top of page
| 1:1 EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLOR | RÉSUMÉ WRITER | EMPATH | ASPIRING CCDP | LIFELONG LEARNER |
| 1:1 EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLOR | RÉSUMÉ WRITER | EMPATH | ASPIRING CCDP | LIFELONG LEARNER |
3.png
Image by Michaela Zákopčaníková

Skills Spotlight

This spotlight highlights the key CCDP competencies that underpin my professional practice, demonstrating my commitment to professional responsibility, ethical service delivery, the client-practitioner relationships, ongoing professional development, effective communication, digital literacy, inclusive practice, career resource development, and supporting clients with job search strategies.

1. Professional 
responsibility

1.1 Deliver services within scope of practice

  • Provides employment-related support (e.g., résumé development, job search strategies, interview preparation, career decision-making, training) within the scope of career development practice

  • Recognizes when client needs extend beyond employment services (e.g., mental health, housing, substance use)

  • Refers clients to appropriate community supports (e.g., CMHA, OW, Stonehenge) when concerns fall outside my professional role

1.3 Obtain informed consent

  • Informs clients of the purpose, nature, and limitations of employment counselling services at intake

  • Explains how personal information will be collected, used, and stored as per Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) requirements.

  • Ensures clients understand their rights and the voluntary nature of participation before engaging in service

1.4 Protect information and records

  • Maintain client confidentiality by securely documenting case notes and employment plans in ESCases 

  • Follow organizational and Ministry guidelines for record keeping

  • Share client information with third parties only with informed consent documented on a signed Release of Information form and for service-related purposes

Generated Image February 28, 2026 - 7_06PM.png
Scales And Gavel
2. ethics & regulations

2.1 Comply with legislation and regulations

  • Delivers services in accordance with MLITSD guidelines and  the Individualized Employment Services (IES) program requirements

  • Follows organizational policies related to documentation, confidentiality, and service eligibility

  • Ensures client supports (e.g., training, financial requests) align with program and funding criteria

  • Complies with my organizational Code of Ethics, as well as the Code of Ethics for Career Development Professionals (2021)

2.2 Follow ethical decision-making process

  • Recognizes ethical dilemmas and monitors self for feelings of uneasiness and discomfort

  • Identifies relevant ethical issues , the impacts to all parties involved, and and considers potential personal biases, stressors or self-serving thoughts.

  • Considers principle-based decision-making based on the following principles: beneficence, fidelity, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice and societal interest  

  • Identifies potential solutions with reference to the above principles

  • Examines the risks and benefits of each alternative action through thorough cost-benefit analysis

  • Considers the relevancy of articles in the relevant Code of Ethics, and consults with colleagues, examines short-term and long-term consequences, for all parties

  • Chooses the most helpful option and then evaluates results and acts with a commitment to a well-defined action plan

3.CLIENT-PRACTITIONER RELATIONSHIP

3.1 Establish and sustain working alliance

  • Builds rapport with clients at 2nd Chance through empathy, active listening, and  employing a non-judgmental approach

  • Create a safe and supportive environment that encourages open communication

  • Discuss roles and responsibilities of counsellor and client through careful review of the Client Services Agreement

  • Responds to clients needs , and tailors employment counselling approach to fit clients needs

  • Provides employment and educational information, tools, and resources to help clients make informed decisions

3.2 Build self-agency

  • Helps clients set SMART goals  in respect to their career development and employment

  • Assists clients in exploring their expressed interests and intrinsic motivations 

  • Selects activities for clients to develop independence such as requesting clients complete resume worksheets at home before next scheduled appointment

3.4 Engage reluctant or resistant clients

  • Recognizes signs of reluctance or resistance such as missed appointments, lack of engagement, failure to follow up on assigned activities or training opportunities

  • Identifies reasons for reluctance or resistance including barriers, incompatibility, cultural difference and fear of change

  • Works with client to overcome reasons for reluctance or resistance by taking a strengths-based approach

3.6 Help clients manage mental health

  • Maintains a relationship of trust, respect, and supportive, open communication

  • Assesses client mental health challenges by exploring factors with client, such as their sense of self-worth, , feelings of meaning/purpose, quality of relationships, and satisfaction/happiness

  • Identifies reasons for reluctance or resistance including barriers, incompatibility, cultural difference and fear of change and adapts approach accordingly

  • Works with client to overcome reasons for reluctance or resistance by taking a strengths-based approach

  • Monitors client mental health progress through regular check ins and observation

  • Helps clients identify sources of poor mental health including diet, sleep, lack of exercise and stress and creates plans within the client's control to improve wellness

  • Refers clients to external supports as needed including organizations such as CMHA, Stonehenge, and Compass Community Services. 

