Employment Supports include services and activities that assist you in finding employment such as individual job searching, Lifeskills Workshops, Basic Education / Literacy, Learning, Earning and Parenting program.  

The Ontario Works program expects you to look for a job on your own or through local Human Resources Development Canada services, to prepare for your job search with the help of Ontario Works through our Lifeskills Workshops or to get some basic education such as English as a second language (ESL) or job specific training. This will be in your Participation Agreement. Please refer to the Contacts page for job search and education and training contacts for telephone numbers to help you with your search.

All employable adults are required to undertake any full time, part time or casual employment for which he or she is experienced. You are also required to make efforts to gain all such employment through a current resume, job searching techniques, networking, etc. If you are currently employed and applying for income support you are also required to make reasonable efforts to increase your income from employment and make efforts to secure all such employment.

Supports To Employment Program (STEP)

The intent of STEP is to assist you towards financial independence. This is made possible through providing financial incentives for you to earn income through employment and training. If you have employment earnings and/or training income, only a portion of this income will be subtracted from your financial assistance, after being in receipt of Ontario Works for three months.

Basic Education / Literacy

You and your Employment Case Manager may decide that getting your high school diploma or learning English as a second language might be the best course of action for your Participation Agreement. Going back to school as an adult will assist you in all your employment goals. It will also give you an opportunity to gain self-confidence and inner pride. 

Job Specific Skills Training

You might be referred to specific skills training to help you become more job ready and ultimately reach your career goal.  This could refer to computer skills training for an administrative position or forklift certification for a warehouse position.

Ontario Disability Support Program - Voluntary Participants

This program is an opportunity for participants of Ontario Disability Support Program and their spouses to participate in any or all of our Employment Supports Programs while receiving Ontario Disability Support Program income. Through these programs you can acquire skills and gain valuable experience, provide recent references for your resume, network and obtain employment references, enhance your self-esteem and improve your confidence, find out if your chosen career goal is truly right for you and give a gift of your time and support by volunteering in the community.

Addiction Services Initiative Program

Ontario Works provides participants with practical help to get ready for employment. Unfortunately some people with alcohol and drug problems are unable to take part in this success because of their addictions. Ontario Works is bringing in an addiction services program (for alcohol and drug addictions) so we can help people get the treatment services they need to lead independent lives and provide for themselves and their families.

Employment Assistance Programs

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Ontario Works & Social Services

Last updated 27-05-05