Empowering abilities, building inclusive workplaces
At Employment Partnerships, we believe that everyone has abilities and potential to succeed in the workforce, and we are dedicated to providing the support and resources necessary to make that a reality. Our pre-employment training and personalized coaching help job seekers develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. By forging strong partnerships with employers, we ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to job opportunities that align with their unique abilities.
As part of Columbia College's Community Support Services Department (CSSD), Employment Partnerships benefits from the department's impressive 35-year history of providing inclusive employment, training, and community access services. Supported by AlbertaSupports and the Government of Canada, our program transcends conventional job placement services. Our primary mission is to unlock the full potential of individuals with disabilities, enabling them to flourish in the workforce. As evidence of our success, we have achieved an outstanding track record, connecting 86% of job seekers in our program to employers dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.
We are more than just an employment program. We are a community of passionate people who are committed to creating a world where individuals of all abilities have equal opportunities to flourish and thrive.
Mission
Our mission is to empower job seekers with
disabilities by providing pre-employment training,
employment preparation, and personalized support,
while building partnerships with employers to create
inclusive and diverse workplaces.
Vision
Our vision is to create a world where all individuals,
regardless of their disabilities, have equal
opportunities to thrive in the workforce and contribute
to society.
Goals
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To develop deeper partnerships with employers to increase job placement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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To provide pre-employment training and employment preparation to ensure job seekers are ready to work.
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To provide ongoing support to both employers and job seekers to ensure job retention and success in the workplace.
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To increase awareness about the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
Our Values and Principles
We provide person-centred services, designed and developed around the unique interests, abilities, and support needs of each individual.
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We encourage each individual to use their talents, skills, and abilities in providing leadership with their peers and within the community.
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People with disabilities are individuals who have the same rights, entitlements, responsibilities, expectations, and opportunities as every citizen of Canada and Alberta, as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.
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We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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We recognize these individuals as people first, defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value as contributing members of the community, not by their disability.
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We view each person from a positive perspective in recognizing and supporting the development of their talents, skills and abilities.
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We promote independence and protect the rights of each person through education, information sharing, and advocacy.
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We provide person-centered services, designed and developed around the unique interests, abilities and support needs of each individual.
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We facilitate community inclusion and diversity with a particular focus on creating, increasing, and/or sustaining the capacity of communities to welcome these individuals.
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We perform our work with the highest levels of accountability, responsibility, and integrity
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We actively involve each individual and where applicable their support team, including the individual’s guardians and family members, CSS-DIAD regional staff, service provider(s), support staff, and other relevant stakeholders in the service planning process, decision-making, and implementation.
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We advocate for the right of each person to make and change their decisions as they so desire, to have self-determination and control over their lives.
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We are dedicated and committed to assisting each person to develop lifelong relationships within their communities through employment, volunteerism, social activities, arts, education, recreation, community association, and community resources.