This part-time, structured program is for adults with mental health issues looking to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Quick Facts
Service type: Employment, Disability, Mental Health
Eligibility: Please see below for program requirements.
Delivery: Virtual (Update to be provided if in-person resumes)
Varies
Fee: Free
Program dates: Two sessions per year: January - June and July - December
Referring partners include: Michael Garron Hospital Outpatient Mental Health Services, Reach: Michael Garron Hospital’s Community Outreach Services, Alternatives: The East York Mental Health Counselling Services Agency, Reconnect Mental Health Services and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Program Description
The WIN program assists participants with their employment goalsthrough a combination of group workshops and one-on-one sessions delivered over six months. Topics are tailored to clients living with mental health issues and include workplace accommodation, disclosure, stress management and job maintenance. The program also offers employment supports such as career exploration, resume writing, job search techniques and interview skills.
Program dates:
This is a part-time, six-month cohort program. We offer two sessions per year:
1st Session: January – June
2nd Session: July – December
Program hours:
Approximately 10 hours per week (7 hours online, 2–3 hours offline)
Group workshops: Tuesday and Thursday: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Weekly one-on-one session with Employment Case Counsellor (as assigned)
Eligibility requirements:
Ongoing mental health counselling support for minimum 6 -8 months from a referring mental health worker
Able to commit to structured job search program 3 days per week
Available during workshop hours (Tues and Thurs 12-3pm)
Has a computer, e-mail address, internet, and basic computer skills to job search online
Job ready and able to work 20+/ hours per week
Stable housing and phone number with voicemail
Eligible to work in Canada (proof of SIN and ID required)
Minimum English fluency LINC level 6
Age 21+, (exceptions made on a case-by-case basis)
Application Process:
Referral from Mental Health Worker
Group Information Session (Virtual)
Individual Interview with basic computer skills assessment
Step 1: A referral is submitted on your behalf by your mental health professional. This can be a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Nurse, Case Manager, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist. Any clinician who is supporting you with your mental health. Workers can find our referral form on our website.
*Note* Employment Advisors, OW/ODSP Case Workers and Family Doctors are not eligible to refer clients to WIN.
Step 2: Attend one of our virtual information sessions (option of dates on the referral form)
Step 3: Attend a virtual interview which will include a computer skills assessment
*Please note that we are a small program with limited capacity, therefore we are not always able to accept all program applicants.
What if I don’t have a Mental Health Worker who can refer me?
WIN works in partnership with clinicians to provide holistic support to job seekers with mental health issues. Therefore, a referral from a mental health professional is required.
If you are seeking mental health support, you can self-refer to WoodGreen’s Counselling and Support Services Department by contacting their intake team at [email protected] or phone 416-572-3575.
If you do not have a mental health worker, but you are looking for employment support services for those with disabilities you may be eligible for WoodGreen’s EAS Program which does not require a referral .
WIN is not a job placement program. Our focus is on assisting participants to identify their employment goals and to systematically work towards those goals by providing support with resume writing, skill development, interview preparation, networking and online job search.
Is this paid training?
No. WIN is a free program but we have no funding to offer participants financial incentives for participation. We also do not provide vocational training, rather we assist participants to job search with their existing skills and qualifications.
Why do I need a computer and internet?
All of the WIN group workshops are delivered virtually through MS Teams. This means that to be able to participate online and view presentations and other program materials, you will need a computer as cell phones and tablets do not offer all the features of the Teams software. Also, a computer is required for completing program milestones like drafting resumes and applying to jobs online.
Do I need to have computer skills for this program?
Yes. Because this program is delivered virtually and incorporates online job search, some basic computer skills such as drafting, downloading and saving documents, using e-mail and sending attachments are required. Basic computer skills will be assessed as part of the interview process.
Do I need to come to all the workshops?
Yes. The WIN program is a package deal, designed to support job seekers with mental health issues through a combination of confidence building group activities and individual, personalized employment counselling sessions. Participants are asked to treat the WIN program as a part-time job, so we have the same expectations around attendance and punctuality as an employer will have. Once participants are employed, they will no longer be required to attend workshops if their work schedule conflicts.
Client Testimonials
WIN Program client
Client
"Participating in the WIN program was an invaluable experience. In the beginning I was intimidated by the length of the program and the commitment involved, however it turned out to be a great decision."
WIN Program client
Client
"I highly recommend the WIN program. I especially liked the personalized help and expertise of the staff in creating an excellent resume and cover letter."
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815 Danforth Avenue, 1st floor Toronto, ON
M4J 1L2
Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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