  • Integrate coping strategies (e.g., goal-setting, pacing, routine) into employment planning

Generated Image February 22, 2026 - 2_07PM.png
Generated Image February 22, 2026 - 2_07PM.png
Open Book Pages
6. professional development

6.1 Develop and maintain professional relationships

  • Develops professional relationships with community partners, including Indigenous groups, local service organizations, government agencies, employers, non-profits, educational institutions, and professional associations in the community and through networking on Linkedin.

  • Establishes community networks to share services, enhance client supports, and collaborate on programs or community-based solutions

  • Builds professional networks by attending community agency events, conferences, career fairs, and engaging on platforms such as LinkedIn

  • Share information with partners by providing guidance, consulting regularly, and exchanging resources or insights to improve client outcomes

6.2 Engage in lifelong learning

  • Identifies personal strengths and areas for improvement through introspection, annual performance reviews and by soliciting feedback from colleagues, managers, community partners, and clients

  • Establishes a professional development plan by identifying learning needs, potential barriers, and setting SMART goals

  • Engages in formal and informal learning opportunities (e.g., CDP program at Conestoga, Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate on Coursera, Linkedin courses)

  • Measure personal and career growth by tracking progress, documenting learning, and reviewing development plans

  • Share knowledge and experiences with colleagues through collaboration, training, or presentations to support continuous improvement in practice

6.3 Collaborate with peers

  • Engages in a team-based approach at 2nd Chance by supporting colleagues with client service delivery

  • Seeks peer input on complex cases while maintaining client confidentiality

8. COMMUNICATION

8.1 Use active listening skills

  • Maintains undivided attention; limits distractions; and minimizes interruptions during client counselling sessions

  • Uses verbal encouragers (e.g., “mm-hmm,” brief affirmations)

  • Demonstrates non-verbal encouragers (e.g., nodding, appropriate eye contact, posture)

  • Observes client non-verbal cues (e.g., facial expressions, restlessness, tone) to  understand and interpret client emotions

  • Acknowledges client perspectives, feelings, and emotions through a high level of empathy and understanding

  • Asks open-ended  questions to let clients direct the course of the conversation

8.2 Communicate verbally

  • Varies tone and volume to maintain engagement and emphasize key employment-related information during client counselling sessions.

  • Leverages pauses and silence between key points to support client processing and reflection

  • Paraphrases client responses to verify understanding and ensure accurate interpretation of needs and goals

  • Summarize discussions and agreed-upon action steps to confirm clarity and next steps

  • Speak at an appropriate pace to support client comprehension during service delivery

8.3 Communicate non-verbally

  • Use appropriate eye contact, posture, tone, and rate of speech to establish rapport and demonstrate attentiveness during client interactions, with consideration for cultural differences

  • Reinforces verbal messages through supportive non-verbal behaviours (e.g., nodding, open posture)

  • Demonstrates openness and acceptance through relaxed body language and positive facial expressions

8.4 Communicate in writing

  • Develops client-facing employment resources (e.g., LinkedIn Guide, Career Decision-Making Guide, Managing Stress Guide) with a clear purpose and target audience

  • Structure written materials logically (e.g., introduction, step-by-step instructions, summary of next steps)

  • Use practical examples within guides (e.g., sample LinkedIn headlines, résumé accomplishment statements) to illustrate key concepts

  • TailorS tone and language to client needs, using plain language to support accessibility

  • Apply correct grammar, punctuation, and professional formatting in case notes, emails, and employment plans

