Employment Specialist

About the Program: Employment program supports persons with self-identified disabilities who are experiencing barriers to employment. The objective of the program is to prepare participants to acquire new skills and enhance existing skills, so they find long term success in finding and keeping good jobs and contributing to healthy, inclusive society. Participants receive the skills and support to help in preparing for, finding, and keep good jobs or becoming self-employed, or advancing in their careers, or taking on new or greater responsibilities. Position Summary: The Position reports to Manager, Employment Programs We are seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist to join our team. This role involves recruiting clients, assessing their skills, and providing comprehensive support throughout the job search process, including career coaching and workshop facilitation. The ideal candidate will collaborate with community partners to secure job placements and manage client records. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, along with experience working with vulnerable populations, are essential for promoting successful employment transitions and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home. What You'll Be Doing: Program Coordination and Reporting (40%) Maintain client files and records according to accreditation standards for funding compliance. Prepare reports and compile program statistics while tracking and forecasting financial obligations. Attend program planning and review meetings, liaising with external stakeholders for networking and advocacy. Collaborate with the employment team to develop strategies that enhance program outcomes and maintain effective databases for tracking metrics. Complete corrective action plans to ensure desired outcomes are met. Participate in meetings and workshops aimed at program performance and continuous improvement. Collect and analyze data related to program outcomes, including demographics, employment rates, and retention statistics. Adhere to policies and procedures, assist with quality assurance, and perform other duties as assigned by the Manager. Client Recruitment and Assessment (30%) Recruit clients by liaising with community services, agencies, and training institutions to enhance referrals. Interview clients, prepare case histories, and assess eligibility for services in collaboration with community providers (e.g., Work BC). Conduct assessments to identify clients' skills, interests, employment history, career goals, and settlement needs. Facilitate individual employment counseling sessions to gather information, identify challenges, and support problem-solving. Employment Support (30%) Prepare clients for job searches, selection, and hiring processes, offering assistance with career development, job readiness, and interview skills. Plan, develop, and facilitate employment workshops. Create marketing materials, including brochures and public service announcements. Maintain a network of contacts with external service providers and manage inventories of community resources. Collaborate with employers and community partners to facilitate job placements and accompany participants to interviews for support. Conduct regular follow-ups with clients to ensure job retention and address any emerging challenges. Engage with community organizations and employers to promote successful employment transitions. Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned. *The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.