For an up-to-date resource on publicly-funded employment programs across the province, check out our new BC Employment Program Hub!
Employment Program of BC (EPBC)
The Employment Programs of BC offers job search assistance, training, workshops as well as specialized services to all job seekers in the province. Immigrants, Aboriginal people, Francophones, people with disabilities, youth, older workers, multi-barriered people, and those living in rural and northern communities have equal access to this employment program. More information on the types of services provided by WorkBC Employment Services Centres located across the province can be found using the interactive map on the EPBC website.
Eligibility:
• Unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hours per week)
• BC resident
Working Together (formerly, Employ-Ability Program)
This unique national program provides skills training, job search assistance, and ongoing support for Canadians with physical disabilities to help them find gainful employment.
Eligibility:
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident with permanent physical disability or chronic health problems
• Unemployed or underemployed
• Meet the legal age to work in the province
Make A Change Canada’s Business Abilities Program provides planning resources and one-on-one coaching assistance, from career exploration to new business mentorship. Services are available free of charge to people who self-identify as living with a disability. Training is flexible and supportive with a continuous intake: http://www.businessabilities.ca/
Supported Employment and Education Program (SEEP)
The Supported Employment and Education Program (SEEP) provides people with disabilities with job search and educational assistance. Working with a job developer, clients can develop an individualized job search plan based on their skills and needs and receive job coaching. Services include job search workshops, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, ongoing support, and more.
Eligibility:
• Clients who have successfully completed work placement and/or work readiness group programs
Or
• Clients who are referred by the Vancouver Community Mental Health teams or private psychiatrist or general practitioner
• Willing to work and have worked within the past year
• Reside in Vancouver
Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program (PWIP)
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work’s PWIP program provides job seekers with disabilities with support services such as job search assistance, training, workshops, workplace accommodations and many more.
Eligibility:
• Person with disability – does not have to be legally designated
• Unemployed
• Non-Employment Insurance client over the last three years and have not collected maternity benefits in the last five years
• Not a full-time student
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF)
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities gives funding support to businesses, organizations, band and tribal councils, and municipal governments for providing employment support to people with disabilities. Funding recipient organizations deliver job assistance services to people with disabilities looking for jobs or considering self-employment. Eligible organizations must submit project proposals in order to be considered for funding.
Eligibility:
• Person with self-declared physical or mental disability
• Unemployed or working less than an average of 20 hours per week
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Needs assistance in looking for a job or becoming self-employed
Canada Pension Plan Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program
This program helps those receiving Canada Pension Plan disability benefits return to work. Services such as one-on-one guidance with a rehabilitation specialist, skills upgrading, and job search assistance are provided.
Eligibility:
• Canada Pension Plan disability benefit recipients
• Wants to return to work
Specialized Employment Services
Funded by the Ministry of Social Development, specialized employment services assist people with disabilities to find meaningful employment as well as provide ongoing workplace support. Click here for the list of 11 contractors located across the province.
Eligibility:
• Person with learning, developmental, mental health and other neurological disabilities
• BC resident
This 16-week program helps youths with physical disabilities find and maintain employment through classroom training and on-the-job work experience. The classroom component (8 weeks) includes career research, interview training, resume and cover letter writing, and skills development in communication, anger management, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Participants can also gain valuable work experience (8 weeks) after successfully completing the first half of the program. For 16 weeks, participants receive an hourly wage of $10.25/hour for 20 hours per week.
Eligibility:
• Physically disabled youth between the ages of 15-30
• Unemployed, non-Employment Insurance client
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
TeenWork program supports youth with special needs and helps them find gainful part-time job. This pilot program gives youth with special needs an opportunity to grow and gain valuable work experience that would help them learn new skills and become more independent. Job coaches work with the participants one-on-one to support them in finding and retaining employment.
Eligibility:
• Youth with special needs between the ages of 15-19 years old
• Attending school
• Acts safely towards self and others in the community
• Independent in personal care
• Has access to transportation (e.g. handyDART, parents, bus)
FocusAbility (formerly known as WorkAble Solutions)
FocusAbility supports people with disabilities find meaningful employment. The purpose of this initiative is to connect people with disabilities and employers in BC, and help employers recruit and hire job seekers with disabilities. The website provides a list of BC employers as well as job opportunities available for people with disabilities looking for work. Site users must register to apply for jobs online.
Individualized Employment Services for Specified Disabilities (IESSD)
These customized employment programs assist people with specific disabilities, including those with developmental, physical, mental health disabilities and learning disorders, find meaningful work by matching job seekers with employers. Services may include one-on-one counseling, case management, employment skills training, job development, job placement, and job coaching. Funded by the BC Ministry of Social Development, this program runs until March 2014.
Eligibility:
• People with disabilities, including individuals with developmental, neurological, mental health disabilities, learning disorders, and other cognitive conditions
• Age 18 or over
Available in the following locations:
• Vancouver – CBI Consultants
• Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Ridge Meadows, Maple Ridge, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, Mission – CBI Consultants
• Surrey – Back in Motion, CBI Consultants
• North Vancouver, West Vancouver – North Shore Connexions Society, CBI Consultants
• Central and Northern Vancouver Island – Vancouver Island Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VIVRS)
• Kamloops – Open Door Group
• Central Okanagan – Tier Support Services
• Grand Forks – Grand Forks Sunshine Valley Community Services (SVCS)
• Prince George – Employment Action
• Terrace – Provincial Networking Group Inc.
Custom Fit & Inclusion Services Program (formerly known as the Supported Employment Program)
Nelson CARES Society’s Custom Fit & Inclusion Services Program provides people with disabilities with support and training opportunities for employment. Services include skills training, job coaching, and follow-up support.
Eligibility:
• People with disabilities
• Resides in Nelson
Business Victoria’s EntreActive Program is a skills enhancement training program for persons with self-identified disabilities who are interested in pursuing self-employment. This 24-week program provides weekly classroom training, business coaching / mentoring, disability supports and networking opportunities.
Eligibility:
• Persons with permanent physical and mental disability or chronic health problems
• Unemployed or underemployed
• Non-Employment Insurance client over the last three years
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
