Employment Specialist

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


Open Door Group is expanding our employment services team in Edmonton. This role is subject to funding approval, and we welcome interested applicants in advance of funding confirmation.


Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 Hours per week

Salary: $30.20 to $31.89 per hour

Schedule: This position requires flexibility in scheduling. Work hours may include occasional evenings or weekends based on participant needs.

Location: The primary work location is Open Door Group Edmonton Employment Centre at Suite 500, 10150 - 100 Street NW, Edmonton. This role requires regular travel within Edmonton to deliver services in social housing communities and other community based locations as part of a mobile outreach model. A valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license and reliable access to a personal vehicle are required due to regular outreach work.

Internal Posting Closing Date: February 27, 2026


The BRIDGE Program is a community-based employment initiative that supports individuals experiencing complex and intersecting barriers to workforce entry or reentry. The program operates through a mobile outreach model embedded in social housing communities, alongside services delivered at Open Door Group’s Edmonton Employment Centre.

BRIDGE does not expect individuals to navigate systems alone. The program meets people where they are and provides accessible, relationship-based support grounded in trust and respect


The Employment Specialist supports participants throughout their employment journey using a strength-based and stability-focused approach. Guided by the In Motion & Momentum+ framework, this role recognizes that sustainable employment begins with life stability.

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. Services are delivered at the Edmonton Employment Centre and within community settings.

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


Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position. For a full job description visit here: Careers at Open Door Group


Why Open Door Group?

Champion of Great Workplaces: ODG is recognized as one of Canada’s Certified Great Places to Work. We foster a culture of compassion and authenticity and value the contribution of every team member.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: As a Certified Living Wage Employer, we offer a comprehensive 100 percent employer-paid benefits package and an RRSP matching program. We also provide an Employee and Family Assistance Program and a professional development fund to support ongoing learning and growth.

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.


Education 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

Knowledge 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

IM&M+ certification, or willingness to obtain after hire
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
Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license, satisfactory driver’s abstract, and reliable access to a personal vehicle
Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check

Work Environment

Work is conducted in community-based settings, including social housing sites, as well as at Open Door Group’s Edmonton Employment Centre
This role includes both independent outreach work and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
Schedule flexibility may be required to accommodate participant needs

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 ****** 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 humanresources@opendoorgroup.org


Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


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