Disability Employment Specialist

Open Door Group is a non-profit organization that has been serving communities across British Columbia since 1976. Today, we continue to provide tailored employment services to individuals and businesses to build strong workforce ecosystems and thriving communities.

As one of Canada’s Certified Great Places to Work, ODG prides itself on modelling a culture of compassion for others and authenticity. Our core values are based on the genuine belief that all individuals can succeed and are the drivers of their own success.

Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Associate Program Director or designated coordinator/manager, the Disability Employment Specialist assists clients with a disability to successfully acquire education, work, or play (leisure/recreation) in the community by determining appropriate interventions required to meet individual needs and situational requirements.

**Duties**:

- Observes clients, identifies, and assesses potential emergency situations, and develops short-term strategies to deal with such situations. Reports medical, behavioral, and other problems as required.
- Provides supportive counseling and behavioral management techniques to assist clients in establishing strategies to seek, obtain, and maintain employment.
- Follow up with employers and community providers to ensure education, community/work experience, employment/recreation/leisure placements, and agreements are established and maintained, and to monitor the quality of placements.
- Ensure the sustainability of community and employment placements by performing duties such as onsite community/job coaching; access to supportive counseling and further skills building; and access to government incentives, i.e., wage subsidies.
- Builds and maintains relationships with various community networks including contractors, employers, and clients.
- Responsible for ensuring that relevant statistical, program, and student/participant reports are processed accurately, reflect professional quality, and adhere to established deadlines.
- Achieves monthly and annual goals and objectives and maintains acceptable standards of service quality.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

- Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant allied health discipline.
- Valid B.C. driver's license and use of a personal vehicle during working hours. Must be able to travel throughout the province.
- Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Officer Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Open Door Group must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

**Experience**:
Recent, related experience of two years in supporting people with disabilities in a helping profession and/or in providing employment readiness, essential skills, or employment services.

Skills and Abilities:

- Demonstrated ability to meet the demands of a varied and large client load.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrated ability to instruct, analyze, and resolve problems.
- Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
- Knowledge of disability issues and resources.
- Ability to accurately maintain client files and ability to proficiently use Microsoft Office programs and/or government databases.

How to Apply:
- Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team