Ann Kleiser

Background

About Ann Kleiser

I am a Certified Career Development Practitioner with over 20 years experience working with the unemployed in the non-profit sector. Prior to this, I spent 10 years working as a political aide at municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. My passion for advocacy and public service has driven my career choices. As a front-line career development practitioner, I provide guidance, counselling and case management services to experienced workers, newcomers, youth, persons with disabilities and adults receiving financial supports. I use a holistic approach in my work understanding that job search is never just about needing a job but is also about finding passion and purpose in our work and finding an alignment with our personal values in our workplace. As a manager, I oversee the day-to-day delivery of employment programming under contract to various levels of government. I provide supervisory support to a staff of 20+ unionized employees to ensure the effective delivery of employment services to job seekers across diverse, demographic groups through Employment Ontario, Skills Link and POES programming. I ensure that program outcomes are achieved in compliance with contractual obligations. As a forward thinking professional, I write proposals and develop partnerships to fill systemic gaps in order to deliver a more complete employment model of support. The Moving Forward Program is one of the highlights of my work. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive employment program for individuals living with mental health and addiction challenges, I developed and presented an eight-week program to the City of Toronto. Having successfully secured funding, the program is now in it’s ninth year and continues to provide a valuable role in providing purpose in the lives of the people it serves. My passion for working with persons with disabilities also transitioned into the awarding of a provincial Impact and Innovation Award in 2018 for the work of the Enhanced Services Team at St. Stephen’s Community House. Having always been a life-long learner, I enjoy keeping my skills upgraded through membership in various organizations, conferences, readings and in-class professional development offerings.