Employment Services

Learning Earning and Parenting (LEAP): Parents between the ages of 16-25 who have not completed secondary school are eligible to participate in the LEAP program. Participation in LEAP is mandatory for benefit receiving parents aged 16 and 17. LEAP participants are provided with supports to cover expenses associated with child care and school expenses. A bursary of $500 is awarded to a participant who completes the LEAP requirements.

Employment Benefits: Funds may be issued to recipients of Ontario Works who have mandatory requirements to participant in employment activities. The funds cover employment related expenses as a person progresses toward sustainable employment.  Employment benefits may include:

• Full-Time Employment Benefit (max of $500 in a 12-month period);
• Employment & Employment Assistance Activities Benefit (max of $253 in a 12-month period);
• Employment Related Expenses (max of $250 per month);
• Advance Child Care Payment (actual cost incurred for licensed child care program and a max of $600 for unlicensed child care)

Bruce County Hubs: Hubs are located in Kincardine, Port Elgin and Wiarton.  An Intensive Support Counsellor assesses a recipient’s employability and develops a case plan that will lead to self-reliance. The Hub offers services to assist job seekers to find employment by offering services such as: job referrals, job search strategies, referrals to VPI, and local labour market information.