Self Employment Specialist

Job Description

Open Door Group (ODG), a mission-driven non-profit organization serving communities across Canada, is seeking a Self-Employment Specialist to join the Business Works Central Alberta (BWCA) team. This role supports individuals pursuing self-employment by guiding them through business concept development, planning, launch, and early implementation.

Salary: $33.50 to $37.50 per hour

Status: Part-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 28.8 hours per week

Location: Hybrid remote work opportunity. The primary work location for this position will be a home office but will have secondary work locations of the Open Door location in Red Deer.

Internal Posting closing date: March 5, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: March 23, 2026

About the Role

The Self-Employment Specialist is a member of the Client Services Team and plays a key role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to develop viable business concepts and plans. This position provides coaching and guidance throughout all stages of the BWCA program, from intake and assessment through business launch and post-program follow-up.

You will work closely with the Program Manager and community partners to help ensure clients receive practical, informed support and feel prepared to present their business plans to a review panel. The role includes client recruitment, administration, business coaching, and community engagement to support successful self-employment outcomes.

What You Will Do

You will guide clients through the self-employment journey, from initial concept development to business launch and early sustainability. This includes:

Delivering virtual orientations and entrepreneurial skills workshops

Debriefing assessment results and evaluating business concepts for feasibility and readiness

Coaching clients on research, business planning, financial forecasting, marketing strategies, and regulatory requirements

Reviewing business plans and preparing summaries for review panels

Supporting clients to explore alternative pathways when business concepts are not viable

Following business approval, you will provide mentorship and implementation support, including sustainability planning, effective use of program funds, and compliance considerations such as income and tax requirements. You will connect clients with mentors, alumni, and community partners, and provide structured follow-up support after program completion.

Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position. Full posting and job description are available at: 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. Join a team that values your contribution and believes in the potential of every individual.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: As a Certified Living Wage Employer, ODG offers a comprehensive 100 percent employer-paid benefits package and an RRSP matching program. We also provide an Employee and Family Assistance Program. Our professional development fund supports courses, workshops, and certifications to help you grow your career.

Community Impact: Be part of an organization that provides 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. We recognize that career paths are not always linear. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.

Education

Diploma in Commerce, Business Management, Marketing, Financial Planning, or a related field

An equivalent combination of education, entrepreneurial experience, business coaching, or community-based experience will be considered

Experience and Skills

Required:

Experience writing and reviewing business plans

Experience coaching or supporting entrepreneurs or individuals pursuing self-employment

Working knowledge of small business development, marketing, financial forecasting, and operations

Experience facilitating group sessions, including virtual delivery

Effective written and verbal communication skills appropriate for client engagement

Organizational and documentation skills

Proficiency with MS Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom or Teams

Assets:

Experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment or self-employment

Experience preparing or interpreting financial statements such as cash flow, income statements, and balance sheets

Knowledge of local business and employment resources or the ability to build strong community partnerships

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 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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