Find meaningful employment with our support.
As part of our employment program Job Journey provides support for job seekers aged 15 and older who identify as having a disability and/or a mental health challenge. We provide free career preparation and job placement support, while also helping employers build more inclusive workplaces.
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Who can participate
What to expect
Timeline
Fill out a referral form
Tell us about yourself and your employment goals. Our facilitators will review it and confirm your eligibility.
Meet a facilitator
We'll reach out and schedule an initial meeting.
Reference check
After our initial meeting, we'll contact two of your references.
Employment support begins
If you're accepted into the program, you'll meet one-on-one with your facilitator regularly, either in-person or online. You can also get on-site job support if you're hired.
Work toward goals
We'll work together to make an employment roadmap to success. This will look different for every participant.
The journey continues
You can get support for up to six months.
Features
Job coaching
Participants can get job coaching, career exploration guidance, and educational planning. We can help with resume editing, cover letter development, and mock interviews.
Skills development
Participants can get paid professional development opportunities and industry-related certificate training, such as First Aid, FoodSafe, WHMIS, and other training.
Paid work experience
We help participants find a work experience placement, where we can help cover part of the wages for up to three months, which can make it easier to get hired.
Wraparound support
Employment is influenced by factors beyond the workplace. We can help participants with supports like child care, mental health services, transportation, and other community resources.
Ongoing support
Facilitators can offer workplace check-ins, guidance, assistance with addressing workplace challenges, and support in exploring reasonable workplace accommodations.
Success stories
Every employment journey is unique, and every goal looks different. Check out a couple of many stories from participants, family members, employers, and facilitators.
Ana
Ana developed a professional portfolio that showcases her awesome talent.
Shane
Shane landed a job placement as an Office Assistant with Avalon Mechanical.
Information for employers
Our goal is to help employers recognize the value of a diverse workforce and to support them in providing accommodations that ensure long-term success for employees with disabilities.
Build a more inclusive workplace
By increasing awareness and providing hands-on support, we help employers integrate employees with disabilities into their teams successfully.
Expand your talent pool
By offering flexible work arrangements, job carving, and other accommodations, we help employers access a wider pool of talent and unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities.
Enhance disability competence
We provide training and resources to help employers and staff build the skills needed to support employees with disabilities, ensuring they feel valued and included in the workplace.
A diverse workforce makes businesses stronger, more innovative, and more successful.
We help you navigate the process of hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees with disabilities, ensuring that your workplace is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Need support? Contact the Employers Hotline! ❤️🔥
Send us a message at inclusion@uvic.ca and we'll be there to directly assist you in supporting your participants with their individual needs, in French or English.
Besoin d'aide? Contactez le hotline des employeurs! ❤️🔥
Envoyez-nous un courriel à inclusion@uvic.ca et nous serons là pour vous aider à répondre aux besoins particuliers de vos participants, en français ou en anglais.
FAQ
How much does the program cost?
The Job Journey program is free to join and there are no costs to the participant accessing services.
How long does the program last?
Participants can receive support for up to six months, though some individuals prefer to be in the program for shorter amount of time to work on specific employment goals.
Where do the meetings happen?
Meetings are offered in person, at the CanAssist office, coffee shops, public libraries, or meeting rooms. They can also happen virtually through video calling.
Do I need previous work experience?
Previous employment experience is not necessary. We support participants who have never worked as well as those who have many years of career experience.
Can I participate if I’m in school?
Yes, we work with participants to maximize opportunities for scheduling. Facilitators can meet outside of school hours but cannot conduct meetings in the evenings or during weekends.
Can family members or support workers be involved?
We welcome the support of family members and service providers on the participants Job Journey. Any specific arrangements or support expectations can be discussed with a facilitator during the initial meeting, before joining the program.
How long does it take to get in?
We take referrals on an ongoing basis. Wait times to enter the program can be anywhere from two weeks to a few months.
What happens after I get a job?
After a successful work placement, participants can request to receive ongoing support during their employment.
Start your journey!
Submit a referral form today.
