document all client interactions, progress, Service Plans/ Employment Action Plans and outcomes in required systems (e.g., CaseFLO FFAI, CaMS, CIS).
- Ensure compliance with program guidelines, audit requirements, and privacy standards.
Caseload Management and Service Integration
- Provide backup support across the intake-to-retention continuum, as required by caseload demands, to ensure service continuity and program outcomes, within the scope of the role. This includes temporarily shifting to fulfill Service Centre Specialist and Job Developer or Retention specialist roles as required to address backlogs.
Team Collaboration and Service Integration
- Work collaboratively with internal roles to support coordinated service delivery.
- Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and service planning activities.
- Provide professional input to improve service effectiveness and client outcomes.
Decision-Making Authority
- Makes decisions related to client eligibility, service planning, and referrals within established guidelines.
- Exercises professional judgment in assessing client readiness and recommending appropriate support.
- Escalates complex client or program issues to management as required.
PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY
- Achieve individual service delivery targets, including client intake volumes, Employment Action Plan completion, group coaching session delivery, and client progression toward employment outcomes.
- Participate in the Performance Monitoring and Accountability Framework (PMAF) including producing end-of-day and weekly reports, and participating in monthly and quarterly performance meetings, and the annual shared‑learning retreat.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely data entry for all jobseeker activities, including intake, assessments, Employment Action Plans, service interventions, group coaching session participation, referrals, employment outcomes, and follow-up activities in required systems (e.g., CaseFLO, FFAI, CaMS, CIS, CAT).
- Track, monitor, and report on key performance indicators, including service volumes, client progress, and employment outcomes, and adjust service delivery approaches as needed to meet program targets.
- Prepare and contribute to statistical and narrative reporting, including activity summaries, service outcomes, and performance reviews, in accordance with program and organizational requirements.
- Participate actively in performance accountability processes, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance meetings and review touchpoints.
- Demonstrate accountability for individual and team performance outcomes, ensuring alignment with funder expectations and organizational standards.
- Engage in ongoing learning and professional development, including participation in training sessions, knowledge-sharing activities, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the year.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Social Services, Career Development, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in employment counselling or career advising.
- Experience working with diverse client populations, including individuals facing barriers to employment.
- Strong knowledge of job search strategies, employment programs, and labour market trends.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct assessments, develop employment plans, and facilitate group coaching and training sessions.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Fully on-site position with 100% in-office presence, five (5) days a week
- No hybrid or remote work options due to funder and position requirements
- Client-Centered Communication & Relationship Building: Builds trust through empathetic, professional, and effective communication with diverse clients and partners.
- Facilitation, Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Engages individuals and groups while working collaboratively to support integrated service delivery.
- Problem-Solving, Judgment & Adaptability: Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to address client needs in a dynamic environment.
- Accountability, Organization & Results Orientation: Manages priorities effectively while delivering accurate, high-quality work and achieving performance targets.
- Experience and knowledge of case management and client information systems, including systems such as CaseFLO, FFAI CaMS / EOIS CaMS, CIS, and related internal tracking systems
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office / Microsoft Office Suite, including commonly referenced tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email
- Knowledge of virtual collaboration and service-delivery tools, especially MS Teams, Moodle, and other online tools used for workshops, coaching, and service delivery
- Knowledge of internet-based and online tools, including online employment tools, online service platforms, and web-based resources
- Knowledge of databases, reporting tools, and data-entry systems used for documentation, tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring
- Ability and willingness to learn new technologies, systems, databases, and digital tools as required for service delivery and reporting
- Must be willing to provide itinerant services and work regularly across multiple locations throughout the GTA, based on program and partnership requirements
- Required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police check completed within the past 6 months
COMPETENCIES
- Client Assessment & Employment Planning
- Conducts comprehensive assessments and develops actionable employment plans aligned with client goals and labour market realities.
- Employment Counselling & Coaching
- Delivers client-centred guidance to build job readiness, address barriers, and support successful job search outcomes.
- Service Navigation & Integration
- Applies a whole-person approach to connect clients to appropriate internal and external services, ensuring coordinated support.
- Coaching Facilitation & Group Delivery
- Designs and delivers effective group coaching and learning sessions that enhance skills, engagement, and employment readiness.
- Performance & Results Orientation
- Operates effectively in a target-driven environment, achieving service delivery and employment outcome metrics.
- Documentation, Compliance & Data Integrity
- Maintains accurate records and ensures adherence to program, audit, and privacy requirements.
- Communication & Service Excellence
- Builds strong relationships through professional, responsive, and client-focused interactions.
- Team Collaboration & Coordination
- Works collaboratively to support integrated service delivery and positive client outcomes.
- Delivers respectful, empathetic, responsive, and high-quality service to participants, employers, and partners.Provides custom-tailored, flexible, one-on-one support tailored to each participant’s goals, strengths, and barriers.
- Client-Service Orientation Individualized, Person-Centred Support:
- Participant- and Employer-Centred Employment Success:
- Builds strong participant and employer relationships to support quality job matches and successful employment outcomes.
- Responsive, Equitable, and Solutions-Focused Service Delivery:Applies fairness, sound judgment, and practical problem-solving to deliver consistent, accountable, participant-centred service.
- Welcoming, Engaging, and Uplifting Service Experience:
Creates a friendly, inclusive, and motivating environment that builds trust and encourages participant engagement.Connects and integrates services to support the full range of participant needs and enable sustainable employment outcomes.START DATE: September 28, 2026 (Tentative)
- Whole-Person, Integrated Service Navigation:
SALARY RANGE: $63,000 to $70,000 per annum plus benefits
(Please note the salary for this role is currently under review)
POSTING DATE: September 1, 2026
CLOSING DATE: September 14, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role.
About COSTI
COSTI Immigrant Services is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting newcomers and diverse populations as they build successful futures in Canada. Through a wide range of employment, settlement, education, and support services, COSTI helps individuals and families achieve economic and social integration. To learn more, visit https://www.costi.org.
Why Work at COSTI
- Meaningful work supporting employment success and community integration.
- Collaborative, mission‑driven workplace.
- Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
A diverse, inclusive, and value-driven organization.
Pay: $63,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
