The TEAM Work approach
Finding the right person for the right job requires more than luck — it takes the right kind of support.
Through Nova Scotia Works, the Province of Nova Scotia invests in workforce development by funding 16 organizations dedicated to helping job seekers and employers thrive.
One of these is TEAM Work Cooperative, a Halifax-based employment centre offering job search and career coaching, employer services, specialized programs, networking, and events.
Supporting employers and job seekers
Pratibha Popat, Employer Services Manager at TEAM Work, is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and bridging the gap between individuals and businesses.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing these connections grow into meaningful employment relationships,” says Popat. “Having worked in Human Resources for many years, I have been in an employer’s shoes myself. I understand the challenges and needs businesses face, and that experience has helped me build strong partnerships that benefit both organizations and job seekers.”
TEAM Work not only helps individuals find opportunities that align with their skills and goals but also assists employers in diversifying their workforce. Nina Nersesova, Employer Engagement Specialist, highlights how their services make a difference:
“Take a small business owner who needs to grow their team but isn’t sure where to start. We step in — helping them access funding, guiding them on inclusive hiring, and connecting them with job seekers who are ready to work.”
Nersesova, who immigrated from Tbilisi, Georgia to Canada in 2021, understands firsthand how essential inclusive employment services are. “The gaps I saw in Georgia fueled my studies and my passion for this work.”
At TEAM Work, I support businesses with hiring, retention, funding, HR needs, and labour market insights. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team making a real impact.”
Real impact for employers
Many local businesses have benefited from TEAM Work’s services, including Pavan Puri, founder and chief executive officer of Invisipay:
“TEAM Work has been instrumental in helping us recruit talent for mobile app development. Nina demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of our hiring needs. We highly recommend their services to any organization looking for top-tier recruitment support.”
TEAM Work stands out due to its longstanding history of supporting people with disabilities. Before Nova Scotia Works unified employment services in 2016, TEAM Work was exclusively dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities. Today, they serve all Nova Scotians with employment needs, but their commitment to inclusive, knowledgeable, and effective employment support remains central to their work.
Closing the hiring gap
Katie Kelley, chief executive officer and founder of Maritime Interpreting and Translation, also experienced the benefits of TEAM Work’s inclusive approach:
“Their support in our hiring process was invaluable. They helped us find a highly qualified Administrative Assistant who is already making a positive impact. The team was professional, efficient, and truly committed to inclusive hiring.”
Nersesova acknowledges that both job seekers and employers face challenges:
“For job seekers, the biggest struggle is navigating a changing job market. Many feel stuck — sending out resumes without hearing back or unsure of what skills they need. Others are career changers, newcomers, or balancing personal responsibilities while job hunting.”
“On the employer side, hiring is more complex than ever. Many struggle to find qualified candidates, yet job seekers say they can’t find work. This disconnect is often due to mismatched expectations, skills gaps, or job postings that don’t reach the right people.”
That’s where TEAM Work and Nova Scotia Works make a difference.
“Instead of employers being flooded with hundreds of random resumes, we offer a targeted approach,” says Popat. “We connect businesses with job seekers who are genuinely interested and well-suited for their opportunities, saving time and ensuring better hiring outcomes.”
Left: The Forward Creative Team attending last year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year event. Right: Mary Ellen Makhlouf (left) and Emily Towns (right) spoke at the TEAM Work Cooperative’s Ability to Rise Event in December 2024.
A success story: The power of the right connection
A recent success story showcases TEAM Work’s wraparound support.
Mary Ellen Makhlouf, chief executive officer and co-founder of Forward Creative, needed help scaling her branding, marketing, and web development business in Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia. As demand grew, finding the right talent felt daunting.
Meanwhile, Emily Towns, a former registered nurse, was at a crossroads — experiencing burnout, a new autism diagnosis, and the loss of her father. She pursued a diploma in software and web development, but breaking into the industry proved challenging. That’s when she turned to TEAM Work — just as Mary Ellen was looking for talent.
Emily quickly became a key team member, bringing fresh ideas and helping Forward Creative grow in ways Mary Ellen hadn’t imagined.
“What started as a search for talent became a lesson in trust, growth, and the power of the right connections,” says Mary Ellen. “Emily didn’t just join our team — she helped shape it.”
For Emily, the job was life-changing.
“It’s been incredible to work somewhere I feel valued, supported, and respected. The support TEAM Work provided during a challenging time in my life was truly invaluable.”
Driving success through partnership
TEAM Work’s impact is possible thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia’s investment in employment services through Nova Scotia Works. By funding organizations like TEAM Work, the province ensures that job seekers and employers have the tools they need to succeed.
“At the heart of it all, TEAM Work and Nova Scotia Works exist to make employment easier,” says Popat. “No matter where someone is in their journey, we’re here to help them take the next step.”
Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity, TEAM Work continues to transform lives and businesses across Nova Scotia — one connection at a time.
