Employment Specialist

at  Archway Community Services

JOB SUMMARY

This position provides individuals referred to our EPIC program with an opportunity to obtain and retain paid employment by enhancing their job skills, seeking a position which will enable them to work towards their vocational goals, and identify barriers to employment. The Employment Specialist will assist each individual to complete or update their resume, apply for positions, practice interview skills, and attend interviews, if requested. The Employment Specialist will initially act as a liaison between the individual and their prospective employer by providing on-site job coaching, until the individual is independent in their job duties.

Archway’s Employment Specialist with the EPIC Program contributes by:

• Liaising with community service providers and other professionals to promote awareness of the EPIC Program at community meetings, events, and job fairs across the Fraser Valley
• Establishing and maintaining a network of community employers able to hire program participants for job and practicum placements.
• Assisting in promoting and marketing the EPIC Program to prospective employers.
• Scheduling intake appointments with new referrals and their family members.
• Conducting intake assessments, skill development activities, employment preparation, job search, job coaching, assistance with direct contact by individuals with potential employers, employment education, and advocacy support.
• Providing one-on-one support to individuals including follow-up career consulting appointments using case management principles such as vocational goal setting and barrier identification to create a plan and track progress.

This position is ideal for someone who possesses a deep knowledge of current employment challenges, life and work skills, vocational training and apprenticeships, career planning, and the current job market. The ideal candidate will also excel in communication, organizational expertise, and analytical thinking. They will effectively liaise with community service providers and employers, promote the EPIC Program, and provide individualized support to participants. The candidate should demonstrate empathy, patience, and a proactive approach, which will be crucial in assisting individuals to overcome barriers, develop their resumes, practice interview skills, and achieve their vocational goals through on-site job coaching and other support services.