Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Retention Specialist ODSP


Company : Achēv


Location : Mississauga,


Created : 2026-01-29


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

At Achev, we believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to build a better life and a successful future. For more than 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping diverse Canadians and newcomers achieve their full potential. Today, we are one of the largest providers of employment, newcomer, language, and youth services in the Greater Toronto Area. Our dedicated team of nearly 400 staff delivers a wide range of innovative, highquality, and personalized programs and services that empower our clients to prosper and our communities to thrive. We thrive in a OneAchev culture where collaboration and an integrated service delivery positively impact Achevs resiliency, agility, success, and growth. Join us in helping diverse Canadians and newcomers achieve their full potential! Achevs latest Impact Report: Summary As part of the Retention team, the Retention Specialist provides holistic, wraparound services to support the employability of individuals, including ODSP and OW recipients. This role is wellsuited for someone with strong knowledge of ODSP Employment Supports, OW processes, disabilityrelated accommodations, and community resources. The Retention Specialist assists individuals in achieving their employment goals through targeted employment support and comprehensive case management. Using a strengthsbased approach, the role focuses on building trust, enhancing confidence, and gradually guiding clients toward successful employment outcomes and longterm job retention. Duties & Responsibilities Work with an integrated service delivery and case management model including case conferencing, service referrals to support program participants towards sustainable employment and job retention Provide onetoone follow up for job or career coaching, to address issues similar to reemployment or provide referral to further training and education and/or life skills and internal case conferencing or with OW, ODSP partner organizations for integrated services. Collaborate with clients to develop and implement detailed Employment Action Plans (EAPs) aligned with their employment goals and provide on the job support as needed Partner with Employer Liaisons to match participants with suitable job opportunities and support their successful transition into the workforce Provide counselling and coaching in life skills that support successful employment based on the needs of each participant and/or referrals to external organizations for specialized services include disability, health mental health & addiction, etc. Conduct regular followups and maintain accurate, uptodate case notes in line with program standards and documentation requirements Monitor progress checkpoints, submit claims, and provide ongoing retention support to promote sustained employment Collaborate with social service agencies, training providers, and employers to coordinate comprehensive support for clients Stay informed on labour market trends, community resources, and relevant policies, including Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), immigration pathways, and youth employment initiatives Work in an itinerant capacity, with responsibilities requiring travel to multiple Achev Peel locations (Malton, Brampton East, and Brampton South). Support other sites across the Greater Toronto Area (Richmond Hill, Toronto & Don Mills), as needed Perform additional duties as assigned to support program goals and organizational priorities Qualifications Postsecondary education in Social Work, Human Services, Career Development, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of 1 year experience in retention, workforce development, ODSP /Employment Ontario/Employment Services model is preferred. Strong documentation and case management skills, with the ability to manage sensitive information in accordance with confidentiality and privacy regulations Effective communication skills, including the ability to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism; a traumainformed approach is considered an asset Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with employers, community partners, and clients Experience using coaching techniques to support client engagement, goalsetting, and barrier reduction through individualized strategies Familiarity with Ontario Works (OW), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), immigration pathways, and local employment and training programs Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and client management systems (CaMS) Training in mental health first aid, crisis intervention, or deescalation techniques is an asset The ideal candidate for this position will work with a high performing team in a fastpaced, hightech environment. Having a proactive attitude, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role. Multilingualism or lived cultural experience is considered a strong asset. The candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including newcomers, youth, and social assistance recipients, and proactively develop solutions to potential barriers. Were looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We especially welcome applications from members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrierfree. So, if youre excited about this role or another one, please apply on our website #J-18808-Ljbffr