Settlement & Integration Services
Employment Counselling
Overview
Although employment counselling is usually a specialist's area, settlement workers are increasingly asked to provide it as part of their work.
Here is some basic information about employment issues from the counsellor's perspective. It may help you to direct your clients to appropriate services, resources and programs.
Naturally, every client varies in employment skills, needs and circumstances. As with settlement counselling, each case should be considered in its own right.
For advice and suggestions in complex cases, contact your local Employment Resource Centre or Service Canada office.
Program Types
Two basic categories of intervention are available to help job seekers:
a) career exploration and job search programs; and b) skills training courses. Service Canada and the BC government fund both types of programs for unemployed and underemployed people – including immigrants and non-immigrants.
Career exploration and planning programs help job seekers to explore career options and set a job or career goal.
Job search skills are taught through workshops, and sometimes also in one-to-one employment counselling. Some job search programs also include components on job maintenance skills. Skills training courses enhance employment skills.
Employment Information and Referral 101
An overview of the referral process, and the different types and formats of employment services.
When to Refer Clients to a Case Manager
Employment case managers are qualified counsellors working at Employment Resource Centres and some community employment agencies. They assess the needs of job seekers and refer them to the most appropriate employment program(s) available.
Clients must have a case manager's referral to all types of employment programs funded by Service Canada (that is, all programs for career exploration and planning, job search and skills training).
Additionally, clients receiving Income Assistance through the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA) will be referred to the BC Employment Program by their MEIA caseworkers.
What Are Employers Looking For?
In a 2006 survey, the Business Council of BC asked employers to list the attributes they most valued in their employees. In all occupational sectors, the following attributes were ranked highest:
- Accountable/Responsible
- High performance standards
- Honest/Ethical
- Demonstrates initiative/Self-starter
- Customer oriented
- They also ranked their most employees' most valued work skills:
- Interpersonal
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Speaking/Listening
- Leadership
Read the complete report and other highly valued skills and attributes:
2006 Biennial Skills and Attributes Survey Report
Organizations for Service Providers
Professional and community organizations that offer opportunities to meet colleagues, make connections and develop a career as a service provider.
ENET
Networking, education and training for workers in employment, rehabilitation and career counselling.
ASPECT BC
An association of community-based trainers providing services to people with barriers to employment.
Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA)
A coalition of over 80 organizations providing multicultural programs and immigrant settlement services throughout BC. List of Member Agencies.
Community Social Service Employers' Association
Coordinates human resources and labour relations for over 300 member and associated social service organizations.
Canadian Social Research Net
Non-governmental organizations in BC, and their activity.
Thompson Rivers University
Online certificate program for social service workers.
Resources for Career Planners
Provincial and national listings for practitioners, from BC WorkInfoNet.
Career Management Association of BC
Offers strategies, information and resources for practitioners in career management and development.
Canadian Journal of Career Development
An online journal presenting articles that analyse and assess current theory and best practices in career development.
NatCon
Since 1975 the National Consultation on Career Development (NATCON) has grown from a small invitational meeting of federal and provincial officials on vocational counselling into a major annual event, focused on career development and other workplace issues. The three-day conference is held annually in Ottawa at the end of January.
Contact Point
A Canadian site with extensive resources for the career counsellor, including workshops and events, a discussion forum and dozens of links. It also lists universities, colleges and private schools that offer programs in career counselling, as well as not-for-profit organizations.
Professional Resources
Cultural information, government initiatives, and other "background" to support service providers who work with new immigrants.
Integration Net Infocentre
Citizenship & Immigration Canada's resource guide for settlement service providers and immigrants.
BC WorkInfoNet
Information for career practitioners and educators.
WorkBC
BC government website for job searchers, employers and career counsellors.
Cultural Profiles
Each cultural profile provides an overview of life and customs in the profiled country. A project of the Government of Canada and the University of Toronto.
Welcome to Canada: What you should know. The booklet given to immigrants on their arrival in Canada.
Going to Canada
Canada's national web resource for immigrants. Extensive listings and links.