Career Connection (Community Living Mississauga)’s Job Path works with people who have an intellectual disability to support their entry into the workforce. In 2021, Rafael, a recent high school graduate preparing to start his career, entered the program to focus on career exploration and land his next opportunity.
Rafael is a motivated, reliable, dependable person who was ready to work, and Career Connection (Community Living Mississauga) easily identified the many ways in which he would be an asset to an employer. Friendly, tech-savvy, proficient with Microsoft Suite, strong communicator, ready to learn, and well-organized, Rafael was a strong candidate for any employer looking to hire an administrative/clerical/customer service representative, and he was ready to take on any new opportunity.
When Rafael was beginning to apply for positions, Career Connection also joined a national initiative to support federal public service employment. Hosted by LiveWorkPlay in Ottawa, the Canadian Network Supporting Inclusive Public Service Employment (CNSIPSE) includes a membership of service providers across Canada who work alongside the Federal Employment Strategy Group (FESG) to focus on ensuring opportunities for successful federal employment outcomes across the country for people who have an intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Career Connection had the opportunity to present a candidate during a meeting of the CNSIPSE network, and proudly showcased Rafael as an ideal candidate who was ready, willing, and able to work.
Soon after the network meeting, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reached out, as they had previously hired with support from Career Connection, and were looking to fill an administrative role. They wondered if Rafael might be the right fit. Knowing what he had to offer and what CFIA needed, Career Connection confirmed that Rafael was indeed the right match.
Rafael is now working full-time as an administrative assistant. His role focuses on working with people and supporting their connection to services related to animals. This includes scheduling appointments, preparing and reviewing documentation for the veterinary team, and a variety of administrative duties to ensure that all processes, policies and procedures are followed.
It all comes down to people and connections. Connecting with local services, networking and fostering relationships and, for Rafael and CFIA, meeting business and customer needs.
Interested in learning more about inclusive employment? Contact Career Connection at info@career-connection.ca or 905-542-2694.