SPACES Employment Incentive Programme

 What is SPACES?
SPACES (Supporting People and Communities Employment Support Programme) is a short-term employment placement program intended to provide meaningful employment opportunities to Ontario Works recipients while assisting non-profit and public sector organizations in improving the health and wellbeing of the community. The County of Wellington Ontario Works programme will provide an employment incentive equivalent to the current hourly provincial minimum wage, plus mandatory employment-related costs, to a maximum of $4,500 per participant to organizations participating in SPACES. Placements are for a minimum of 150 hours for a duration of up to 16 weeks.
Who can apply?
Not for profit and public sector employers in the County of Wellington and the City of Guelph are eligible to apply.
What projects are eligible?
  • The employment incentive is offered for projects focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the community
  • The project should offer the individual hired the opportunity to build employment-related skills and increase employability
  • Organizations must be willing and able to offer training and supervision to the individual hired
  • Participation in SPACES should not displace any current paid staff or volunteers or reduce their hours
  • Placement duration is for a minimum of 150 hours for up to 16 weeks
  • Ontario Works will provide an employment incentive equivalent to the current hourly provincial minimum wage plus mandatory employment-related costs, to a maximum of $4,500 in total support per individual hired
What is the hiring process?

If your application is approved, you will be working with the Ontario Works office to recruit and screen Ontario Works applicants. The final hiring decision will be made by your organization, and all placements should aim to be completed by the end of the year. 

How will employers be selected?

Applications will be assessed by Ontario Works staff based on the following criteria:

  • The community impact/benefit of the project being supported by the SPACES participant
  • The benefit to the participant, including training and support provided, opportunity to build employment-related skills and increase participant employability
  • Any additional contributions the employer is able to offer in addition to the employment incentive such as corporate training, benefits, increased wages, ongoing employment opportunities etc.

How will the employment incentive be provided?
The employer will submit payroll records for reimbursement to the Ontario Works office upon completion of the placement. Payments in installments may be arranged if required.
How will the Ontario Works office be involved once the placement begins?

The Ontario Works office and the SPACES employer will enter into an agreement prior to the start of the placement to confirm the details of the placement. Ontario Works caseworkers are available to assist the employer and the participant with employment maintenance issues throughout the placement, including issuing funds for employment-related supports such as transportation, childcare, required clothing and equipment. Ontario Works staff will check in with employers during the placement to answer any questions and ensure that the placement is proceeding according to the agreement.

How can my organization submit an application?

The SPACES 2023 application period is open. Employer applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 SPACES Application

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