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

Wage: $32.04 to $33.83 per hour, Grid 31 Health Sciences Association Community Bargaining Agreement

Status: Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 hours per week. 

Location:  The primary work location will be the Open Door Group Thrive office, and will have secondary work locations of all Open Door Group sites in the Vancouver area as needed. 

Internal Posting closing date: July 14, 2026

Your Role:

As an Employment Specialist within the Thrive program, you will support individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges in building skills, confidence, and pathways toward employment and community participation. Thrive offers one-to-one coaching and group-based programs focused on wellness, personal development, and connection, and this role plays an important part in helping participants move toward their individual goals.

You will work directly with clients to assess strengths, identify barriers, and develop personalized plans that integrate employment readiness with overall wellness. This includes providing career counselling, supporting job search activities, and helping clients prepare for work through resume development, interview practice, and skill-building. Using a flexible and person-centered approach, you will guide individuals as they navigate both personal and systemic challenges.

The role also involves facilitating workshops in areas such as employment, life skills, and recreation. Using structured curriculum and approaches like Tell-Show-Do and positive reinforcement, you will create engaging and supportive learning environments. In addition, you will support clients in community settings, accompanying individuals or groups to locations such as recreation centres, educational institutions, and workplaces to help build confidence and real-world experience.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to program development by sharing insights on client progress and helping shape activities that reflect participant needs. This role requires strong empathy, adaptability, and a non-judgmental approach, with a focus on supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and well-being.

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: Careers at Open Door Group [https://www.opendoorgroup.org/about-us/careers-at-open-door-group]

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 enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you.

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:

If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that there are many pathways to developing the skills and experience needed for success in this role. We value transferable skills, diverse backgrounds, and relevant lived experience, and will consider equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline.
• Recent, related experience of three (3) years, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a helping profession supporting individuals with disabilities and complex barriers.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire)
• Mental Health First Aid Training (can be acquired after hire)
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification considered an asset.
• Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification are considered an asset.
• CCDP Certification is considered an asset.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and maintain composure under pressure.
• Knowledge of employment barriers, job search strategies, and career development theories and principles.
• Understanding of disability-related employment needs and accommodations.
• Knowledge of local labour market trends and in-demand occupations.
• Knowledge of community resources and wrap-around supports.
• Time management skills combined with ability to prioritize, strong organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining client records.

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 1 866 377 3670 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at humanresources@opendoorgroup.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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