Job Description
Salary: $31.56 per hour, Grid 34, Step 2
Status: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Community Outreach West Vancouver, with a home office. A secondary work location within the community will be assigned.
Schedule: This position will have a flexible scheduling model, where the successful candidate will set their own schedule, averaging 72 hours every two weeks, to meet the unique needs of our clients and to achieve the required outcomes of the role. Employees are expected to be available to work evenings or weekends as needed.
Expected start date: September 22, 2025
Your Role:
The Customized Employment Specialist is dedicated to supporting individuals who face significant challenges entering the traditional workforce. This role focuses on guiding clients with Developmental Disability, Autism Spectrum or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder through their entire employment journey, from initial intake to sustained employment. By conducting comprehensive Discovery assessments, this role develops and implements individualized employment plans and collaborates with employers to carve or create unique work opportunities customized to a client’s ideal conditions of employment.
This position is part of a contract to provide customized employment services to Community Living BC clients in the Vancouver Coastal West area. Your day will be spent engaging with clients in their community conducting discovery to assess their skills, interests and preferences, providing job coaching on worksites, and collaborating with employers to negotiate job placements. The successful candidate will be able to have flexibility in their scheduled hours of work and an ability to travel throughout their day to accommodate the needs and schedules of their 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: https://www.opendoorgroup.org/about-us/join-our-team
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. Flex-time scheduling provides enhanced work-life balance.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- Valid BC driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle during working hours.
- Must be able to travel throughout the province.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- CCDP Certification considered an asset.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
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 [email protected]
