Employment Specialist

Intellectual Disabilities (North and West Vancouver) Society (IDS) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities for over 69 years.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care through confidence-building, skill development, and inclusive community engagement.

We are committed to fostering independence and dignity for each individual by implementing strategic, person-centered plans that reflect their unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Position: Employment Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

(With the option to be extended) 

Goals and Responsibilities of the Position:

• Under the direction of the Lead Manager of Community Services, the Employment Specialist (ES) supports individuals with a disability in the process of gaining and maintaining meaningful employment in the local labour market. To achieve this goal, ES is to provide pre-employment education and training, help navigate job opportunities, directly market to and negotiate with local businesses for necessary accommodation, and provide support with job coaching for job retention.


• Provide one-to-one employment support to gain and maintain labour market attachment


• Market and advocate the client’s marketable skills and strengths to local businesses and employers


• Provide the client with on-site job coaching for long-term job retention at local businesses


• Develop networks and maintain contacts within the local business community and labour market


• Actively practice the Values, Beliefs, and Future Directions of IDS in an ethical, caring, and professional manner


• Perform administrative duties using working level of knowledge and skills in the MS Office suite; maintain and update various databases


• Effectively communicate and liaise with families, community resources and networks, and local businesses


• Professionally represent IDS to the community and local businesses


• Stay current with the current labour market trends, continuously learn, and work on professional development


• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for the clients, colleagues, community partners, and oneself


• See Job Description for a complete list of responsibilities


• This position is open to all

Requirements of the Position:

• Completion of relevant education (Career Development Practitioner Certificate, Vocational Rehabilitation, Disability and Community Studies, Social [Services] Worker studies, etc.). A bachelor’s degree is preferred.


• Minimum 2 years of experience in a vocational setting; a combination of education and experience will be considered.


• Experiences and skills acquired in the field of employment services, placement, job coaching, and career counselling


• Work in a self-directed and self-organizing way as well as in a team to deliver expected outcomes and quality services


• Demonstrate efficient communication, excellent collaboration, and a high level of professionalism and ethical standards


• Knowledge of current local labour market trends and changes, BC Employment Standards, and community resources


• Criminal Record Check, Valid First Aid and Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) certification, Medical form, TB Clearance, satisfactory Reference Checks, reliable vehicle and valid class 5 BC driver’s licence.