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

Open Door Group is launching the GROW Project to support individuals in Red Deer who experience chronic unemployment and are at high risk of homelessness. This program recognizes the intersecting barriers participants face, such as housing and income insecurity, mental health and substance use challenges, systemic barriers, and limited community support, and provides flexible, client-centered interventions tailored to their needs.

Through a mobilized outreach approach, the GROW Project builds trust by meeting individuals where they are in the community, and offering culturally safe, low-barrier entry points. With sustained one-on-one support, wraparound case management, and adaptive service stages, the program helps participants navigate setbacks, strengthen stability, and move toward meaningful employment and independence.

Salary: $31 to $32 per hour

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Schedule: This position will have a flexible scheduling model, where the successful candidate will set their own schedule, averaging 72 hours every two weeks, to meet the unique needs of our clients and to achieve the required outcomes of the role. Employees are expected to be available to work evenings or weekends as needed.

Location: The primary work location for this position will be community outreach in Red Deer, with a home office, and a secondary work location of the Open Door Group/ETHOS office at 4728 Ross St, Red Deer.

Anticipated Number of positions: 1

The Customized Employment Specialist is dedicated to supporting individuals who experience chronic unemployment and are at high risk of homelessness, and who may have disabilities or complex barriers in accessing meaningful, community-based employment. This role is delivered out in the community using non-traditional employment approaches.

The Customized Employment Specialist works directly with clients, conducting Livelihoods Assessments, Asset Mapping, Valued Social Role Mapping, Personal Supports Mapping, and Personal Recovery Outcome Measure (PROM) , developing Individualized Livelihood Plans, and collaborating with community service providers, social enterprises, and employers to offer wraparound supports, low-barrier work-based learning placements, or adapt job opportunities. By fostering strong partnerships with businesses and community organizations, they ensure employment outcomes are sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial.

The ideal candidate is compassionate and trauma-informed, able to build trust and rapport with individuals who may have experienced trauma, systemic barriers, or multiple challenges. They are adaptable and resilient, comfortable working in dynamic environments, handling changing priorities, and adjusting approaches to meet client needs. Skilled in working with people facing complex barriers, including but not limited to:

• Housing instability or homelessness
• Physical or mental health conditions
• Substance use and recovery
• Histories of trauma or violence
• Poverty and economic marginalization
• Involvement with the criminal justice system

They are confident engaging with clients in community settings, demonstrates patience and empathy while meeting clients where they are, including in non-traditional or informal settings.  Demonstrate strengths-based and solutions-focused by bringing strong problem-solving skills to support clients through setbacks and successes, maintaining a steady and positive presence.

Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position.  Full posting and job description are available here:

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 and an RRSP matching program. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you Invest in your future with our professional development fund. Pursue courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career.

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:

Key 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.

Additional Qualifications:

• 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 driver's license and use of a personal motor vehicle during working hours.
• CCDP Certification considered an asset.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Customized Employment 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.

Case 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.

Open Door Group values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. We are looking for qualified individuals who represent, at all job levels, the diversity of the people we serve and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, individuals of all genders and sexual orientation, origin and ethnic affiliations, disability, age, and religion.

We strive to ensure an accessible experience for candidates. If you require an alternative method to submit your application, please contact us toll-free at and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team