8.6 Deliver presentations

  • Design, deliver, and evaluate workshops and voice-over presentations in response to client needs (e.g., career rebranding, job search strategies)

  • Prioritize key employment topics and structure content logically (e.g., introduction, key concepts, summary)

  • Design slides using consistent templates and readable visuals in Canva and Microsoft PowerPoint; develop speaking notes to support delivery

  • Deliver content using varied tone and pacing; incorporate feedback from client satisfaction surveys to revise materials as needed

Writing In Journal
Minimal Work Desk
9. digital literacy

9.1 Use digital technology

  • Conducts online labour market and career research using appropriate platforms and keywords, particularly on the Government of Canada website, and The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin

  • Evaluates credibility of employment-related information sources prior to sharing with clients

  • Use communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zooms) for video conferencing with clients, team members, organizations, and community partners

  • Supports clients in using online job search platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, CareerBeacon, Eluta)

  • Develops and distributes digital employment resources (e.g., Canva guides, Microsoft Office documents)

  • Ensures accessibility of digital materials (e.g., readable formatting, clear visuals)

  • Applies cybersecurity practices (e.g., secures passwords, verifies emails, uses secure networks) when handling  sensitive and confidentialclient information

9.2 Respond to cybersecurity breaches

  • Recognizes potential security incidents (e.g., unusual login activity, unexpected system changes, account lockouts, phishing emails)

  • Reports suspected privacy or cybersecurity breaches in accordance with organizational policies

  • Assesses potential risk of harm to affected clients when personal information may be compromised

  • Document incidents accurately (e.g., date, circumstances, type of information at risk)

  • Completed a LinkedIn Learning course on Cybersecurity at Work

11. SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESS

11.1 Conduct intake interview

  • Conduct 10+ client intake interviews monthly and completed 3+ daily intake assessments in the Employment Resource Centre, documenting employment history, education, barriers, and life circumstances using the Common Assessment Tool (CAT)

  • Build rapport by introducing my role, providing reassurance, explaining client rights, confidentiality, and program expectations, and identifying reason for seeking services through open-ended questioning

  • Obtain informed consent, assess job search readiness (e.g., resume review), explore service options based on identified barriers (e.g., mental health, disability), and collaborate on next steps (e.g., training referrals, resume support)

  • Summarize discussions and document intake details in EOIS-CaMS for follow-up

11.2 Conducts employability assessment

  • Consider client employability during intake by reviewing background information and individual circumstances

  • Review intake documentation prior to assessment to inform discussion

  • Clarify employment goals (e.g., work type, industry, availability, schedule) and identify client strengths (e.g., experience, transferable skills)

  • Explore employment barriers (e.g., mental health, limited work history, family responsibilities, substance use) and assess readiness for employment

  • Determine eligibility for IES services, training (e.g., Better Jobs Ontario), financial supports, and internal programs (e.g., Women2Work, Ways2Work)

  • Collaborate with clients on next steps (e.g., referrals, employment action plan) and document outcomes in EOIS-CaMS

11.3 Help client develop goals and action plans

  • Support clients in exploring career options using labour market information or training pathways 

  • Collaborate with clients to identify realistic employment goals (e.g., secure part-time retail work within 3 months)

  • Develop individualized employment action plans (EAPs) which align with client goals and are adapted as needed (e.g., apply to at least 5 jobs per week, attend Ace the Interview workshop, complete First Aid or Safe Food Handling certification).

  • Recognizes potential challenges ahead of time (e.g., transportation, anxiety) and arranges for required supports (e.g., bus pass, referral)

11.6 Manage caseload

  • Manages a caseload of 250+ clients as an  1:1 Employment Counsellor by prioritizing service needs and appointment frequency

  • Schedule client meetings based on service type (e.g., intake, employability assessment, follow-up)

  • Allocates time for counselling sessions, documentation, and administrative tasks

  • Record appointments and services delivered in EOIS-CaMS

  • Review monthly caseload reports on ESCases to monitor client outcomes and service targets

  • Identify service gaps or support needs collaboratively with management to improve  client outcomes

Gemini_Generated_Image_7je4tw7je4tw7je4.png
Gemini_Generated_Image_q8s1pxq8s1pxq8s1.png
12. lEARNING AND JOB READINESS

