Employment Specialist

About the Organization

Open Door Group is a purpose-led non-profit that supports communities across Alberta and British Columbia. The organization is hiring an Employment Specialist to help people living with mental health conditions in the Lower Mainland move toward meaningful work and greater community connection.

This opportunity depends on funding approval, and applications are being welcomed ahead of final confirmation.

Role Overview

In this position, you will guide participants toward employment, volunteering, training, and career growth as part of their recovery journey. The role is focused on strengthening confidence, independence, social inclusion, and community participation through individualized employment support.

You will work with participants to understand their strengths, interests, skills, and career goals, then create practical action plans tailored to each person. Support may include career exploration, job-readiness preparation, job search assistance, and help accessing community services, training, and other resources.

A major part of the job is employer outreach: developing relationships with employers, spotting suitable opportunities, and helping participants secure and keep meaningful work. You will also provide job coaching, workplace troubleshooting, and retention support in both community and workplace settings when required.

The position works across seven residential mental health locations operated by Pioneer Community Living Association, in partnership with PCLA Managers of Care, Mental Health Workers, and other support staff. Service delivery may take place in residences, workplaces, community settings, schools, and other locations that support participant goals.

Compared with many employment specialist roles, this one carries a smaller active caseload of about 20 to 25 participants, allowing for more intensive one-on-one support, stronger community-based service delivery, closer integrated planning, and more focused employer engagement.

Schedule, Location, and Employment Terms

This is a permanent full-time position with flex-time scheduling. Staff are expected to work 72 hours over a two-week period and must be available for occasional evenings or weekends based on client needs.

The role is based in community outreach across the Lower Mainland, with a home office. Regular travel is required to PCLA residences in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and New Westminster, as well as to other community locations.

A valid BC driver’s licence and access to a dependable vehicle are required for this role. The posting also notes that a satisfactory driver’s abstract and a satisfactory criminal record are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly wage for this position is between $32.04 and $33.83, aligned to Health Sciences Association, Community Bargaining Association Grid 31.

Open Door Group offers a comprehensive benefits package that is 100% employer-paid, along with enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan. Employees also have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program and a professional development fund that can be used for courses, workshops, or certifications.

The organization highlights its status as a Certified Living Wage Employer and its recognition as one of Canada’s Certified Great Places to Work.

What You Bring

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they meet most, rather than all, of the qualifications, as equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Ideal candidates will bring a background in supporting people with disabilities and complex barriers, along with a strong understanding of recovery-oriented, person-centred employment support. You should be comfortable identifying participant strengths and turning them into practical employment goals, while also building employer partnerships and identifying suitable job opportunities.

The role calls for knowledge of employment barriers, job search approaches, career development concepts, disability-related accommodations, labour market trends, and community-based wraparound supports. You will also need solid time management, organization, attention to detail, record-keeping accuracy, and clear verbal and written communication skills.

Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Mental Health First Aid can be completed after hiring. Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Practice, and CCDP certification are considered assets.

Additional Requirements

You must have a valid driver’s licence, a satisfactory driving record, and access to a reliable personal vehicle for regular travel in the community. A satisfactory criminal record check is also required.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Open Door Group is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessible hiring. The organization encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, people of all genders and sexual orientations, people of diverse origins and ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, people of all ages, and people of all religions.

If you need another way to submit your application, the organization provides an accessible application process and invites candidates to contact its HR team for assistance.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Internal Posting

The internal posting closing date is June 29, 2026.