Employment Specialist

The Open Door Group•Vancouver, BC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Employment Specialist within the Thrive program, you will support individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges in building skills, confidence, and pathways toward employment and community participation. Thrive offers one-to-one coaching and group-based programs focused on wellness, personal development, and connection, and this role plays an important part in helping participants move toward their individual goals. You will work directly with clients to assess strengths, identify barriers, and develop personalized plans that integrate employment readiness with overall wellness. This includes providing career counselling, supporting job search activities, and helping clients prepare for work through resume development, interview practice, and skill-building. Using a flexible and person-centered approach, you will guide individuals as they navigate both personal and systemic challenges. The role also involves facilitating workshops in areas such as employment, life skills, and recreation. Using structured curriculum and approaches like Tell-Show-Do and positive reinforcement, you will create engaging and supportive learning environments. In addition, you will support clients in community settings, accompanying individuals or groups to locations such as recreation centres, educational institutions, and workplaces to help build confidence and real-world experience. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to program development by sharing insights on client progress and helping shape activities that reflect participant needs. This role requires strong empathy, adaptability, and a non-judgmental approach, with a focus on supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and well-being.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
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 ability to prioritize, strong organizational skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining client records.
Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline.
Recent, related experience of three (3) years, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a helping profession supporting individuals with disabilities and complex barriers.
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire)
Mental Health First Aid Training (can be acquired after hire)
Must pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification
Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification
CCDP Certification

Responsibilities

Support individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges in building skills, confidence, and pathways toward employment and community participation.
Assess client strengths, identify barriers, and develop personalized plans that integrate employment readiness with overall wellness.
Provide career counselling, support job search activities, and help clients prepare for work through resume development, interview practice, and skill-building.
Facilitate workshops in areas such as employment, life skills, and recreation using structured curriculum and approaches like Tell-Show-Do and positive reinforcement.
Support clients in community settings, accompanying individuals or groups to locations such as recreation centres, educational institutions, and workplaces.
Contribute to program development by sharing insights on client progress and helping shape activities that reflect participant needs.