Abilities Workforce Specialist

About Us:

LEF delivers a variety of programs to assist individuals on their journey to a sustainable livelihood. Our integrated services focus on those: in transition, new to Canada, out of the workforce, laid off, and a host of other individual circumstances. LEF offers a holistic service model, builds on community connections, and focuses on supporting the economic independence and community engagement of families. Our Client Engagement Team weaves together services and resources to offer seamless support across newcomer, training and employment services, and all job responsibilities reflect one integrated program with staff working together across interdisciplinary teams. 

Reports to: Manager

 

Job Summary:

This position will be part of a team working to increase job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities and supporting employers to engage a diverse and inclusive workforce. The incumbent will work closely with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve meaningful employment by identifying job opportunities, providing career counselling, and supporting both job seekers and employers throughout the hiring process.

Additionally, the Abilities Workforce Specialist will also support employers to understand clients’ abilities, needs, and interests. They will support clients to match their skills and interests with employment opportunities and employer needs through job matching and job placement supports. This includes providing job retention assistance, coaching, and mentoring to assist clients maintain employment or to make the next step on their career path. The role involves building relationships with local employers, advocating for individuals with disabilities, and ensuring job placements are successful and sustainable.

 

Overall Responsibilities

  • Make connections with employers in the GTA to uncover hidden job opportunities for clients with disabilities

  • Seek sustainable quality employment opportunities for clients based on client’s skills and abilities

  • Build and maintain exceptional relationship with employers and various community stakeholders to support long term employment for clients.

  • Arrange interviews for clients with perspective employers.

  • Negotiate and prepare employer incentives agreements

  • Screen and update client’s resumes

  • Maintain employer and client case management database

  • Outreach to new and existing employers

  • Liaison with Client Engagement Workers to provide job search and retention supports to clients

  • Research and maintain current job listings and develops resources for clients to identify current job openings related to their identified career goals

 

Job Placement and Development

  • Work directly with individuals with disabilities to assess their skills, strengths, and employment goals.

  • Identify and develop job opportunities with local employers, ensuring the positions are suitable and sustainable for candidates.

  • Provide one-on-one job coaching and support to job seekers, helping them through the interview process, preparing resumes, and enhancing job search techniques. 

 

Employer Relations

  • Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses and organizations to identify job openings and promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.

  • Educate employers on workplace accommodations, disability rights, and how to create inclusive and accessible work environments.

  • Negotiate job placements, ensuring accommodations and support are provided when needed.

 

Other Responsibilities

  • Attend staff and team meetings, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain records as required.

  • Promote LEF's Occupational Health & Safety Policy and participate in health & safety education and training.

  • Participate in professional development opportunities.

  • Utilize excellent outreach and communication skills to develop and maintain professional relationships with employers.

  • Employ a holistic, client-centred approach using sustainable livelihoods and motivational interviewing.

  • Assist clients in using resources and technology for job search activities and problem-solving to address employment barriers.

  • Perform other duties as assigned

 

Documentation and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate records of Case management, job placements, outcomes, and any follow-up services provided.

  • Prepare reports and track progress in meeting placement goals and benchmarks.

 

LEF Health and Safety Compliance

  • Promote LEF’s Occupational Health & Safety Policy

  • Participate in health & safety education and training

  • Work in compliance with all LEF health & safety policies and procedures

 

Work Environment

  • Office-based with travel to employer locations and job sites as needed.

  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on client needs.

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably in a vocational or job development capacity.

  • Minimum two years’ experience in Job Development including wage subsidy, job placement, and job retention.

  • Ability to efficiently travel to multiple locations daily across GTA

  • Having a healthy network of employers and strong community connections will be a major asset.

  • Awareness of and proven ability to overcome employer objections to hiring people with multiple barriers.

  • Patience, empathy, and a strong commitment to promoting inclusive employment opportunities.

  • Ability to handle difficult situations with maturity and high degree of professionalism.

  • Experience in case conferencing resulting in positive experience for clients.

  • Proven experience developing new and maintaining existing employer relationships.

  • Excellent understanding of current labour market trends.

  • Excellent interpersonal, influencing, teamwork, and communication skills.

  • In depth knowledge of local community resources, programs, and services with sensitivity to those challenged with confidence, work and life skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups including adults, youth, newcomers, and persons with diverse abilities.

  • Current cleared Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

  • Goal oriented, outcome driven, highly organized, flexible and adaptable with superior time management skills.

  • Knowledge of the Weston/Mount Dennis neighbourhood is an asset.

  • The ability to speak another language an asset.

 

The Learning Enrichment Foundation places a high value on lived experience. Personal experience with poverty, unemployment, homelessness, disabilities, and similar challenges is strongly considered an asset.

                       
Your Application:

Interested candidates should email their resume and covering letter as one document to recruiting @lefca.org

To be considered, applications must be received by: ­

Posting Date:          May 27, 2026

Closing Date:           June 12, 2026

 

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

 

The Learning Enrichment Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to complying with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We also adhere to all Public Health and Ministry of Labour COVID policies. If you require accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact recruiting@lefca.org.