Searching for Career Counselling

Offers employment and job search training services tailored to meet the needs of all job seekers including youth, women, newcomers and persons with disabilities

• labour market information
• job search preparation and training including developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills (offerd online or in-person)
• resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks
• also offers services to assist business start-ups and entrepreneurs

Services for employers:

• customized business services to help employers meet workplace needs, including recruitment support, training plan development, placement and retention, and financial supports for hiring

• 10 week program to help women with career planning, including identification of skills, interests and employment options
• individual counselling/coaching and online group sessions
• networking events and guest speakers

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Psychologist offering individual, couple, marriage and family counselling virtually and by telephone consultation

• specializes in counselling for First Responders, Veterans, WSIB
• psychological assessments (personality and vocational)
• personality profiling for individuals, couples, businesses, offices, teams, classrooms

Provide clinical assessments, psychoeducational assessment, psychotherapy​ and independent psychological evaluation
Assess, support, and treat a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to:

• Psychological trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning/school difficulties/disorders
• Attention disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Trauma
• Behavioural concerns
• Grief and loss
• Adjustment to significant life challenges and events
• Stress
• Relationship issues
• Smoking Cessation
• Spirituality

Government website with job postings of employment opportunities across Canada

• also includes a variety of economic, labour market and demographic reports along with local labour market information and career planning tools
• labour market Information helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions about careers, education, employment, and business plans
• career tools help individuals determine which occupations suit their aptitudes and interests
• for those who prefer paper products, they are available by contacting the local Service Canada office

Service

• for online service go to Canada.ca/service-canada-home
• for assistance accessing services, complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm
• for assistance in person, make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form at Service Request
• clients should not book an in-person visit if they:
  • Have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

COVID-19 Update Service Canada Centres are open to the public

• for online service go to Canada.ca/service-canada-home
• for assistance accessing services, complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm
• for assistance in person, make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form at Service Request
• clients should not book an in-person visit if they:
  • Have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

Regular Service
Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment, able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible

• Service Canada has tools available to help search job listings, create a résumé, choose a career, and assess skills
• Job Bank is an online source for employment information and job postings, see listing BAR2664
• for most people, basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount
• as of January 1, 2020, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $54,200, for a maximum amount of $573 per week
• Individuals not entitled to receive EI benefits, will be contacted by letter or by telephone, a Request for Reconsideration can be submitted, see website for details

Special benefits

• include maternity and parental benefits, compassionate care benefits, benefits for Parents of Critically Ill Children, sickness benefits and more, see website for complete list and details

Family Supplement

• for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• entitlement will be added to EI payment
• amount based on annual net family income, see website for details

Teaches students focused skills designed for the modern workforce. All programs are instructor-led modules

Programs include:

• Diploma Programs (Business Administration, specializing in business Management, Human Resources and Marketing)
• General Administrative Assistant

Also offers:

• Computer Courses
• General Education Development (GED)
• Job Search Skills
• Employability Workshops
• Return to Work Services

Registered as a Private Career College with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Program to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life, services include:

• Suiting Program - provides free professional attire for job interviews and employment, for qualified women
• Breakfast Club - 9-week pre-employment program providing a network of support and workshops on a variety of topics designed to build confidence in getting a job
• PWG-Professional Women's Group - provides career development tools for employment retention and career growth
• Clothing Donations - accept donations of Business Professional Women's clothing, that are clean and in good condition, Regular, Petite and Plus Sizes needed, see website for clothing donation guidelines Donations, donations accepted
  • at Barrie location on Wednesdays 12 noon-6 pm
• For Online Clothing Shop, visit Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie Online Store
• FREE Yoga Classes - May 3-June 28, 6 pm-7 pm - see website for details and to register
• Currently accepting new volunteers, if interested, email volunteer coordinator Carolyn at carolyn@dfsorilliabarrie.org
• See website for various events and sales, Upcoming Events

