VPI is a Service Provider for Employment Ontario, which is funded by the Ontario Government to support jobseekers and employers. VPI has been delivering employment programs for more than 30 years.  We are based in Mississauga and have 17 branches across Southern Ontario. Our organizational values rest on 4-pillars which are Ethics, Passion, Innovation, and Courage which support the desire and passion to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve. 

VPI Employment Services embraces and encourages inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices and creating a work environment that encourages and supports our team members to be their authentic selves. 

We are seeking out individuals who have the passion and drive to make a positive and sustainable impact for the individuals we serve. Providing exceptional client experience; creating an environment where clients feel safe, heard, supported, and see progression with skill development, and life stabilization support, leading to sustainable employment and career development. 

We are looking for a Contract Full-time, Equine Career Specialist for our Head Office at Skymark, Mississauga. This position is hybrid-remote. 

Job Purpose

The Equine Career Specialist is responsible for providing full-cycle and in-depth employment counseling for an individual and/or group basis while consistently meeting SkillsAdvance Ontario – Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP) targets. The role is primarily accountable for clients and case management using the internal CRM system. In addition, the Equine Career Specialist provides information and direction on tools and resources available to each client to ensure the level of support offered is commensurate with the level of each client’s need and which can assist clients in conducting a job search specifically within the Equine industry. This role is also responsible for the expenditure of participant and employer financial supports, as per the budget for the fiscal year.  

Key Job Functions

• Prescreen clients, and based on suitability factors conducts intake and needs assessment for clients accessing assisted services.
• Assess eligibility and motivation of clients towards exploring a career within the Equine Industry.
• Assists clients in obtaining meaningful employment through individual or group employment counseling including resume critique, mock interviews, and referrals to pre-employment services.
• Creates and monitors service plans and maintains real-time case management.
• Monitors clients’ progress and provides ongoing support through to successful completion of the program, including managing attendance and participation in skills training, and addressing issues as required.
• Critiques clients’ self-marketing tools (e.g., resume and interview skills) and refers them to appropriate resources in accordance with their specific requirements.
• Provides instruction, soft skills training, and technical support to clients regarding available resources, such as business directories, resume writing tools, relevant labor market information, and online training platforms.
• Promotes VPI Learning Centre (eLearning) as well as other online resources
• Facilitates employment workshops, job fairs, employer sessions, and other events to prepare clients to obtain as well as maintain employment within the equine industry.
• Refers clients to Job Matching Placement with Incentives (JMPI) component upon successful completion of skills training.
• Works alongside fellow program staff to support clients in placement and employment, including job matching, employer outreach, developing training and onboarding plans with employer and client, and monitoring the effectiveness of job placements.
• Refers clients out to other community services to support client needs.
• Keeps current with prevailing labor market conditions as well as new developments within local and regional labor markets to support service coordination and job development equine industry.
• Tracks, monitors, and achieves individual and team targets pertaining to the number of assisted participants, closures, percentage of participant suitability, and percentage of service coordination as well as personal support expenditure.
• Maintains and shares information on available community services, including all services available through MLTSD, government ministries, and agencies.
• Completes administrative portion of intake within internal CRM, Smart Simple, as well as the service plans within the allocated time.
• Maintains real-time, accurate case notes in Smart Simple according to internal policies and guidelines as well as funder criteria.
• Responds to client inquiries and provide assistance in a timely manner, as required.
• Other duties pertaining to the position, as required.
• Consistently support the achievement of all branch targets

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of our services, and eligibility of programs that we administer.
• Building Rapport
• Comfortable with technology, ever-improving processes, and efficiencies.
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  Self-Confidence/Resilience
• Judgement/Decision-making
• Self-motivated, good work ethic and habits, and strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Customer Service
• Initiative
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Strong Organization Skills
• Case management Skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail is a must
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and comfortable managing targets.
• Outgoing and enjoy getting to know other businesses and how their needs and our services can align that bring mutual value.
  Interest in the Equine industry with a passion for animals is preferred
   

If you are invited to an interview and require accommodation at any stage in the process, please notify us by email [email protected]. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for recruitment purposes only.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by the Human Resources team.