Employment Support
The focus of Ontario Works is to assist individuals on social assistance in their efforts to find and maintain paid employment. Ontario Works provides employment counseling and links participants to community resources, funding for basic education needs and life skills training. Also, for those participants re-entering the workforce, help with the costs of childcare, transportation, and other work-related expenses is available. Businesses can utilize the Ontario Works Employment Placement program, a proven recruitment alternative designed to match skilled, reliable, employable people to meet their employment requirements.
Ontario Works basic financial assistance recipients and dependent adults are required to complete a participation agreement. This participation agreement (also known as a PA) is a contract which states how the individual will satisfy his/her participation requirements as stated in legislation. Adults and dependent adults in receipt of assistance are required to actively participate in employment related activities, including educational upgrading and looking for work although some exemptions exist.
Assistance is provided to individuals to help them in developing a case plan to become self-reliant. The case plan may include activities such as developing a resume, attending workshops, basic education and a structured job search.
Community Placement
Meaningful community placements have been developed throughout the Municipality. This is an opportunity for individuals to gain work experience, contacts and self-confidence, reconnecting them with their community. Assistance may be given in the areas of childcare, clothing allowance, transportation and disability supports.
Employment Placement provided through both the YMCA Employment Services and Ontario Works staff, assists clients in securing paid employment. Self Employment Assistance may be an approved activity to prepare for exiting social assistance.
Non-profit and public sector organizations can sponsor placements. If you have an opportunity to host a community placement in your non-profit or public agency, call and ask to speak with an Employment Service Worker at (519) 376-7324.
Employment Placement (Recruitment for Local Businesses)
Trained employment workers assist local businesses with their staffing needs, through referrals of trained, job-ready participants. A financial training incentive is also available through the Enhanced Employment Placement Program to eligible employers.
If your business has employment opportunities, contact our Employment Placement Worker at (519) 376-7324 to assist you with your recruitment needs and possible training funds.
Learning, Earning & Parenting Program (LEAP)
The LEAP Program has been designed to assist young parents, up to the age of 21yrs, to complete their high-school education, build on their parenting skills and eventually achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment.
For more information click on LEAP to go to the detailed web page or talk to your caseworker at (519) 376-7324.
Workshops and Training
Ontario Works participants can access a variety of workshops and training options designed to prepare an individual for re-entry into the workforce. These sessions focus on various aspects of achieving and maintaining employment. They cover such topics as, personal development, job search and interview skills, hands-on computer training, customer service and retail experience, and certification.
Durham Employment Resource Centre (funded in part by Service Canada) is located at 575 Sadler Street East, Durham Ontario (519) 369-5058 and provides assistance to persons seeking employment and career resources.
If you would like to learn more about Ontario Works-Employment Supports, call (519) 376-7324 and ask to speak with a member of our team to assist you with skill matching and appropriate referrals.