Client FAQ

How can I find out if your Employment Services is a fit for me?
Call us at 250-475-2270 and ask to speak to the Team Coordinator of Employment Services. She will tell you about our intake process.  If it looks like you are a fit she will arrange to meet with you.

Who is eligible for Employment Services?
Anyone who is an adult, 19 years or older, and who is eligible to receive services through Community Living British Columbia (CLBC). If you are not already connected to CLBC, please call them at 250-952-4203 and ask to speak to a duty worker.

Do I have to pay for your service?
No, clients do not pay for our service.  Our service is mostly funded by CLBC but it also operates on the generosity of donors.

When can I expect to get a job?
Our service will assist you to explore your employment goals. We spend that time getting to know you and helping you prepare for employment.  While timelines vary, you can expect it will take anywhere from 2 to 10 months before you get a paid job.

What type of work can I expect to get?
Your employment specialist will help you determine what type of job is best suited to your skills, abilities and interests.  You may consider employment in areas such as cafe attendant, office worker, shelf stocker, customer services, day care worker, production worker, landscaper and server.  These are just some of many jobs that can be found in our community.  There are many other businesses in Victoria that could have an ideal position for you.

I receive Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits.  Do I get to keep all my income / wages?
You will need to report all of your income.  If you earn less than $500 a month you will keep all your wages.  If you make over $500 a good portion of your wages will be taken off your PWD benefits cheque.

Once I get my job how long will my employment specialist support me?
While everyone is different, you can expect to have your employment specialist with you from one to four months.  They will be with you while you learn your new job.  They will also help build natural supports so that you can do the job on your own, independently.  Natural supports help you do the job without support from your employment specialist.  Task checklists, modified equipment, or a co-worker giving you an occasional prompt are a few of the natural supports that we will develop should you need them.

How many hours can I expect to work?
The number of hours worked in a week varies from client to client.  Many of our clients prefer to work part time.  Others want to work as many hours in a week as possible.  We will work with you and your employer to develop a schedule that works for both of you.  Some clients choose to work part time at a couple of jobs to increase the number of hours they work.