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.

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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.

This position is delivering the Career Pathways to Success Program for People with Disabilities.

The Career Pathways to Success program supports people with disabilities to gain the confidence, tools, and resources to pursue their career dreams. This innovative employment program helps to engage or re-engage job seekers who have become socially isolated because of Covid-19. Building upon the process of moving from social isolation to connectivity, participants will be provided opportunities to identify viable employment goals through a career self-discovery process and to access short-term certificate training necessary to be competitive and successful in today’s labour market. A dedicated staff team will provide post-training support by helping participants move onto further education or to secure and maintain paid employment. Components of the program are offered virtually, and all the necessary equipment and digital training will be provided so participants can participate fully in the program.

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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 counselling 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 counselling 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.

**Qualifications**:

- Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant allied health discipline.
- 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 and to 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

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $26.42 per hour