- 780-229-9291
Starting a new program or asking for support can come with a lot of questions — and that’s completely normal. We want you to feel informed, comfortable, and supported as you learn more about JPER and how the program works.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about eligibility, supports, employment services, scheduling, transportation, childcare, and what you can expect as a participant. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
JPER stands for Job Placement and Employment Rehabilitation. It is a free, fully supported
employment and training program designed specifically for adults living in Civida social
housing in Edmonton, Alberta.
JPER is funded by the Government of Alberta and delivered by a network of Edmonton-based
employment service organizations with over 37 years of experience supporting Albertans toward
sustainable employment.
The program provides real, personalized support at every stage of the employment journey, from
building life stability and confidence all the way through to job placement and ongoing support
after you are hired.
JPER stands for Job Placement and Employment Rehabilitation. The name reflects the two core
goals of the program: helping people find meaningful employment and supporting the
rehabilitation of their employment capacity, including addressing the barriers, skills gaps, and life
challenges that have made stable work difficult to achieve.
JPER is delivered by a network of Edmonton-based employment service organizations that have
been providing government-funded employment programs in Alberta since 1988. The program is
administered through partner organizations including CUC (Careers Under Construction), CIT
(Careers in Transition), LIT (Lives in Transition), and Poppy’s.
Together, the network has delivered over 75 government contracts in Alberta and has supported
thousands of Albertans in finding stable, meaningful work.
JPER is funded by the Government of Alberta through Alberta Assisted Living and Social
Services. It is delivered by community-based employment service organizations, not directly by
the government.
This means participants get the personalized, human-centered support of a community organization with the backing and accountability of government funding.
JPER is different in several important ways.
First, it is specifically designed for people living in Civida social housing and who are facing complex employment
barriers, so the support is built around the realities of that experience, not a generic job seeker
profile.
Second, JPER addresses the underlying barriers to employment, not just job search. If housing
instability, mental health, childcare, or financial stress are standing between you and stable work,
JPER works on those things first.
Third, the support is genuinely long-term. We stay with participants for up to a year after they are
hired, not just until they get a job.
Fourth, every participant gets a dedicated Employment Coach who works with them one-on-one
throughout the entire program. You are not a file number. You are a person.
No. JPER is not a staffing agency.
A staffing agency fills vacancies for employers as quickly as possible. JPER invests deeply in the
participant first, building the skills, confidence, stability, and readiness needed for sustainable
long-term employment. We then connect participants with employers when they are genuinely
ready.
Our focus is always on the long-term success of the person, not the speed of the placement.
Yes. JPER is completely free to participants at every stage.
There is no cost to join, no cost for training or workshops, no cost for certifications or safety
tickets, and no cost for coaching or support services. Everything the program offers is fully
funded by the Government of Alberta.
You may be eligible for JPER if you meet the following criteria:
• You live in a Civida or social housing unit in Edmonton, OR you are on the waitlist
for Civida social housing in Edmonton
• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are unemployed, working fewer than 20 hours per week, or underemployed
• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee
• You are legally permitted to work in Canada
• You are ready and willing to take steps toward employment, even if those steps feel small
right now
You do not need to have your life perfectly in order to apply. That’s what we are here to help you with.
Yes. If you are working fewer than 20 hours per week or are underemployed, meaning you are
working but in a role that does not match your skills, goals, or financial needs, you may still be
eligible.
Many participants come to JPER not because they are completely unemployed, but because
they are ready for something more stable, better paying, or more meaningful. We can help with
that.
Yes. If you are on the Civida social housing waitlist in Edmonton, you are eligible to participate
in JPER. You do not need to be a current resident to access the program.
No. Many participants come to JPER with limited or no formal work history, incomplete
education, or significant gaps in their resume. That is not a barrier here.
The program is designed to meet you where you are. We help you build your skills and
experience through the program itself.
Yes, absolutely. Long gaps in employment are one of the most common situations we see at
JPER. Whether you have been out of the workforce for months or years, for any reason, we are
here to help you take the next step.
We understand that returning to work after a long gap involves more than just updating a
resume. Our program addresses the confidence, skills, and practical barriers that come with re-entering the workforce.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from the program. We work with
individuals facing a wide range of life circumstances and barriers.
Please contact us directly so we can discuss your specific situation. Depending on the nature of
your record and the industries you are interested in, there may be some considerations to work
through together, but we will not turn you away without a conversation.
Yes. JPER welcomes newcomers to Canada who meet the general eligibility requirements,
including permanent residents and convention refugees who are legally permitted to work in
Canada.
We understand that navigating the Canadian job market as a newcomer involves unique
challenges, including credential recognition, Canadian work experience, and workplace culture.
Our Employment Coaches have experience working with newcomers and can support you
through these specific challenges.
Receiving Income Support, AISH, or other government benefits does not prevent you from
joining JPER.
