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Research from CERIC and Creative Futures reports economic precarity as one of the top 10 trends that will affect career development over the next 15 years. With the current cost-of-living crisis widening Canada’s wealth gap, career professionals working with low-income clients can help them leverage critical wrap-around supports. Here are resources that practitioners can draw from for people experiencing barriers to employment.
Client-led service and the value of social work in career development (CareerWise) [Article]
A team from YMCA Western Newfoundland discusses the value of empowering individuals to choose their path, and shares their experience of using social work in employment counselling. Relationship building and trust were invaluable to helping clients navigate services such as counselling, addictions treatment and community-based health programs.
Important Context for Counselling People With Low Income (Alberta alis) [Article]
This resource covers systemic and personal obstacles to gaining employment, terminology and definitions, and has links to other articles on providing career counselling to people with low income.
In Motion and Momentum+ Interim Evidence Report (Blueprint) [Report]
IM&M+ is a pre-employability program that supports individuals who are most distant from the labour market (including those receiving social assistance) to build foundational skills, identify strengths and accomplishments, and leverage them as sources of motivation, hope, and pride for future entry into employment, education and/or training. This report evaluates the program reach and impact, and identifies next steps.
Job Seeker Programs (The Career Foundation) [Programs]
The Career Foundation co-ordinates wrap-around and life stabilization services with community partners across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Their offerings include A Women’s Work Program, Completing the Circle Program and Empowering Abilities Program.
Ontario Works Training Programs in Toronto (City of Toronto) [Programs]
A range of supports under the Ontario Works Life Stabilization Programs (WRAP programs) feature customized plans for each participant, one-on-one and group counselling or coaching, and guidance on navigating referrals for local services. WRAP programs include support for individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers to Canada and people seeking recovery from substance use.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success (Career/LifeSkills Resources Inc.) [Book]
Job seekers can face multiple barriers: from transportation issues to lack of career guidance, to resume building, to a prior conviction, to family responsibilities. The third edition of Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success has worksheets, checklists, tips and journalling exercises to help jobseekers identify and break down their barriers to finding and keeping a rewarding job.
Refugee Employment Development Initiative (Manitoba Start) [Program]
This program offers refugees with limited English skills an opportunity to increase their language and workplace skills to enter the Canadian labour market. Training is available for high demand areas, namely welding and manufacturing.
Skills Training for Employment Program (Province of British Columbia) [Program]
There are multiple resources offered through the Government of British Columbia. This program aims to help vulnerable and under-represented groups obtain sustainable employment. There is a stream for Individuals Facing Multiple Barriers. The province also offers another category called Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers.
‘Whole-of-community approach’ creates transformative workforce development (CareerWise) [Article]
A team from Mohawk College shares the successes and lessons learned from Challenge 2025 (C2025), which is a collaborative, multi-sector community initiative tackling labour shortages and helping traditionally marginalized people access education that leads to meaningful employment.
Wraparound Supports in Employment and Skills Training: A Feminist Perspective (Social Research and Demonstration Corporation) [Evidence brief]
This evidence brief suggests that incorporating wrap-around supports within employment and skills programming can increase the success of learners facing multiple and complex barriers. Page nine outlines 10 principles guiding wraparound service delivery. Pages 12 to 14 features wrap-around supports in practice, including the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program, and the impact of supports such childcare and mental health on helping woman from diverse backgrounds.
Youth education and employment program (YESS) [Programs]
YESS services youth ages 15-21 through their 24/7 crisis intervention and stabilization supports. Their education and employment program aims to provide skills training and life skills foundation such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, anger management and self-care.
Additional reading/viewing
- A consciousness-raising approach to career development (Career guidance for social justice)
- Career Development for Youth in Low-Income Communities Using Super’s Model (NCDA)
- David Blustein at “Precarious Employment and Work” [Video]
- Low-Income Workers (Career Research)
- Working with clients who are homeless or who face risk of homelessness (Career guidance for social justice)
