Employment Specialist

Open-Door-Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid Benefits package

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Job summary

Open Door Group, a mission-driven non-profit serving Alberta communities, seeks an Employment Specialist to support individuals facing barriers to employment. The role focuses on strength-based, stability-focused career development, including assessment, planning, skill building, and job search support.

Based in Calgary, the position is full-time and temporary until August 2027, with 36 hours weekly and a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Sciences or relevant discipline.
• Recent related experience of three years or equivalent in helping individuals with barriers.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized employment services including vocational assessment, employment planning, skill development, job search support, employer engagement and post-placement follow-up.
• Deliver one-on-one counselling and coaching across the employment journey to help clients achieve stable employment.
• Collaborate with team members and partners to connect clients with local resources and opportunities.

Skills

Career development

Employment counselling

Group facilitation

Education

Diploma in Social Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

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, temporary, until August 2027

Hours of Work: 36 Hours per week

Salary:$32.04 to $33.83 per hour

Location: The primary work location for this position will be our Open Door Group Calgary location at Suite 150, 707 10th Avenue SW.

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.

Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility. ODG is committed to transparent, equitable, and competitive pay structures, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance.

Your well-being matters. We provide a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefits package and an Employee and Family Assistance Program to support your helath and well-being.

• 100% employer-paid benefits package
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

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 employers, job seekers, and the communities we serve.

What you bring to the position

If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about this work, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that career paths are not always linear. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.

Required 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

Additional Qualifications

• IM&M+ certification (can be acquired after hire)
• 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 are considered an asset
• CCDP Certification is considered an asset
• May require a valid Alberta driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle during working hours
• Must maintain a satisfactory criminal record, including a vulnerable sector check

Career Development Expertise:

Proficient in conducting client assessments, developing individualized employment service plans, and delivering one‑on‑one employment counselling and coaching. Strong knowledge of job search strategies, career development theory, employment barriers, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Group Facilitation & Program Delivery:

Experienced in designing and delivering engaging group programs using adult learning and experiential facilitation techniques. Able to foster a positive, inclusive environment that supports skill development, motivation, and peer learning.

Labour Market & Community Knowledge:

Well‑versed in local labour market trends, in‑demand occupations, and community‑based wraparound supports to help clients access appropriate services and opportunities.

Communication & Relationship Building:

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse clients, employers, and partners. Skilled in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and fostering collaborative relationships.

Technical & Digital Proficiency:

Proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and standard office equipment. Comfortable using digital platforms to communicate and deliver virtual or hybrid programming. Strong typing skills and attention to detail in documentation and reporting.

Organizational & Time Management:

Able to manage a high‑volume caseload, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining a high standard of client‑centered service.

Teamwork & Initiative:

Able to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. Committed to the mission, vision, and values of Open Door Group.

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 experience for candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us toll‑free at 1-866-377-3670 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or email us at [e-mail] .

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

Attachments (1)

Job Description - Employment Specialist Alberta.pdf