Assists Georgian College students, graduates and alumni (within 2 years of graduation) from Co-op and non-Co-op programs with a wide variety of career development services including:

• professional advice on career selection, workshops, job search strategies, job posting and referral service
• fee-based Career Assessment services available for community clients by appointment
• FREE job posting services for employers email careerandcoop@georgiancollege.ca

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in finance and accounting

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training
• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Visiting offices located in Beaverton and Cannington

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm -- automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Lending and reference collections for adults, children and youth

• focused collections include local history, multilingual, Native Peoples' and parenting
• services include computer centres, music practice room, fabrication studio, digital innovation hub, digital piano lab, wifi, study spaces, programs, printing, copying and room rentals

Community programs - classes, workshops and exhibits

• Adult Literacy -- see separate record
• citizenship test preparation
• employment support for foreign-trained professionals
• internet search skills training
• children's programs
• Digital Literacy Program
• Financial programs
• Job Search
• Newcomer Services
• seasonal income tax clinic

For more information visit website

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm --automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm
automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder --personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

COVID19 -- limited in-person services with limited hours at each location; also continuing to provide services over the telephone, via email, Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom; for more information, call or visit website

Employment-related services for newcomer women to enhance employment related skills and access to the Canadian labour market

• establish connections and support needed to enter the labour market
• pre-employment counseling
• help to address barriers to employment by encouraging women to explore employment opportunities, occupational essentials skills training, networking, internships, mentorships
• work placement and preparation for the credential assessment process

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto (see separate entry), childminding and transportation assistance available, full-time or part-time classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling
• bridging services
• form filling
• workshops and tours
• employment counselling
• one-on-one and group information sessions

COVID19 -- limited in-person services with limited hours at each location; also continuing to provide services over the telephone, via email, Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom; for more information, call or visit website


Employment Services for Women

• employment and career counselling
• assistance with resume building, job search and interview preparation, access to job fairs, literacy and numeracy skills building, information and referral to other employment related services in the community
• English language classes, training, apprenticeship and volunteer opportunities
• employment support groups

Women's Employment Centre and Visible Minority Women Employment Support Services

• help establishing connections and support needed to enter the labour market
• pre-employment counselling
• help to address barriers to employment
• employment and career exploration
• referrals and information on, and opportunities for, occupational essentials skills trainings, networking, internships, mentorships, work placements
• preparation help for the credential assessment process, resumes and cover letters, job interview preparation, support during the job search

Note: This program is currently available remotely

Offers one-on-one advising sessions about the following services:

• bridging or training programs
• language training
• postsecondary admission requirements and application process
• academic upgrading
• credential recognition options
• labour market information

Also available at Lakeshore Campus, 3199 Lake Shore Blvd West

Multi-service settlement and community support agency

Community Support

• information and referral
• job search workshops, career counseling, public access computers
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre - see separate listing
• free walk-in legal clinic
• free dental clinics -- appointment required
• women's advocacy and supportive services
• form filling: help filling out citizenship or immigration sponsorship forms, social assistance and supportive housing applications or other documents

Newcomer Support

• settlement services
• translation/interpretation
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Youth Program

• practical counselling to at-risk youth as well as other youth
• Homework Club for children in grades 1-8 tutored by supervised secondary school youth
• Clinical Youth Outreach Worker (CYOW) helps hard-to-reach youth and their families connect with services in Peel Region; one-on-one counselling and support services to youth, focusing on immediate needs and referring to long-term support services to improve the youth's mental health and well-being
• Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) helps hard-to-reach youth and their families connect with services in Malton; raises youth's awareness of available community services, engages them in community programs, and strengthens partnerships among organizations that serve youth

Seniors Supports Program -- elder abuse prevention

• activities include counseling for seniors who report being the victim of abuse
• elder abuse education and training with an ethno-cultural lens

IRIS Program -- refugee reception at Toronto Pearson Airport