Employment Specialist

Open Door Group (ODG), a mission-driven non-profit organization serving communities in Alberta and BC, is seeking an Employment Specialist to support individuals facing barriers to employment in achieving greater life stability, career readiness, and meaningful employment outcomes.

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 Hours per week 

Wage: $32.04 to $33.83 per hour

Location: The primary work location is Open Door Group Edmonton Employment Centre at Suite 500, 10150 - 100 Street NW, Edmonton.

About the Role:

The Employment Specialist supports participants throughout their employment journey using a strength-based and stability-focused approach. The Employment Specialist provides individualized career development services including vocational assessment, employment planning, skill development, job search support, employer engagement, and post-placement follow up. 

Working collaboratively with team members and community partners, the Employment Specialist helps participants build the foundation necessary for meaningful and sustainable employment.

For a full overview of responsibilities, please see the complete job description available on our careers page: 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 retirement investment. 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:

If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about this work, we encourage you to apply. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

•  Diploma in Social Sciences or a related discipline


•  Three years of recent, related experience supporting individuals with disabilities or complex barriers in a helping profession


•  Experience conducting client assessments and developing individualized employment service plans


•  Experience providing one-on-one employment counselling and coaching


•  Experience designing and facilitating group programs using adult learning principles

Competencies and Skills

•  Knowledge of career development theory, job search strategies, and workplace accommodations


•  Understanding of employment barriers and wraparound community supports


•  Knowledge of local labour market trends and in-demand occupations


•  Strong verbal and written communication skills


•  Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, employers, and community partners


•  Ability to manage a caseload effectively while maintaining quality, client-centered service


•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems


•  Comfortable using digital platforms to deliver virtual or hybrid services


•  Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Certifications and Requirements

•  Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, or willingness to obtain after hire


•  Mental Health First Aid training, or willingness to obtain after hire


•  Motivational Interviewing training or certification is an asset


•  Trauma-Informed Practice training or certification is an asset


•  CCDP certification is an asset


• Must maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check

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. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people of all genders and sexual orientations, racialized individuals, people with disabilities, individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and faith traditions.

We strive to ensure an accessible recruitment experience. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact us toll-free at 1 866 377 3670 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at [email protected] 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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