CMHA Kelowna is hiring a full time, 12-month term, Employment Specialist to join the Foundry Kelowna Team. This position offers 37.5 hours per week, with a typical work week of Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm with occasional Thursday variation of 11am-7pm.The aim of the Foundry Works & Education Program is to support BC young people with their work and study goals. Guided by the evidence-based principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the Foundry Works & Education Program will provide flexible, wraparound services to help at‑risk youth develop work skills, become competitively employed and realize their education goals. Services are based on the premise that competitive work is a core component of personal recovery and meaningful employment can increase youth’s quality of life and contribute to improved mental health outcomes. The Foundry Works & Education Program Employment Specialist will join a team of professionals, providing coordinated care to young people between the ages of 12-24 in the Central Okanagan.WHO IS AN EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST?The Employment Specialist within the Foundry Works Program provides individualized, intensive vocational and educational support services to youth clients facing mental health challenges. This position aims to help clients find and maintain competitive employment or educational training that is meaningful to them. The Employment Specialist will foster relationships with employers, educational institutions, and community partners to create inclusive opportunities for work and education.WHAT DOES AN EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST DO?Assess clients' employment and education readiness and identify viable optionsManage a caseload, assisting young people to overcome their barriers to finding meaningful employment or educational opportunitiesProvide job and education coaching to support clients in maintaining quality, accuracy, and work/educational requirementsOffer intensive job retention support and advocate on behalf of youth clients when necessaryProvide job and education crisis support as needed, helping clients navigate challenges that may impact their employment or educational progressUtilizing the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model,



develop and implement personalized employment and education plans based on assessmentsPlan courses of action considering clients’ physical tolerances and the impact of mental health on employability/educational participationRecommend and facilitate unpaid placements and job trials as appropriateNetwork with employers in the Central Okanagan to provide information on the program and explore their individual needs as a potential placement sourceNetwork and inform educational institutions about the program, including schools, colleges, trade schools and universitiesEngage in job development within the community, including negotiating job trials and subsidies with employers and Employment Services agenciesCoordinate services and facilitate referrals to identified community resourcesDevelop and implement accommodation plans tailored to client needsParticipate in community outreach activities to build collaborative partnerships with employers and educational institutionsProvide education regarding psychological health and safety in the workplace to employers and community partnersFacilitate groups on employment related information and skills for participants in the programPerform other related duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:Degree in Social Services, Human Resources, Employment Counselling, or a related field requiredMinimum 3 years’ relevant experience, preferably in employment rehabilitation within mental health contextsReliable vehicle and the ability to travel within the community to meet clients and employers on a frequent basisValid Class 5 BC driver’s licenseAbility to provide a Driver’s Abstract & ICBC Claims & Insurance History RecordAbility to obtain Rate Class 007 Business InsuranceCriminal Record Check clearance in the Vulnerable SectorFormal training in Labour Market Information, Job Development, or Employment Counselling considered an assetCertificates in First Aid, CPR and Naloxone considered an assetProficient in verbal and written communicationStrong advocacy, communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with clients, employers, and community partnersStrong relationship-building skills to engage clients, employers,



and community partnersAbility to provide empathetic support while advocating for clients’ needsAbility to maintain consistent professional boundariesProficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and ExcelFamiliarity with labor market trends and employment resourcesKnowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principlesExperience using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) modelStrong attention to detailExcellent organizational and time management skillsCritical thinking and problem‑solving skills to assess client needs and develop appropriate strategiesConflict resolution and crisis intervention skillsAbility to be regularly exposed to individuals who are struggling with and/or recovering from trauma, drug/alcohol use, homelessness, mental health challenges and/or mental illnessWHO IS CMHA KELOWNA?At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to mental health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, creative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and is passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. To learn more, checkout our website at www.Cmhakelowna.OrgCMHA KELOWNA OFFERS YOU:A competitive hourly wage of $30.54-35.12Dental, Health & EAP BenefitsWellness Spending AccountRRSP matching programVacation & Personal Health DaysA workplace culture that fosters learning, transparency, trust and teamworkAs an employer, CMHA Kelowna strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical self-expression. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna does every day.We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short‑listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Employment Specialist - C$30.5 - C$35.1 An Hour (Winnipeg)
🏢 CMHA Kelowna
📍 Winnipeg