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: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 Hours per week

Location: The primary work location for this position will be the Open Door Group office at 1200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, but will have secondary work locations of all Open Door Group sites in the Vancouver area as needed.

**Your Role**:
As a Customized Employment Specialist for Open Door Group, you will provide Customized Employment services to clients at our partner's location.

The **Customized Employment Specialist** is dedicated to supporting individuals who face significant challenges entering the traditional workforce. This role focuses on guiding clients with complex needs (may include substance use, severe mental health conditions, complex disabilities or health issues or unstable housing) 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.

**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. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you. Open Door Group is a Municipal Pension Plan employer.

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.