Job search
Employment Opportunities System
Submit your resume and search for employment opportunities with the TESS Employment Opportunities System.
Employment Centre Portal
To view, learn about, and register for Employment Centre workshops offered by TESS locations across the city, visit our Employment Centre Portal. You can also find and register for job or community fairs.
Employment programs
| Employment Placement Program |
If you are receiving Ontario Works, a caseworker can refer you to an Employment Placement program available through Employment and Social Services. The program is run at non-profit job placement agencies that can help you find and maintain a job.
The Employment Placement agency can help you:
- learn how to effectively use the Internet and other tools
- get tips on how to complete application forms
- create an up-to-date resume and cover letter
- with interview skills, and
- find employment opportunities based on your skills, experience and education.
The agency will have supports to help you including:
- computers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers and newspapers
- job boards with up-to-date job postings, and
- staff to help you with your job search and other supports you need
You can be involved in Employment Placement for up to 26 weeks. While in the program, you may be eligible for help with costs such as transportation and clothing.
For more information, talk to your caseworker or go to an Employment Centre. |
| Employment Insurance job and training supports |
Some of Employment Ontario's job search and training supports are specifically for people who are currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) or with Reachback status. Reachback means a person has received the following Employment Insurance benefits:
- regular or sick benefits within the past three years, or
- maternity/parental benefits within the past five years.
Employment Ontario helps with programs such as:
For more information, go to an Employment and Social Services Employment Centre or an Ontario Employment Centre. |
You can also read about job fairs and special events and Employment and Social Services’ employment initiatives by visiting: ESS in Action. Specific services are also available for youth and for spouses and adult children of people receiving ODSP.
Opportunities for youth
For information on job search programs and employment opportunities for Toronto youth, read about:
Resume writing and job search skills
You can get help with your resume and job search skills through:
You can also read about online employment resources.
Self-employment and entrepreneurship
If you are receiving Ontario Works and are interested in starting a business, the Self-Employment Development program available through Employment and Social Services may be right for you. The program is run by community agencies that can help you learn how to set up and operate your own business.
In the Self-Employment Development program, you receive:
- 8 weeks of in-class training
- help with making a business plan
- guidance with the start-up of your business
- training and advice on financial and legal matters
- training on record keeping, and
- ongoing help with managing your accounts.
In order to stay in the program it is expected that:
- by the 8th week, you submit a workable business plan to your caseworker
- by the 16th week, you make accumulated sales of $100 or more
- by the 24th week, make accumulated sales of $500 or more
- by the 32nd week, make accumulated sales of $1,000 or more
- by the 60th week, your average gross monthly business earnings exceed the amount of social assistance you receive by at least 51%
While the program is generally full-time (30 hours per week), it may be possible to participate on a part-time basis, in combination with other approved employment activities such as part-time work.
The maximum time you can participate in the Self-Employment Development program is 60 weeks. If the business is progressing and you meet all the benchmarks, you may be able to continue developing the business on your own for another 6 to 12 months.
Employment and Social Services does not provide business loans, so this program is for business that have low start-up costs and can be developed at low costs over time.
While enrolled in this program you may be eligible for help with costs such as transportation and clothing. You may also be eligible for a $253 benefit when your business plan is approved by your caseworker.
For more information, talk to your caseworker, or go to an Employment Centre.
Job search resources
