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Job Focus

Employment Program of British Columbia

What is the Employment Program of British Columbia?

The Employment Program of BC (EPBC) will make it easier for people to find work and provide stability for their families through a wide range of integrated employment services and supports. The new program replaces four provincially funded employment programs and six programs funded under the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement with an integrated approach for British Columbians needing services.

Neil Squire Society is working in partnership with Open Door Group, Pacific Community Resources Society and several community service providers to deliver EPBC. As a partnership, our mission is to provide:

Client-centred, integrated services and supports
Responsive, inclusive and accessible
Support to help you get, and keep, a job as quickly as possible

To see the full menu of available services, please visit WorkBC’s services and supports page (new window).

EPBC’s aim is to serve all unemployed British Columbians who are eligible to work in BC.

Each WorkBC Employment Services Centre will ensure that everyone – including immigrants, youth, Aboriginal people, Francophones, persons with disabilities and people living in rural and remote areas – has access to the same supports and services no matter where they live in the province, so they can get back to work quickly.

Neil Squire Society’s Job Focus Program (EPBC)

We provide specialized case managed services for people with physical disabilities who require more than self-serve services alone in order to achieve labour market or community attachment. Our range of services supports job seekers to find and maintain employment and improve employment readiness.

We use a unique combination of strategies including:

Individualized services and customized service plans to serve your specific needs
Professional staff who are committed to helping you reach your goals
Knowledge of a variety of supports, accommodations, and adaptive technologies designed to facilitate successful transitions to the workplace
Demonstrated knowledge of the ever changing labour market
Ongoing involvement with employers through Vancouver, Burnaby, and Tri-Cities Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce and the community

All prospective clients will register to attend an orientation session. After the orientation session, an appointment will be made to determine your eligibility and need for EPBC services. Once accepted, a formal needs assessment and action plan/service plan is developed. You will work collaboratively with your case manager to:

Review and clarify your job readiness
Identify realistic and achievable employment objectives
Undergo a preliminary identification of program services/supports required to support you in obtaining labour market attachment

The types of services provided to you may include, but are not limited to the following:

Career planning
Workshops focusing on helping you to prepare for, find, obtain, and maintain employment
Computer basics and specialized computer training
Ergonomic and assistive technology assessment
Specialized formal assessment
Training (for qualified clients demonstrating need)
Finding jobs and/or obtaining work experience
Support and monitoring of your progress through regular follow-up