Our Services

What do we do?

The CANSA Careers Nova Scotia Centre provides employment services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, by assisting with employment-related activities. We support individuals to access training, access disability and employment related supports, access assessments, provide assistance with resumes and cover letters and assistance with the job search process.

1) Intake

On your initial visit to CANSA, you will fill out an intake form to register with us and sign a Consent to Release Information form to allow CANSA staff to determine eligibility for services/supports (Please note that you will need your Social Insurance Number to register). Registering with us will allow you to access our services and resource centre at no cost to you. If you require more one-on-one assistance, a referral can be done to a Case Manager.

2) Needs Assessment

During the Needs Assessment Process, you will meet with a Career Practitioner/Case Manager to identify your strengths, your barriers and to determine your employment goals. The Career Practitioner will determine if CANSA can assist or if a referral to other services is required (ex: Department of Community Services, Mental Health, etc.)

3) Return to Work Action Plan

After completing the assessment and determining your needs and goals, you will work with your Case Manager to develop a Return to Work Action Plan to reach your employment goal. The Return to Work Action Plan focuses on the Employability Dimension(s) that are appropriate in helping you to reach your goals. These dimensions include: Career Decision Making, Skills Enhancement, Job Search and Employment Maintenance. You and your Case Manager work together to identify ways to overcome barriers and to develop a realistic Return to Work Action Plan that is exclusive to you and designed to increase your likelihood of finding long-term, sustainable employment.

4) Case Management

The case management process is based on you and your commitment. The effort you are prepared to make to assist with your transition back into the workforce will determine the length of time involved and the probability of a successful outcome. Your Case Manager will work with you to identify potential employment opportunities. They can assist you with resume and cover letter development, as well as with interview tips and techniques. Your Case Manager will also follow-up with you during your job search and when you become employed. If your Return to Work Action Plan involves skill enhancement, your case manager will follow-up with you while you are attending training programs.

Resource Centre

· Our resource centre includes six computers, with internet access, for employment related activities (job search, resume and over letter development, job applications, etc.). WinWay Résumé, which is a user friendly software program that provides numerous professional résumé formats and cover letter samples/layouts, is available on each computer for clients to develop a resume independently.

· Resource materials for onsite use and a lending library (ex: resume development books, cover letter development books, job search books, GED preparation books, etc.)

· Photocopying, printing and faxing services

Job Search and Job Development

· We are not a placement agency, but we do assist clients with their job search.

· Your Case Manager can provide assistance to improve your job search techniques and provide clients with information on any listings that we are aware of.

· If you are job ready, your Case Manger can refer you to our Job Developer. Our Job Developer works with clients to match them with employers who are looking for employees with similar skills and abilities

Job Coaching

· A Job Coach can be available for persons who may require supports in the workplace

Career Counselling

· One-on-one counselling sessions to assist individuals to develop a realistic Return-to-Work Action Plan.

· Assistance with identifying options for employment

· Support and guidance through the steps of the Return-to-Work Action Plan

Workshops

· CANSA staff put on workshops several times throughout the year, to assist clients with their employability skills. The workshops cover topics such as: Creating a Cover Letter, Resume Development, Interview Techniques, Labour Market Information Research and Employer Expectations. Other workshops can be designed to meet the needs of our clients. Pre-registration is required to participate in workshops. You can register by calling or visiting the CANSA office.

Job Fairs and Information Sessions

· CANSA hosts a minimum of two Job Fair and Information Sessions each year. A wide variety of post-secondary institutions, training institutions and employers are often in attendance to provide information on their programs, services and employment opportunities. The public is invited to attend this event free of charge.

Assessment-Diagnostic Services

· CANSA provides employment relayed assessments, conducted by professionally qualified psychologists, to determine whether a client has physical, social, intellectual and/or psychological traits that affect their ability to participate in certain employment situations