12.1 Explore learning and employment possibilities​​

  • Recommends occupational profiles and labour market information to explore duties, salary expectations, work settings, and required education/training for diverse career paths

  • Provides information on education and learning options (e.g., Better Jobs Ontario, apprenticeships, community-based programs, internal employment readiness programs like Women2Work, and college or university programs)

  • Supports exploration of non-traditional learning pathways (e.g., skilled trades training, short-term certifications, online learning platforms such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning,)

  • Encourage active participation in career exploration through platforms like Career Cruising

  • Provides ongoing support to help clients process information and refine employment or training goals based on interests and labour market demand

12.3 Develop job readiness skills.

  • Identifies client job readiness needs (e.g., job search strategies, résumé format selection, interview preparation) during counselling sessions

  • Support clients in tailoring résumés to job postings and completing online job applications (e.g., Indeed, employer career pages) on a weekly basis

  • Assists with cover letter writing and researching suitable employers to guide job search and applications

  • Conducts mock interviews regularly to help clients effectively prepare for job interviews

  • Provide guidance on workplace expectations (e.g., punctuality, dress code, communication) and Canadian workplace culture

  • Address life skills impacting employment (e.g., stress management, confidence, routine-building) and helps clients develop effective coping strategoes

  • Develops strategies to meet individual client needs (e.g., job coaching, workshop referrals, digital literacy support)

  • Collaborates with clients to create action plans (e.g., apply to 10 jobs weekly, attend networking  workshop)

  • Monitors client progress (e.g., applications submitted, interviews attended) and engage in motivational coaching as needed

  • Documents job readiness activities and outcomes in EOIS-CaMS

13. awareness of diverse worldviews

13.2 Work with Immigrant Clients

  • Support New Canadians, refugee claimants, permanent residents, and temporary foreign workers

  • Identify barriers (e.g., language, lack of Canadian experience, foreign credential recognition, underemployment)

  • Recognize settlement challenges (e.g., acculturation, discrimination, housing needs, religious accommodation)

  • Maintain inventory of settlement, language training, and credential evaluation services in the Guelph-Wellington region

13.3 Work with LGBTQ2+ Clients

  • Support LGBTQ2+ clients, including transgender, gender fluid, and queer individuals

  • Identify barriers (e.g., discrimination, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, limited career advancement)

  • Use inclusive language; explain workplace protections (Canadian Human Rights Act)

  • Refer to LGBTQ2+ support networks and inclusive employers (e.g., Pride Job Fairs hosted by 2nd Chance)

  • Support coping strategies to navigate workplace discrimination and build confidence

13.4 Work with youth at risk

  • Support youth in SAL programs, youth justice involvement, foster care, substance use, and homelessness

  • Provide career exploration, job search, and résumé development support

  • Refer to youth employment readiness programming (e.g., Ways2Work)

  • Identify barriers (e.g., limited experience, low self-esteem, financial pressures)

  • Refer to wraparound supports and volunteer opportunities

  • Volunteer mentor (Big Sister) with Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph-Wellingt

13.5 Work with clients affected by work disruption

  • Support clients impacted by layoffs or workplace closures (i.e. tarriff related layoffs, COVID-19) in rebuilding confidence and managing job-loss related stress

  • Identify barriers (e.g., outdated skills, limited recognition of experience, mobility constraints)

  • Assess transferable skills to support transition into related occupations

  • Provide labour market information and training referrals (e.g., Better Jobs Ontario, Action Read)

  • Identify skills gaps and support retraining or upskilling

13.6 Work with clients living in poverty

  • Supports clients  experiencing poverty and Identifies barriers (e.g., transportation costs, lack of ID, housing instability, limited access to technology)

  • Facilitate access to OW, food banks, and emergency financial assistance

  • Submits financial support requests internally and  for review by SSM Serco (e.g., bus passes, work tools and equipment, certifications and short-term training, work attire)

  • Adapts service delivery (e.g., flexible scheduling) to improve accessibility

13.7 Work with clients postincarceration

  • Experience in supporting clients postincarceration with employment through the identification of reintegration barriers (e.g., employment gaps, discrimination, housing instability, restrictive probation requirements)