Our Employment Consultants are knowledgeable about how employment income can interact
with various benefit programs and will work with you to plan your transition in a way that protects
your financial security. We want employment to make financial sense for you, not put you at risk.
We strongly encourage anyone in this situation to raise it with your Employment Coach early so
we can plan together.
Yes. JPER is specifically designed to support people who are navigating mental health challenges alongside their employment journey.
Our team is trained in trauma-informed practices, which means we approach every participant
with compassion, patience, and without judgment. We understand the deep connection between
mental health and employment, and we work at your pace.
We also connect participants to mental health resources, counselling supports, and peer
mentorship throughout the program.
JPER was built for people facing real, complex barriers to employment. These may include:
• Unstable housing or unmet basic needs
• Mental health challenges, trauma, or early recovery
• Ongoing legal involvement
• Financial crisis or debt
• Lack of childcare or transportation
• Limited work history or significant employment gaps
• Language barriers or limited Canadian work experience
• Low confidence or disconnection from goals
• Physical health challenges
If you are facing any of these situations, you are not disqualified. You are exactly who this
program is designed to help.
When you first reach out, a member of our team will contact you to schedule a brief, informal intake conversation.
This conversation is just that: a conversation. You do not need to prepare anything in advance,
bring any documents, or have a plan. We will talk about where you are at right now, what you are
hoping for, and how JPER might be able to help.
If we both agree that the program is a good fit, we move forward together. If we determine that
another program or service would better meet your needs right now, we will identify that option
and help connect you there.
Every participant’s journey through JPER is personal, but most follow a general path through three phases.
Phase 1 is Reach Out and Connect. You make contact with us, have your intake conversation, and if accepted, get matched with your Employment Coach.
Phase 2 is Stream One: Stability and Readiness (IM&M+). Most participants begin with the Invigorate, Motivate and Mobilize program, a 10-week group-based workshop series focused on building confidence, stability, and readiness for work. You work alongside others in similar situations, explore your strengths, and start addressing barriers with the support of your coach
and a Service Navigator.
Phase 3 is Stream Two: Skills, Training and Work Experience. When you are ready, the program shifts to employment-focused work. This includes job search workshops, resume and interview coaching, skills training, industry-specific courses, and supported work placements.
After placement, we stay connected for up to a year to support your success in your new role.
IM&M+ stands for Invigorate, Motivate and Mobilize. It is the first stream of the JPER program
and it is where most participants begin.
IM&M+ is a 10-week group-based workshop series. It is designed for people who are ready to
move toward work but need to build some foundation first. Topics covered include self-discovery
and goal setting, building confidence and resilience, addressing personal barriers, understanding
workplace expectations, financial literacy basics, and connecting to community supports.
Throughout IM&M+, you have your own Employment Coach and Service Navigator working
alongside you individually, even as you participate in the group sessions.
IM&M+ is not a classroom. It is a supportive community of people in similar situations helping
each other move forward.
The length of your time in JPER will depend on your individual situation, goals, and pace. There
is no rigid timeline you are expected to meet.
Stream One (IM&M+) is approximately 10 weeks. Stream Two varies depending on the training
pathway, work placement duration, and individual progress.
After you are placed in employment, we continue to provide support for up to one year.
The program works on your timeline, not a predetermined schedule.
A work placement is a real, supported work experience with an actual employer in Edmonton.
Placements are arranged by your Employment Coach and matched to your skills, goals, and the
type of work you want to move toward.
During a placement, you gain hands-on work experience, build real references, and develop
your resume with actual paid work. Participants in work placements receive a living allowance of
$15 per hour.
Placements are supported, meaning your Employment Coach stays involved throughout. If any
challenges arise, we address them together.
JPER connects participants with training and work experience in the following high-demand
fields:
• Construction and Trades (concrete and asphalt labour, horizontal directional drilling,
landscaping, and site work)
• Culinary Arts and Food Service (training in a fully equipped commercial kitchen)
• Hospitality Services (customer service, front-of-house, hotel and cafe support roles)
• Retail and Customer Service (communication, problem-solving, and customer service
skills)
• General Labour and Material Handling (hands-on experience in physical work
environments)
• Early Childhood Education and Childcare (foundational skills toward ECE certification)
All required safety tickets, certifications, and relevant credentials are earned as part of the
training at no cost to participants.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? That is something your Employment Coach will help you
figure out.
Not necessarily. Your starting point in the program depends on your individual readiness and
situation.
Some participants are ready to move directly into employment-focused support and can begin in
Stream Two. Others benefit greatly from the foundation-building and stability work that IM&M+
provides.
Your intake conversation and the assessment process with your Employment Coach will help
determine the best starting point for you.
Your Employment Coach is your primary support person throughout the entire program. They
are a real, dedicated individual who works with you from your very first conversation all the way
through to your first year of employment.
