Employment Services

Welcome to Ontario Works Employment Services

We help adult social assistance recipients seeking employment to find work, receive training or return to school.

We help people prepare for employment.

Preparing for Employment

We offer a number of services to help you achieve your employment goals, including basic education, literacy and job-specific skills training.

LITERACY SCREENING AND TRAINING

If it’s hard for you to get or keep a job because you have trouble with reading, writing or math, we can help you get the education you need.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

There are a range of opportunities and education programs available to help you:

  • finish high school
  • improve your language skills
  • upgrade your reading, writing or math skills.

JOB-SPECIFIC SKILLS TRAINING

If you need special training or skills to do a job, we can get you the help you need to develop your skills.




Employment Resource Centres

Upgrading Skills

WHAT TO EXPECT

We offer personalized customer service and the following at no charge to participants:

  • Employment Support Worker available to assist with job search efforts
  • Resume and cover letter writing
  • Referrals to training and education
  • Job search advice and job opportunities
  • Access to computers and printers
  • Photocopying and fax
  • Telephone and mailing
  • Local newspapers

Finding a job is a rewarding experience (in more ways that one!) but it can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why DNSSAB offers on-site services as well as partnerships with community agencies to ensure you have the resources you need. Our Employment Services Staff are committed to helping you discover your strengths and reach your employment goals.

Locations

Nipissing Career Hub
200 McIntyre Street East, first floor
(705) 474-2151 ext. 23425

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 1:00pm – 4:15pm

Mattawa Employment Resource Centre
540 Valois Dr., Mattawa
(705) 744-0395

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Whitney Employment Resource Centre
9 Post Street, Whitney
(613) 637-1117

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 1:00pm – 4:30pm

We aim to provide high quality services in a welcoming environment that promotes integrity and respect.

You can expect to receive:

  • services that are open-minded and sensitive to individual circumstances
  • courteous and prompt customer service from qualified staff who are committed to helping you succeed

OTHER RESOURCE CENTRES AVAILABLE WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF NIPISSING:

Select the nearest location to you for a list of resource centres in that area.

 

Yes Employment
149 Main Street East, North Bay
(705) 476-3234

North Bay Public Library
271 Worthington Street East, North Bay
(705) 474.4830

 

Options Emploi – Sturgeon Falls
(705) 753-9844

Collège Boréal
186 Main Street, Office 1, Sturgeon Falls
(705) 753-9844

 

Northern College Community Employment Services | Employment Options Emploi – Temagami
(705) 268-3033 ext. 4122

(LEAP) Learning, Earning and Parenting

Learning Earning and Parenting
Mother and Child laying down

Parenthood can be the most rewarding experience of your life. It can also be the most challenging. The LEAP (Learning, Earning And Parenting) Program provides support to young families. It does this in various ways that can foster positive change designed to increase self reliance, self confidence, and greater future expectations for young parents and their children.

Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.

The resources and guidance provided through the LEAP program can help you become who you want to be.

LEARNING

A variety of high school programs are available.

Flexible approaches to obtaining a high school diploma.

EARNING

Employment preparation

Co-op placements

Part-time and summer employment

PARENTING

Family Enrichment

Play Your Part Parenting


ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for LEAP supports, you must be eligible for Ontario Works Assistance. You must also be working towards achieving your grade 12 diploma and participate in a parenting course.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Learning Earning And Parenting program is mandatory for parents 16 and 17 years of age who are in receipt of social assistance. Parents between the ages of 18 and 28 may participate voluntarily.

SUPPORTS

We are here to support young families. We provide financial supports and guidance throughout your journey in obtaining your Ontario Secondary School Diploma and help you move towards independence.

GRADUATION

Once you have received your Ontario Secondary School Diploma and completed 35 hours of parenting (Family Enrichment and /or Play Your Part Parenting) a $500 bursary will be awarded.

We offer in-home services when required to ensure your success. We also work with community partners to achieve a common goal. We can help with financial costs such as:

  • Childcare
  • Transportation
  • School supplies
  • Clothing
  • Field trips
  • Parenting fees
  • Counseling
  • Graduation fees

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help guide you and support you through this process or to answer any questions you might have.

Visit or call the DNSSAB office and ask about the LEAP program, or send us a message.

Employment Placements

Looking for experience? Dying to try something new? Looking to open a new door? Ask us about our placement programs.

HOW DOES THE EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT PROGRAM WORK?

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board provides an incentive program focused on staffing solutions for local employers. Reliable, qualified staff is key in operating a successful business and the DNSSAB is prepared to respond with pre-screened candidates to meet staffing requests of local employers.

HOW DO YOU BENEFIT?

  • Gain valuable experience
  • Improve skills & abilities
  • Increase earnings
  • Build self-esteem & confidence
  • Become self-sufficient
Female electrician

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

  • Participants of the Employment Placement program must be Ontario Works clients
  • They are ready,willing and able to work and and their skills match those required by the employer

For more information on Employment Placements, please contact your Case Manager or see Ontario Works Directive 8.5: Employment Placements.

Community Placements

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

  • Participants are expected to treat the placement as employment
  • Participants must be punctual and reliable; attend every shift
  • Follow all processes and procedures outlined in the placement description
  • Commit to a 6 month placement with a possible 6 month extension
  • Volunteer up to 70 hours a month
  • Placements cannot interfere with a participant’s paid employment opportunity (including job interviews or referral to a job placement agency)

The Community Placement Program is offered through Ontario Woks and matches people with not-for-profit organizations who mentor, monitor and coach participants, helping them develop a broader range of skills and experience.

HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY PLACEMENT PROGRAM WORK?

Interested public or non-profit organizations sign a Community Placement Agreement with Ontario Works and provide descriptions of the positions or volunteer positions they wish to fill.

Individuals who are interested in participating in the Community Placement Program review the position descriptions and determine where they would like to volunteer; an interview is scheduled where the individual and organization meet to decide if they are a good match for one another. If both are satisfied, the volunteer placement can begin.

HOW COULD YOU BENEFIT?

  • Gain valuable skills and experience
  • Develop employment related skills
  • Networking opportunities
  • Build self-esteem and confidence
  • Obtain current references

For more information on Community Placements, please contact your Case Manager.

Self-Employment

The Self-Employment program is designed to help you succeed as an entrepreneur.

HOW DOES THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM WORK?

Your business idea must be considered viable in order for this activity to be approved as part of your participation plan. You will have to create a business plan and attend a viability assessment with the Business Centre.

Shop owner holding open sign


The Ontario Works Program works closely with the Business Centre in order to provide you with information, programs, training, and resources for business start-ups or expansions. This program will provide you with ongoing support for up to 60 weeks.


For more information on the Self-Employment program, please contact your Case Manager.

USEFUL RESOURCE

If you are interested in pursuing a self-employment opportunity, The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound is another great resource.

ONTARIO WORKS WORKED FOR ME…

Right from the beginning Ontario Works provided much needed monetary assistance and help with my job search endeavors (Canadians are very fortunate to be given this opportunity). Within weeks of walking into Ontario Works to request help I was provided with a Coordinator. Direction was provided with everything from interview skills, cover letters, resumes, and job sites. Weekly appointments helped to keep me motivated and aware of potential job opportunities. Without hesitation, Ontario Works was “key” in aiding my endeavors for successfully finding employment. I am grateful for the assistance provided by Ontario Works