Christopher Lawrence
Toronto,ON
Summary
Professional with expertise in community engagement and support for diverse populations. Proven track record in facilitating employment support and training, resulting in enhanced client outcomes. Skilled in developing effective training programs and forging strategic partnerships to meet organizational objectives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Caseworker
Toronto Employment Social Services
Toronto, Canada
01.2020 - Current
- Conduct interviews with clients by phone/in person at various locations.
- Collect, document, and evaluate information to determine the client’s initial/ongoing eligibility for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program.
- Compile and verify client information by contacting various sources, such as financial institutions, employers, landlords, and training program officials.
- Active steering committee member for the TESS BSN, which focuses on building ongoing capacity while promoting inclusivity through dialogue for racialized staff.
- Respond to inquiries from various sources, agencies, and politicians’ offices to address and clarify client issues per MFIPPA guidelines.
- Active member of the Community of Practice, I collaborate with caseworkers, support assistants, supervisors, and managers to enhance our services and promote the success of our clients.
- Maintain current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting the client population.
Youth Leader Coordinator
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Toronto, Canada
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Connected with a multi-disciplinary team to discuss potential employment training curriculum for City of Toronto youth spaces.
- Researched relevant employment topics for newly hired employees to the City of Toronto Park and Recreation Forestry Department.
- Reviewed all employment-focused material to determine what would complement the intended client group learning outcome.
- Presented all materials to the project lead for further review, determining if the material created and developed would benefit from revisions.
- Facilitated a multiplicity of job lead information that increases employment opportunities for youth.
- City of Toronto
Community Engagement Facilitator
Springboard
04.2016 - 03.2018
- Designed and delivered a marketing plan to attract underemployed/unemployed job seekers in targeted city areas that TRIDEL CORPORATION is revitalizing.
- Worked collaboratively with the Employment Services network, TESS, TCHC and the City of Toronto to identify and assess the individual interests of clients served.
- Facilitated employment hiring events that led to residents securing employment or pre-apprenticeship training programs and skills, i.e., Hammer Heads, Building-Up and I ‘Am Lawrence project.
- Assisted employers with the potential hiring of clients.
- Educated employers on the client’s needs, developing and submitting accurate and complete agreements and communicating program guidelines and subsidy reimbursement processes.
Recruitment & Retention Specialist
Springboard
03.2018 - 01.2018
- Reviewed job placements and expenditure relations, including job matching, carving, and negotiating financial incentives and non-subsidized contracts (subsidized).
- Implemented realistic training goals with reasonable timelines.
- Monitored daily activities and payments to clients/employers and processed timely financial claims.
- Assessed client strengths and areas of development, advocacy, referrals and coordinating supports.
- Facilitated various life skills and employability sessions in a classroom setting for clients with multi-barrier youth who face barriers to employment.
Recruitment & Retention Specialist
Springboard
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Maintained job placements/expenditure relations, including job matching and job carving, and negotiated financial incentive contracts (subsidized) and non-subsidized contracts.
- Created training goals with reasonable timelines, monitored daily activities and payments to clients/employers, and promptly processed financial claims.
- Assessed client strengths and areas of development, advocacy, referrals and coordinated life-stabilization supports.
- Ensured case notes and a filing system for all client information, documents, and interactions.
- Community Partner Liaison/Employer Outreach - Networked, advocated and educated the community partners on program / Client/Employer needs.
Employment Specialist
Springboard
09.2008 - 10.2015
- Provided employment counselling and support for at-risk youth, including intake, risk assessment, contracting, and referral to the appropriate services.
- Developed, facilitated and evaluated group/individual training workshops in career exploration, job search techniques, employability skills, resume writing, interview techniques, cover letter writing and essential/life skills.
- Managed client forms and records and documented client involvement and interaction in client files.
- Provided periodic statistical and financial reports.
- Conducted community outreach, assisted with clients’ placement, and advocated on the client’s behalf when making referrals or conducting outreach.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
York University
Toronto, ON01.2026
Copywriting - Business Communication Course
George Brown College
Toronto, ON07.2021
Career Work Counselling Diploma -
George Brown College
Toronto, ON01.2010
Life Skills Coach Certificate -
George Brown College
Toronto, ON10.2008
Community Service Worker Diploma -
George Brown College
Toronto, ON04.2007
Skills
- Project Management
- Coordination
- Strategic Partnerships - service integration
- curation of inter-sectoral partnerships
- Community Engagement
- Capacity Building
- Inclusivity Promotion
- Networking
- Employment Support
- Career Counseling
- Funding Disbursement
- Facilitation
- Life Skills Training
- Employability Skills Development
Skills Experience
- Active member of the Community of Practice, collaborating with caseworkers, support assistants, supervisors, and managers to enhance services and promote client success.
- Active steering committee member for the TESS BSN, focusing on building ongoing capacity while promoting inclusivity through dialogue for racialized staff.
- Extensive network of community partners, including Employment Ontario Vendors such as Springboard, TDSB, TCHC, Afro Caribbean Business Network, University of Toronto, East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, and One Voice One Team and Lifted By Purpose.
- Provided Employment and Career support for over 2,500 job seekers, youth, adults, and New Canadians requiring support in starting and completing effective jobs/careers.
- Disbursed over $3 million in subsidy funding to prospective employers to hire job-ready clients.
- Facilitated various life skills and employability sessions in a classroom setting for clients with multi-barrier youth facing barriers to employment.
Personal Information
Total Experience: Over 15 years of experience in social services, passionate about driving transformative change and possessing leadership skills that enhance the ability to lead a team in a progressive work environment.
Timeline
Caseworker
Toronto Employment Social Services
01.2020 - Current
Recruitment & Retention Specialist
Springboard
03.2018 - 01.2018
Youth Leader Coordinator
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
01.2018 - 01.2020
Community Engagement Facilitator
Springboard
04.2016 - 03.2018
Recruitment & Retention Specialist
Springboard
10.2015 - 04.2016
Employment Specialist
Springboard
09.2008 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
York University
Copywriting - Business Communication Course
George Brown College
Career Work Counselling Diploma -
George Brown College
Life Skills Coach Certificate -
George Brown College
Community Service Worker Diploma -
George Brown College