  • Supports clients with criminal records in navigating labour market limitations and eligible occupations, and connecting them with supportive employers

  • Refers clients to reintegration and community supports (e.g., John Howard Society, addiction services)

13.8 Work with clients living with a disability

  • Supports clients with learning, developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities in finding meaningful and sustainable employment

  • Identifies barriers (e.g., recruitment procedures, physical accessibility issues, disclosure concerns)

  • Refers clients to disability-specific supports (e.g., Community Living, Torchlight, Women2Work) and supportive employers through job development 

  • Develops pre-employment strategies (e.g., transportation planning, job coaching, accommodations)

  • Collaborates  nd advocates with community partners to promote inclusive hiring practices and employment

Image by Nathan Dumlao
Image by Nathan Dumlao
Gemini_Generated_Image_2fl4yg2fl4yg2fl4.png
14. career resources

14.1 Maintain and deliver career resources

  • Develop sand maintain client-facing resources (e.g., LinkedIn Guide, Career Decision-Making Guide, Managing Stress Guide, Résumés Guide, Cover Letters Guide) based on needs identified through intake and assessments

  • Provide career information (e.g., occupational profiles, local LMI) to support career exploration

  • Distributes employment  preparation guides on various employment topics during counselling sessions and workshops

  • Updates resources regularly based on new labour market information and client needs

14.2 Maintain current knowledge of labour market

  • Monitors local labour market trends in the Guelph-Wellington region (e.g., manufacturing layoffs, program cancellations at local colleges) and appraises LMI sources for credibility and currency

  • Relates current labour market events to client planning (e.g., employer closures, sector demand shifts)

  • Applies LMI to support career planning by identifying in-demand occupations and referring clients to relevant training (e.g., Better Jobs Ontario)

14.4 Deliver services using technology

  • Use EOIS-CaMS to document case notes and Microsoft Teams and Zoom to deliver virtual counselling sessions

  • Supports clients in creating LinkedIn profiles, submitting online applications (e.g., Indeed, employer portals), and navigating job search platforms

  • Shares digital employment resource PDFs (e.g., LinkedIn Guide, Career Decision-Making Guide) via email

  • Selects tools based on client digital literacy and access (e.g., public computers, mobile devices)

  • Explains privacy and confidentiality of virtual services prior to use

  • Maintains updated digital resources and verify working links before distribution

15. CLIENT WORK SEARCH STRATEGIES

15.1 Work with clients to develop résumés

  • Has created 500+ professional résumés for often disadvantaged members of the community

  • Collects and reviews client documentation (e.g., previous résumés, transcripts, certifications, job postings) to support targeted résumé development aligned with employment goals.

  • Supports clients in itemizing transferable skills, experience, education, and training to strengthen résumé content.

  • Provides guidance on key résumé components including professional summaries, competencies, and experience.

  • Educates clients on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and employer screening practices to improve formatting and keyword optimization.

  • Guides clients in selecting appropriate résumé formats based on career goals, employment barriers, or non-linear work histories.

  • Assists clients in incorporating measurable accomplishments and value-based statements

  • Provides strategies to address employment gaps or limited Canadian experience using a strengths-based approach.

  • Reviews final drafts for grammar, accuracy, formatting, and overall professionalism.

15.6 Work with clients to prepare for employment interviews

  • Describes the purpose and format of various interview types including informational, screening, hiring, and group interviews.

  • Explains how to conduct pre-interview research related to the organization, industry, and position requirements.

  • Educates clients on commonly asked interview questions including behavioural, situational, and illegal questions.

  • Guides clients in formulating structured responses using approaches such as the STAR method and tailoring answers to job requirements.

  • Regularly conducts mock interviews with clients as a 1:1 Employment Counsellor and supports clients in practicing delivery, confidence, and professional presentation.

  • Assists clients in preparing to discuss compensation and respond appropriately to inappropriate interview questions.

  • Reviews interview performance with clients and identifies areas for improvement and follow-up strategies

Image by João Ferrão
bottom of page