Heather Sullivan, M.S.W., RRP

Employment CounsellorHeather Sullivan, M.S.W., RRP, Employment Counsellor

Heather is a results-oriented Employment Counsellor who specializes in helping persons with disabilities and post secondary education to find and maintain employment. During her 20 years of professional practice, she has successfully coached hundreds of individuals with significant injuries and disabilities back into the workforce.

Heather uses a collaborative model that emphasizes client participation in all aspects of the process. Her philosophy is that people can achieve a productive vocational life if their needs and values are well understood, existing resources can be utilized, and appropriate personal supports are in place. Each client's unique situation and outlook is carefully weighed into the process that determines their readiness for work and participation in the agreed-upon Employment Action Plan.

Heather’s employment background includes 14 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals and Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital plus two years as a Program Coordinator, Disability Specialist, Centre for Student Development, McMaster University. Since starting Vocational Solutions in 2002, Heather has been approved as a service provider for ODSP Employment Supports and designed and delivered the Women Getting Work Program for the Women’s Centre of Hamilton. In addition, she assisted with the planning and delivery of four OPTIONS the Conference that Works for Women and four Face to Face - Hamilton’s Job Fair from 2006 to 2009. Heather’s volunteer involvement has included FRIENDS for Success, The Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, the Women’s Reference Group, Hamilton Training Advisory Board, and the HR Hero Award Committee of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Heather holds a M.S.W. degree, a RRP designation, a Certificate in Disability Management (Return to Work Coordinator), a Certificate in Adult Education, and is a Certified Job Finding Club Facilitator. She is a member of the Ontario Alliance of Career Development Practitioners and the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada.