Employment Support

What this page says

  • If you are eligible for CLBC supports, one support you could receive is help finding a job.
  • You can talk to a CLBC facilitator about different employment support options.
  • Having a job can have many positive benefits like earning money, learning new skills, being part of a team and making new friends.
  • People can access CLBC employment supports or they can go to WorkBC.

Mike Bourassa with his boss Bill Maitland at Goat Lake Forest Products in Powell River. Read Mike’s story

Employment is an important part of creating lives with connection in communities of belonging.

When people request CLBC supports, or change existing supports, a CLBC facilitator will talk about options to help find employment. This could include services through WorkBC.

Employment could be the only CLBC support you are requesting, or it could be one part of your plan.

The kind and amount of support you receive is based on the need for help in specific areas. Visit the Understand CLBC Funding Decisions for more details.

The benefits of employment

For many people, having a job can improve their quality of life.

The benefits of employment include:

  • Being more confident
  • Developing friendships and connections
  • Improving skills and abilities
  • Having more financial security and independence

How can CLBC help me find employment?

If you are eligible for CLBC supports, or are changing existing supports, a facilitator can talk with you about your personal goals. This will help to develop a plan for your life that is centred around you. Part of this plan could include finding a job.

You can choose to access employment support through a CLBC service provider in your area or you can go to WorkBC. A CLBC facilitator can help you consider these different options.

If you work with a CLBC service provider, an employment specialist will work with you to explore your skills, abilities and goals. They will also talk to local businesses and employers to understand their needs.

Using this information, they will work with you to find and apply for jobs, or even work with an employer to create a job that will benefit you and the employer.

Once you find a job, the service provider will create supports to help you succeed in the job. For example, working with your employer to make a list of key tasks for each day that you work.

Sometimes, the service provider will help you get started on the job and learn your job tasks; other times, they will work with the employer who will provide that training themselves. Eventually, any help you need on the job will come from your co-workers.

Talk to a CLBC facilitator about employment

To talk with a CLBC facilitator about employment support you may be eligible for, please contact your local CLBC office. They can help you consider what the options are for getting CLBC supports or going to a WorkBC employment centre.

Go to the local offices page to find your local office contact information.

Learn more

Employment Resources

CLBC’s employment resources highlight the benefits of hiring people with diverse abilities, and promote the creation of employment opportunities for the people CLBC supports across B.C.

  • Information Sheet for Individuals and Families on Employment – This information sheet provides answers to key questions about CLBC’s Employment Policy and different types of employment support people may be eligible to receive.
  • Best Practices for Supported Employment – User-friendly information for employers, job seekers, service providers and family members.
  • Employment Matters – A documentary by CBC, explores the untapped market and potential of employing people with intellectual disabilities in the workplace.
  • Employment Matters Too – The second part of a CBC documentary series focusing on people with intellectual disabilities in the workplace.
  • Mapping Inclusive Employment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities – Online geo-mapping project that enables people throughout the province to share their experiences with inclusive employment.
  • MentorAbility – A public awareness and employment development initiative that connects people with developmental disabilities to employers for a day of mentoring.
  • Ready, Willing and Able – A project to increase the workforce participation of people with developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • BC Partners in Workforce Innovation – Innovative recruitment project to help BC employers meet current and future workforce needs, and connect people with diverse abilities to employment opportunities.
  • The Launching Pad – A guide for those interested in exploring self-employment for people interested in learning more about self-employment possibilities.