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 Foundation has expanded its services across seven locations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area and additional offices in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. We help thousands of people each year achieve their employment goals.

Benefits and Features

• Competitive compensation
• A comprehensive health benefits plan that includes massage therapy, naturopath services, travel coverage, and more
• A comprehensive dental insurance plan
• An RRSP Matching benefit
• Employee & Family Assistance program
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Paid days off for religious observance
• Paid days off for personal wellness

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 transitioning from high school to adulthood. The program integrates pre‑employment training, peer mentorship, supported paid work trials, employer engagement, and family supports.

As Program Lead, Transitional Employment Services (IDD) , you will lead and deliver all aspects of the 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 during 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 for funder reporting and evaluation, and ensure achievement of all key performance indicators (KPIs) and program targets.

Position Type

Full‑time (37.5 hours per week) one‑year contract.

Salary

The annual salary for this contract position is $65,000.00.

Base Location, On‑Site Work, and Travel Requirements

The base location is the North York office, located near Lawrence Avenue West and Allen Road. The role requires on‑site presence during the program’s in‑person workshop periods and travel throughout the GTHA for job coaching, employer outreach, and relationship development. A valid Ontario G driver’s licence and vehicle access are required.

Work Schedule (Hybrid)

Outside of on‑site obligations, the role allows a hybrid remote schedule subject to approval and contingent on scope of work. A private home workspace with secure, high‑speed internet is required. A company laptop, cell phone, and other equipment will be provided.

Vacancy Status

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

Reporting To

Disabilities and Inclusion Manager

Vulnerable Sector Check

Employment will be contingent on an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process.

Responsibilities

Accessible Pre‑Employment Training, Workshop Facilitation, and Needs Assessments

• Plan and facilitate inclusive workshops tailored to diverse learning styles (visual, experiential, AAC‑supported, plain language). Core 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; self‑marketing; and health and safety.
• Create and adapt program materials, including workbooks, visuals, and practice tasks, and maintain accessible learning environments.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑program assessments for each participant to track employability confidence and skills development.

Outreach, Paid Work Trials, and On‑Site Coaching

• Conduct outreach to identify and build relationships with inclusive employers to secure paid work trial opportunities.
• Perform comprehensive job development and role‑carving activities to match participants with employers.
• Complete coordination requirements related to work trials between participants and employers.
• Conduct on‑site readiness reviews and risk assessments for employer placements.
• Deliver individualized on‑site job coaching during work trials (typically 3–4‑hour shifts).
• Collaborate with employers on accommodations, disability supports, and inclusion training.
• Prepare paid work trial agreements, including wage subsidy agreements, and collect all supporting documentation to process payment claims.
• Follow incident reporting protocols and proactively address safety or behavioural concerns in a trauma‑informed manner.

Participant and Family/Caregiver Support

• Apply person‑centred planning to support goal development and strengthen participants’ self‑advocacy.
• Provide individualized coaching on disclosure and benefits navigation, in partnership with community resources.
• Co‑plan and deliver quarterly family/caregiver information sessions, virtually and in person, and contribute to caregiver guides.
• Coordinate peer mentor and guest speaker engagements, including honoraria logistics.

Case Management, Administration, and Reporting

• Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely case notes in online reporting systems, covering wraparound supports, paid work placement details, accommodations, and other SOP‑aligned requirements.
• Administer, collect, and maintain consent forms, attendance trackers, training records, success stories, evaluation inputs, 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, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of two years of direct experience in job coaching, development, supported employment services, or vocational rehabilitation—preferably with 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; experience with disability‑related supports in employment is a strong asset.
• Experience adapting instructional supports to diverse learning styles and communication needs (visuals, social stories, task analysis, AAC).
• Willingness to travel across the GTHA; a valid Ontario G driver’s licence and vehicle access are highly preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written English communication skills; bilingualism or ASL is considered an asset.
• Clear, respectful communication skills and ability to build trust across stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of Ontario systems, standards, and employment legislation, including AODA, OHSA/WHMIS, ODSP, DSO pathways, and community resources.
• Experience coordinating peer mentorships and co‑facilitation with self‑advocates is an asset.
• High emotional intelligence, patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal connection when working with diverse individuals.
• Professional, courteous, client‑centred approach with respect for diversity.
• Exceptional customer service skills and adherence to the organization’s service standards, policies, and core values.
• High ethical and confidentiality standards, with experience handling sensitive information.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills; ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and achieve targets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, and willingness to learn new systems.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as required.
• Strong work ethic with a positive, proactive, professional attitude.
• Demonstrated flexibility, resilience, and adaptability to changing priorities and 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 serve, including visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we are 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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