Employment Specialist at Open Door Social Services Society

, British Columbia, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Sep, 26

Salary

33.83

Posted On

23 Jun, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Recovery-oriented approach, Person-centred support, Employer relationship management, Job coaching, Career exploration, Conflict resolution, Time management, Organizational skills, Client record maintenance, Verbal and written communication, Job search strategies, Labour market analysis

Industry

Human Resources Services

Description

Open Door Group (ODG), a mission-driven non-profit organization serving communities across Alberta and BC, is seeking an Employment Specialist to support residents living with mental health conditions in the Lower Mainland. This role is subject to funding approval, and we welcome interested applicants in advance of funding confirmation. Wage: $32.04 to $33.83 per hour, Health Sciences Association, Community Bargaining Association Grid 31 Status: Full-Time, Permanent Schedule: This position will have flex-time scheduling. This means that the staff will work 72 hours over a two week period. Employees are expected to provide availability to work evenings or weekends as needed to best meet the needs of their clients. Location: Community Outreach in the Lower Mainland area, with a home office. Travel to the PCLA residences in Burnaby, Coquitlam and New Westminster and the community will be a regular part of the role. A valid BC Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Internal Posting closing date: June 29, 2026 Your Role: As an Employment Specialist, you will support participants in pursuing meaningful employment, volunteer, training, and career development opportunities as part of their individual recovery journey, helping to build confidence, independence, social inclusion, and community connection. Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with participants to identify their strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals, developing individualized employment action plans that align with their recovery and career aspirations. You’ll provide career exploration, employment preparation, job search support, and assistance navigating employment opportunities. You’ll connect participants to relevant community resources, training, and support services based on their individual needs and goals. You will actively engage employers, build relationships, identify employment opportunities, and support participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Working collaboratively with PCLA support teams, you will provide individualized employment support, including job coaching, workplace problem-solving, and employment retention supports, both in the community and at the workplace as needed. Working across seven residential mental health sites operated by Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA), Working closely with PCLA Managers of Care, Mental Health Workers, and other support staff, you will participate in integrated service planning to support participants in achieving their employment and recovery goals. Services will be delivered in a variety of settings, including residential sites, workplaces, community locations, educational institutions, and other environments that support participant goals. Unlike traditional employment specialist roles, this position maintains a smaller active caseload of approximately 20 to 25 participants, allowing for more intensive individualized support community-based service delivery, integrated planning with support teams, and meaningful employer engagement. Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position. Full posting and job description are available here: Careers at Open Door Group [https://www.opendoorgroup.org/about-us/careers-at-open-door-group] Why Open Door Group? Champion of Great Workplaces: ODG proudly holds the title of one of Canada's Certified Great Places to Work, fostering a culture of compassion and authenticity. Join a team that values your unique contribution and believes in the boundless potential of every individual. Competitive Compensation and Benefits: As a Certified Living Wage Employer, ODG is committed to offering more than just a job. Enjoy a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefits package and enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you. Invest in your future with our professional development fund. Pursue courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career. Community Impact: Be part of an organization that goes beyond the conventional, providing tailored employment services to build strong workforce ecosystems and thriving communities. Your work will directly contribute to the social and economic well-being of the community. What you bring to the position: If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about supporting people in their employment journey, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that career paths are not always linear and welcome equivalent combinations of education and experience. Education & Experience: * Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline, and * Recent, related experience of three (3) years in a helping profession supporting individuals with disabilities and complex barriers, or * An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Skills and Abilities * Understanding of recovery-oriented and person-centred approaches when supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges * Ability to identify and build upon participant strengths, interests, skills, and aspirations to support individualized employment goals * Ability to develop and maintain employer relationships and identify employment opportunities aligned with participant interests and strengths * Knowledge of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles or experience working within IPS-informed employment models is considered an asset * Ability to foster positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and maintain composure under pressure * Knowledge of employment barriers, job search strategies, and career development theories and principles * Understanding of disability-related employment needs and accommodations * Knowledge of local labour market trends and in-demand occupations * Knowledge of community resources and wrap-around supports * Time management skills combined with the ability to prioritize, strong organizational skills * Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining client records * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing Certifications: * Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire) * Mental Health First Aid Training (can be acquired after hire) * Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification are considered an asset. * Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification are considered an asset. * CCDP Certification is considered an asset Additional Requirements * Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driver’s abstract required * Access to a reliable personal vehicle for regular community travel * Required to complete and maintain a satisfactory criminal record Open Door Group values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. We are looking for qualified individuals who represent, at all job levels, the diversity of the people we serve and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, individuals of all genders and sexual orientation, origin and ethnic affiliations, disability, age, and religion. We strive to ensure an accessible experience for candidates. If you require an alternative method to submit your application, please contact us toll-free at 1 866 377 3670 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at humanresources@opendoorgroup.org [humanresources@opendoorgroup.org] Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team!

Responsibilities

Support individuals with mental health conditions in finding and maintaining meaningful employment, volunteering, and training opportunities. Collaborate with support teams to develop individualized action plans and build relationships with local employers.