Employment and Retention Specialist

Overview

Department: Employment Services Team
Position: Employment and Retention Specialist
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) Term Contract ending March 31, 2026 WAGE:$26.09-$30.44 Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:00 (Occasional Evenings will be required)
Pathway to Care: Level 2 Service – Targeted Support
Immediate Supervisor: Employment Services Coordinator
Language Requirement: Bilingual An Asset (English / French)

Job Summary
Reporting to the Coordinator of Employment Services, the Employment and Retention Specialist plays a key role in supporting clients with securing and retaining employment. This includes maintaining regular contact at key post-employment milestones, collecting proof of continued employment, and providing individualized mentoring and support to ensure long-term job success. There is some travel throughout Petawawa and Deep River for this role. As a service delivery site for Employment Ontario, PMFRC Employment Services operates under the guidelines of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and in collaboration with Serco, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and community-focused employment programming.
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in Social Work, Human Resources, or Career Development and 2–3 years of experience in employment services, client support, or a related role
OR
A demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience
Screening Requirement
Criminal Record and Vulnerable Screening
Core Competencies and Behaviours
Demonstrates commitment to and actively supports the Mission and Vision of the PMFRC, with a deep understanding of Canadian Armed Forces communities.
High degree of personal initiative and ability to work flexible hours.
Effective collaboration with community partners, demonstrating sensitivity and tact.
Always consider the client’s needs and strive to achieve positive results for them.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Communicate issues succinctly and appropriately; share ideas and solutions.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; engaged, collaborative, and sharing knowledge.
Create and maintain confidential records according to the standards established by the Serco and PMFRC policies.
Knowledge Requirements
Of Ontario labour market supply/demand, trends, local economic outlook, and employer expectations
Of maintaining classified records and adhering to client file management legislation
Of adult learning principles
Of the CAF Community and Lifestyle
Of Microsoft Office (365) suite of products, Zoom, and Teams platforms
Experience Requirements
In all facets of job search and career development, with the ability to analyze training and development needs
In preparing written reports, correspondence and maintaining accurate records
In networking with community resources
In working with a multidisciplinary team
In working with a cross-section of the community
Responsibilities
Client Engagement and Support
Maintain a caseload of Employment and Training Services clients following employment outcomes.
Create and implement communication strategies to support data collection of client job retention milestones.
Conduct structured follow-ups throughout the first year of a client’s new employment, prioritizing 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals to monitor and document job retention.
Provide personalized support, including on-the-job coaching, workplace communication strategies, and problem-solving assistance.
Educate clients on job search strategies and the local labour market.
Maintain an updated knowledge of PMFRC, Serco, Ministry of Labour Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, and community programs and services.
Employer & Community Engagement
Act as a liaison between clients and employers to address workplace challenges and promote sustainable employment and job retention.
Collaborate with local employers and community partners to support client success and retention.
Maintain existing and create new databases to track relevant data and information as required.
Enter applicable data into required systems.
Program Delivery & Compliance
Complete/participate in training/information sessions as required.
Assist in maintaining the Employer database.
Attend staff/team meetings
Collect and document proof of continued employment in client files following MLITSD and Serco requirements.
Issue client supports such as transportation assistance, employment-related clothing, tools, and retention incentives.
Ensure all services and documentation meet the standards and compliance requirements set by the Ministry and Serco.
Special Conditions of Employment
Physical Effort – This position will spend hours sitting and using office equipment, concentrating during computer work for four to six hours daily for correspondence, writing and research, which can cause muscle strain. There will also be a requirement for some lifting of supplies and materials from time to time. A low level of physical effort is required. Can relax; vary body movement as needed (i.e., sitting at a desk, walking on even surfaces, lifting up to 11 pounds, keyboarding). Bends and reaches to obtain office supplies from shelves and drawers.
Technical Resources – Maintains files and uses a personal computer. This position must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues. Assure discreet handling of all business documents.
Psychological Environment – Psychological discomfort results from constant deadlines, and multiple and conflicting demands for service. Psychological discomfort results from constant deadlines, listening, and mental attentiveness in dealing with queries from clients and staff. The position may require special hours, including working evenings and weekends.
Mental Efforts – Mental effort is required in multitasking and handling interruptions that require constant refocusing. The position may require special hours, including working evenings and weekends. This position must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.
Environmental Conditions: Comfortable environment in typically pleasant physical conditions with occasional exposure to minor conditions of difficulty. Typical conditions are such that no risk of injury or harmful effects is likely. At times, the environment is hectic, and distractions are possible.
Conditions of Employment (Other)
Shall not, either during the term of the employment contract, or any time, thereafter, disclose to any person, unless required by law, any confidential information concerning patrons, clients, customers, volunteers, or other employees of the PMFRC, or the business affairs or the financial positions of the PMFRC.
Adhere to the PMFRC Professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, Governance and Operational Policies, and the PMFRC Privacy Code.
Ensure compliance with all Fire and Occupational Health and Safety regulations and ensure the priority of staff/client safety is paramount to the day-to-day operations of the PMFRC.
Attend all mandatory staff workshops, training, and program planning meetings to assist in creating a comprehensive overall MFRC program.
Exchange information, ideas, and assistance to enhance PMFRC programs and to solve challenges.
Ability to provide a clear criminal record check, obtain an enhanced reliability security clearance, and vulnerable sector screening (current within 6 months).
Valid Driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel and requisite driver’s insurance.
Travel within the County of Renfrew.
Assist in maintaining the organization and cleanliness of all common areas.
Ensure the Executive Director is advised of any issues and trends that may impact the PMFRC
Establish Good Rapport With Other MFRC Staff and Volunteers
Assist other staff members in coordinating and participating in various special events as required by the supervisor.
Foster a positive relationship with co-workers and volunteers, therefore respecting their commitment to PMFRC programs and activities.
Act as an ambassador by promoting a positive community image of the PMFRC.

Please send resumes and cover letters to hr-recruitment@petawawamfrc.com