Customized Employment Specialist

Open Door Group (ODG), a mission driven non-profit organization serving communities across British Columbia and Alberta, is looking for a Customized Employment Specialist to join our team!

Wage : $33.49 to $35.31 per hour, Grid 34, Step 1 (Health Sciences Association, Community Bargaining Association)

Status : Casual

Hours of Work: Up to 36 hours per week, on an as and when needed basis. There are no guaranteed hours of work in this position, however, there will be an initial training period where the successful candidate will work close to full time hours. Following this, casual staff are required to provide availability such that they are able to work a minimum of 270 hours over any 12 month period in order to maintain employment status.

Location : This position will support service delivery in the Vancouver area. Work may be assigned in any of the Open Door Group Vancouver locations, as needed.

Your Role

The Customized Employment Specialist is dedicated to supporting individuals who face significant challenges entering the traditional workforce. This casual position may support the delivery of WorkBC and CLBC Employment Services provided by Open Door Group in the Vancouver area. Depending on client needs, supports may focus on helping individuals pursue meaningful employment opportunities, build independence, achieve personal goals, develop social connections, and increase community inclusion. Services are individualized and may include employment planning and job coaching, as well as support with learning, friendship, community participation, and other goals that contribute to a fulfilling and self-directed life.

Your day will be spent engaging with clients in their communities, conducting Discovery activities to assess their skills, interests, strengths, and preferences; supporting clients to pursue personal, community, and employment-related goals; facilitating opportunities for learning, skill development, friendship building, and community inclusion; providing job coaching at worksites when applicable; and collaborating with employers, community organizations, families, and support networks to help clients achieve meaningful outcomes. The successful candidate will have flexibility in their scheduled hours of work and the ability to travel throughout the day to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and their support networks.

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

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. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you. This is not a benefited position; however the successful candidate will receive 10% in lieu of vacation and statutory holiday pay and will have the opportunity to purchase an affordable benefits package after 180 hours of work.

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.

Key Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline.
• Recent, related experience of two (2) years facilitating discovery assessments and providing customized employment services.
• Experience working with persons with complex needs (may include substance use, severe mental health conditions, complex disabilities or health issues or unstable housing).
• Experience maintaining written client records, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Additional Qualifications

• 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 considered an asset.
• Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification considered an asset.
• CCDP Certification considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle during working hours.
• Must maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sectors check.

Customized Employment Skills

• Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, develop individualized service plans, and provide employment-related counselling and coaching.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and motivational interviewing strategies and practices.
• Knowledge of employment barriers, job search strategies, and customized employment principles.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to foster positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and with complex needs. Ability to observe, recognize, and respond appropriately to changes in clients.
• Ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically and maintain composure under pressure.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive assessment reports, detailing findings and recommendations effectively.

Case Management Skills

• Ability to meet deadlines, manage a high-volume caseload, and work under pressure while maintaining quality, customer-centered service.
• Time management skills combined with ability to prioritize, strong organizational skills and attention to detail necessary.

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 View phone number on ca.workus.org and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at ***email_hidden***.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team!