Your coach will get to know your story, your strengths, your barriers, and your goals. They help
you build a realistic and personalized plan, connect you to the right supports and training,
prepare you for job searching and interviews, match you with employer opportunities, and
support you after you start working.
Your coach is not a case manager checking off boxes. They are genuinely invested in your
success and are your main point of contact throughout the program.
There are several ways to apply or get started:
• Fill out the online intake form at jper.ca/apply-now
• Call us at 780-229-9291
• Email us at gethelp@jper.ca
• Scan a QR code from a JPER program flyer posted in your building
• Visit us in person at 3rd Floor, 10621 100 Ave NW, Edmonton
There is no wrong way to reach out. Choose whatever feels most comfortable.
A member of our team will reach out to schedule your intake conversation. You do not need to prepare anything in advance.
The intake conversation is informal and confidential. We talk about where you are at, what you
are hoping for, and whether JPER is the right fit. There is no commitment required from that first
conversation.
There is no obligation or penalty for withdrawing from the application process or from the
program at any stage. You are always in control of your participation.
If you decide JPER is not the right fit for you right now, we will respect that completely. And if you change your mind later, you are welcome to reach out again.
Yes. JPER accepts referrals from social workers, housing workers, community organizations,
healthcare providers, settlement agencies, and other support services.
If a worker or organization has referred you, they will have connected with our team to
coordinate. You are still welcome to reach out directly as well.
If you are a referral partner wanting to connect a client to JPER, you can submit a referral
through our website or contact us directly.
We have resources on-site and staff with experience supporting participants for whom English is
a second language. You do not need to be fluent in English to participate.
If language support is something you need, let us know when you first reach out and we will do
our best to accommodate you.
Our main office is located at:
3rd Floor, 10621 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0B3
We also use a mobile, district-based service model, meaning we come to Civida buildings and
community hubs across Edmonton to meet participants where they are. Ask about mobile
service locations when you first reach out.
Yes. Our district-based mobile model means we bring services to Civida buildings and
community locations across Edmonton so many participants do not need to travel to access
support.
We also offer virtual and hybrid options for some program elements.
If transportation is a barrier for you, let your Employment Coach know and we will work together
to find solutions, including connecting you to transit support resources.
Yes. We understand that childcare is one of the most significant practical barriers to employment
program participation.
We offer flexible scheduling where possible and can connect you to childcare resources and
subsidy programs in Edmonton. Let us know your situation during your intake conversation so
we can plan around it.
No. While some program elements may have online components, you do not need your own
device or internet access to participate.
We can support you in accessing what you need. Raise it with your Employment Coach and we
will figure it out together.
Participating in JPER should not negatively affect your housing situation. We work closely with
housing providers and understand the importance of maintaining stability during the program.
If you have specific concerns about how program participation might interact with your housing,
please raise them with your Employment Coach. We can help you understand the implications
and plan accordingly.
Getting hired is not the end of the support. It is the beginning of the next phase.
After you start working, your Employment Coach stays connected with you for up to one year.
We check in regularly to make sure things are going well, help you navigate any challenges that
come up, and support you in building on your success.
Our goal is not just to help you get a job. It is to help you keep it and grow from there.
That can happen, and we are here for it. If a job does not work out for any reason, your Employment Coach will work with you to understand what happened, address any barriers, and
identify new opportunities.
We do not consider a placement that does not work out as a failure. We consider it information
that helps us find a better fit.
Please contact us if you find yourself needing support again after completing the program. While
re-entry is assessed on a case by case basis depending on program availability and eligibility,
we will always do our best to connect you to the support you need, whether that is through JPER
directly or through another community resource.
The best thing you can do is share the basics. JPER is a free employment program for adults
living in Civida social housing in Edmonton. It is fully supported, judgment-free, and no appointment is needed to get started.
They can reach out by calling 780-229-9291, emailing gethelp@jper.ca, or visiting jper.ca.
We welcome referrals from community partners. You can submit a referral by emailing us at gethelp@jper.ca, or call 780-229-9291.
When making a referral, please ensure your client is aware that you are referring them and, where possible, that they have consented to being contacted by our team.
That is completely understandable. Many people who benefit the most from JPER were
uncertain or skeptical at first.
A few things worth sharing with someone who is nervous:
• There is absolutely no commitment required from the first conversation. It is just a talk.
• The program is judgment-free. Nobody is going to assess or evaluate them. We meet
people where they are.
• Reaching out costs nothing and risks nothing. The worst outcome is that it is not the right
fit and they move on.
• Many participants describe JPER as the first place they have felt genuinely supported
without pressure or shame.
Sometimes the most helpful thing is just to sit with them while they make the first call.
Phone: 780-229-9291
Email: gethelp@jper.ca
Address: 3rd Floor, 10621 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0B3
Website: www.jper.ca
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly to talk through your next steps.