Supporting Employees: Settlement Services
Settlement services help support newcomers integrate into the community, and connect them with different programs and services. They are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ontario Ministry of Children Community & Social Services. The services are free and confidential.
If new employees are recent arrivals to the country or community, getting settled can take a considerable amount of time and effort. During the first weeks, a flexible work schedule may be required for employees to complete the following items:
- Secure housing (including utilities, parking, phone/internet, etc.)
- Evaluate child-care options, or register children in school
- Establish reliable transportation
- Open a bank account, apply for health card, obtain driver's licenses
- Get documents translated
Settlement service staff help support newcomers to integrate into the community, and connect them with different programs and services for the whole family. Settlement services may include:
- English/French Language Training Classes or English/French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) Classes
- Referrals to, and information on, community services and organizations
- Arrangement of translation and/or interpretative services
- Support completing forms and applications
- Assistance with securing housing, employment, school registrations, training etc.
Settlement Tip – Consider the whole family
Consider a welcoming activity or get-together that includes the families of new immigrant employees. This will build community connections, increase retention rates, and help the new employee feel welcome.
Local Information and Important Resources:
There are agencies in Simcoe County to help newcomers integrate into the community. Local settlement service agencies educate immigrants about Simcoe County and help connect them with different programs and services available in the area. Settlement services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Settlement Services in Simcoe County offer a range of services including:
- English language classes
- Information on living in Simcoe County
- Information on working in Simcoe County
- Referrals to help find other local services
Making a referral to a local settlement service can go a long way in easing some of the pressure on human resources departments, or small- to medium-sized employers.
Simcoe County Settlement Services:
YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka Newcomer Services YMCA staff assist newcomers through supported settlement services and appropriate English language training.
Settlement Services
Our settlement staff team assists newcomers to Canada to settle and adapt to life in Barrie and throughout Simcoe County through the following services:
- Assistance in completing forms
- Arrange for interpreters and translators
- Information on social services, schools, health care, housing and recreational facilities
- Referrals to education, government and community services
- Employment counseling
English Language Training
YMCA teachers are here to help you learn English
- English as a Second language classes
- Reading-Writing-Listening-Speaking
- 18 years of age or older
- Free of charge to eligible participants
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment test required
- Proof of permanent residence required
- Free childcare for registered participants • Monday to Friday
320 Bayfield Street, Unit 63A – Bayfield Mall
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
705-797-2020 ext. 25
* Please phone to arrange appointments in Innisfil, Midland and Bradford
Bradford Immigrant Community Services (BICS)
Bradford Immigrant & Community Services (BICS) can help with:
- English as a Second Language Classes
- Information, Referral and Advocacy
- Translation & Interpretation
- Form Completions
- Commissioning of Documents
- Citizenship & Immigration
- Settlement Assistance
11 Holland Street East
Bradford, Ontario, Canada
905-775-3343
Inquiries:
inquiries@bradfordimmigrant.com
Georgian College
Georgian College offers the following programs for immigrants:
1.
Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT):
OSLT is FREE work-oriented language training (180 hours) to help newcomers to Canada improve their workplace communication skills.
There are two formats for OSLT course delivery at Georgian College:
- In-class: All 180 hours are delivered in a classroom at a Georgian College campus
- A blended, multi-site delivery: These courses are delivered partly in-class (video conferencing with another college) and partly online, usually 25 per cent in class and 75 per cent online
For more information about OSLT or booking a CLB assessment contact:
oslt@georgiancollege.ca or call 705.728.1968, ext. 5329.
Welcome Centre – Mobile Services
Welcome Centre - Mobile staff can help with:
Settlement Services:
- Individual needs assessments and settlement advice
- Assistance completing government forms
- Provide information on a variety of settlement topics: health-care, housing, legal assistance, financial, and education
* Interpretation support provided by request
Accreditation Services:
- Pathway planning to achieve career goals that reflect international education, skills or experience
* Services available by appointment only
English Conversation Circles (on-going registration):
- Practice English conversation skills in a comfortable setting while connecting with other newcomers in the area
*Services are currently provided in: Alliston, Collingwood, Orillia, and Wasaga Beach. Walk-ins are welcome.
*To schedule an appointment in an alternative location, call: 1-877-761-1155 (please indicate an appointment is needed with the mobile unit), or email at:
mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca
Libraries:
The library is a great place to go to feel more connected to the local community. The library has information and resources for community members, specifically for newcomers. Members of the library have access to resources and services such as:
- Settlement and language supports, employment services and training networks, government, health, and community events and programs
- Adult and children materials (books, DVDs, magazines) in up to 14 different languages
- Access to the Welcome Centre staff via video calls, through the Click Connect Program
Click here to contact your local library
Simcoe County Immigration Portal
The
Simcoe County Immigration Portal is an excellent online resource for anyone who is considering moving to Simcoe County, or who is new to the region. The portal includes comprehensive information on:
- Local community and settlement services
- Finding work and doing business
- Education and training
- How to make connections with local agencies
- The experiences of newcomers living in Simcoe County
- Simcoe County and its diverse communities
Employers can include the
Immigration Portal link on company websites and job postings to attract potential immigrant employees, and provide information about Simcoe County.
Settlement.org
Settlement.org is an Ontario-focused website containing settlement information on: Immigration & citizenship, housing, health, employment, education, community & recreation, legal services, and daily life.
This site also includes:
- Translated information in more than 30 languages
- A discussion forum where users can ask questions and get responses from Information and Referral specialists and/or other forum users
InMyLanguage.org
InMyLanguage.org contains settlement information available in 11 languages. It provides information for newcomers to Ontario, and covers the following topics: Immigrating, housing, work, health, education, legal matters, daily living
211 – Community Connections
To learn more about local programs and services, employers can refer new hires to Community Connections. Community Connections is a non-profit community information and referral service agency, which connects people and organizations with information and resources. Interpretation and TTY services are available. Visit
InfoSimcoeCounty.ca
Government Immigration and Settlement Information:
IRCC- Resources for New Immigrants
This website covers various topics to help new immigrants start their new life in Canada
Ontario Immigration - Services to Help You Settle
This guide offers information in 17 languages and includes listings of settlement services within Ontario