Program Lead, Transitional
Employment Services (IDD)
About The Career Foundation:
The Career Foundation is a dynamic non-profit organization and registered charity that offers a wide range of employment, training, and workforce development services to job seekers and employers. Since its inception in 1988, The Career Foundation has steadily expanded its services. Operating out of seven locations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, as well as offices in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, we now help thousands of people each year successfully achieve their employment goals. Our team of dedicated professionals has described The Career Foundation as caring, compassionate, innovative, and team-oriented. For more information about us and our services, please visit our website at CareerFoundation.com.
Some of the benefits and features available to our employees include:
Competitive compensation
A comprehensive health benefits plan that includes massage therapy, naturopath services, travel coverage, and much more
A comprehensive dental insurance plan
An RRSP Matching benefit
An Employee & Family Assistance program
Employee wellness initiatives
Paid days off for religious observance purposes
Paid days off for personal wellness purposes
Program and Role Description: The Career Foundation’s Project Work: Pathways to Work program is a one-year pilot initiative designed to support young adults (ages 18–30) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their transition from high school to adulthood. The program integrates pre-employment training, peer mentorship, supported paid work trials, employer engagement, and family supports.
As the Program Lead, Transitional Employment Services (IDD), you will lead and deliver all aspects of the one year pilot program, supporting participants across three micro cohorts. You will design and facilitate accessible pre employment training, coordinate six week paid work trials with inclusive employers, provide on site job coaching to participants during their work trials, and deliver graduated wraparound supports that build employment readiness, confidence, and independence.
You will also support family and caregiver information sessions, maintain detailed program data to support funder reporting and program evaluation, and ensure the successful achievement of all key performance indicators (KPIs) and program targets for the pilot.
Position Type:
Full-time (37.5 hours per week) one-year contract.
Salary:
The annual salary for this one-year contract position is $65,000.00.
Base Location, On-site Work, and Travel Requirements:
The designated base location for this position is The Career Foundation’s North York office, located near Lawrence Avenue West and Allen Road. The Program Lead, Transitional Employment Services (IDD), will be based on-site at this location during the in-person workshop period of the program. The successful candidate will also be required to travel to various locations throughout the GTHA to provide on-site job coaching during participants’ work trials and to carry out other related responsibilities, including employer outreach and relationship development. The successful candidate should possess a valid Ontario G driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle for the required travel component of the position.
When not engaged in the designated on-site work requirements and travel outlined above, the role will permit a hybrid remote work schedule, subject to approval by the Disabilities and Inclusion Manager and contingent on scope of work. The hybrid schedule requires a private work-from-home space with secure and reliable high-speed internet. A company laptop, cell phone, and other required equipment will be provided.
Vacancy Status:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Start:
As soon as possible.
Reporting to:
Disabilities and Inclusion Manager
Vulnerable Sector Check:
An offer of employment for this opportunity will be contingent on the incumbent providing an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
Use of Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not currently used to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process.
Responsibilities include:
Accessible Pre-Employment Training, Workshop Facilitation, and Needs Assessments
Plans and facilitates inclusive workshops tailored to diverse learning styles (visual, experiential, AAC-supported, plain language). Core learning topics include: Communication and Teamwork; Time Management and Workplace Routines; Travel and Community Navigation; Workplace Rights, Disclosure, and Accommodations; Goal Setting and Self-Advocacy; Career Exploration (skills and interests inventories); Self-Marketing (résumé/profile development and interview practice); and Health and Safety (including coordination of WHMIS certification).
Creates and adapts program materials, including workbooks, visuals, and practice tasks, and maintains accessible learning environments.
Conducts pre- and post-program assessments for each participant to track employability confidence and skills development.
Outreach, Paid Work Trials, and On-site Coaching
Conducts outreach to identify and build and maintain relationships with inclusive employers to secure paid work trial opportunities for program participants.
Performs comprehensive job development and role-carving activities to effectively match program participants with inclusive employers.
Completes all coordination requirements related to work trials between participants and employers.
Conducts on-site readiness reviews and risk assessments for employer placements.
Delivers individualized on-site job coaching to program participants during work trials (typically 3–4-hour shifts).
Collaborates with employers on accommodations, disability supports, and inclusion training, including supporting employers in identifying mutually agreeable solutions.
Prepares paid work trial agreements, including wage subsidy agreements for employers, and collects all supporting documentation required to process payment claims.
Follows incident reporting protocols and proactively addresses any safety or behavioural concerns related to program participants in a trauma-informed manner.
Participant and Family/Caregiver Support
Applies person-centred planning to support goal development and strengthen participants’ self-advocacy in securing and sustaining employment.
Provides individualized coaching on topics such as disclosure and benefits navigation, in partnership with community resources (e.g., ODSP Employment Supports and DSO pathways).
Co-plans and delivers quarterly family/caregiver information sessions, both virtually and in person, with school board partners, and contributes to the development of caregiver guides.
Coordinates peer mentor and guest speaker engagements, including honoraria logistics.
Case Management, Administration, and Reporting
Maintains thorough, accurate, and timely case notes in online reporting systems, including information on wraparound supports provided to each participant; paid work placement details (e.g., wages and hours worked); accommodations; and other requirements aligned with the program’s Standards of Practice (SOP).
Administers, collects, and maintains consent forms, attendance trackers, training records, success stories, evaluation inputs (e.g., surveys), outcomes data, and other assigned documentation.
Qualifications / Skills Required:
Post-secondary education in Disability Studies, Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Education, or a related field directly transferable to the requirements of the position, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
A minimum of two (2) years of direct experience in job coaching, job development, supported employment services, or vocational rehabilitation is required, preferably supporting young adults with IDD.
Training in Customized Employment/Discovery, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Behaviour Support, or trauma-informed practice is considered a strong asset.
Strong employer engagement skills, including outreach, role carving, and accommodation planning. Prior experience identifying and administering disability-related supports in an employment context is considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated experience adapting instructional supports to meet diverse learning styles and communication needs (e.g., visuals, social stories, task analysis, Augmentative and Alternative Communication).
Must be willing to travel to various locations throughout the GTHA to fulfill the requirements of the position. A valid Ontario G class driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are highly preferred.
Exceptional verbal and written English communication skills. Bilingualism in another language, including ASL, is considered an asset.
Clear, respectful communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport across all stakeholder groups.
Knowledge of Ontario systems, standards, and employment-related legislation, including AODA, OHSA/WHMIS, ODSP Employment Supports, DSO pathways, and community resources that support life stabilization.
Experience coordinating peer mentorships and co-facilitation with self-advocates is considered an asset.
High emotional intelligence, demonstrating patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal connection when working with individuals with diverse experiences, needs, and abilities.
A professional, courteous, and client-centred approach, with a high level of respect for the diversity of the populations served.
Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to consistently uphold the organization’s service standards, policies, and core values.
High ethical and confidentiality standards, with demonstrated experience handling sensitive information with tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and achieve targets and objectives.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft 365 applications, including MS Teams and SharePoint, as well as the aptitude and willingness to learn and work with new online systems and technologies.
Flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours, as required to support program participants.
Strong work ethic, with the ability to multitask while maintaining a positive, proactive, and professional attitude.
Demonstrated flexibility and resilience, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining trust and positive working relationships.
The Career Foundation’s Commitment:
The Career Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy and rewarding environment for all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who represent the diversity of the people we proudly serve, including, but not limited to, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientation. The Career Foundation, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with candidates requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
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