Customized Employment Specialist

Open Door Group (ODG), a trailblazing non-profit organization serving communities across Canada, is looking for a Customized Employment Specialist to join our team

**Salary**: $31.56 per hour, Grid 34, Step 2

**Status: Casual**

**Hours of Work**: 36 Hours per week until September 2025

**Location**: Varies based on operational requirements - Vancouver Midtown [PCRS], and the Open Door Group work Locations in Vancouver at 200-250 West Pender St, 900-1200 Burrard St and 134 E. Hastings St.

**Your Role**:
As a Customized Employment Specialist for Open Door Group, you will provide Customized Employment services to clients, based out an ODG site or for our partner, PCRS, at their WorkBC Centre Midtown.

The **Customized Employment Specialist** is dedicated to supporting individuals who face significant challenges entering the traditional workforce. This role focuses on guiding clients with disabilities, complex needs or multiple barriers through their entire employment journey, from initial intake to sustained employment. Customized Employment is an individualized and flexible approach that personalizes the relationship between job seekers and employers to benefit both parties. Based on the client Discovery and Employment Profile, CES staff collaborates with employers to carve or create Customized Employment opportunities to align with the client's ideal conditions of employment or explores Self-Employment options, where most appropriate, to meet the client's unique needs and abilities.

**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 an Employer funded Employee and Family Assistance program to support you Instead of traditional vacation time, we offer 10% in lieu time, and employees can opt into the affordable health and dental plan after 180 hours.

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**:
**Career Development 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.

**Organizational and Time 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.

**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.