Community Support Worker

Turning Points Collaborative Society; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Turning Points Collaborative Society in Kelowna, BC, is seeking a Community Support Worker to support individuals experiencing homelessness through shelter diversion and scattered-site housing initiatives. The role focuses on daily program operations, life-skills coaching, and linking clients with local resources.

The position requires a Diploma in human or social services, one year of related experience, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Diploma in human or social services-related field is required.
• One year of recent related experience is required.
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 & CPR certification is required.
• WHMIS certification is required.
• Valid BC Driver’s License is required.
• Managing Hostile Interactions, Mental Health First Aid, Naloxone training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day activities of the program under the Regional Manager of Shelter Diversion.
• Assist clients to access housing and sustain long-term housing.
• Provide life skills training and ongoing support to clients.
• Document and update client plans and progress.
• Develop partnerships with landlords and community service providers.
• Maintain client records and ensure health and safety standards.

Skills

Direct human services

Interpersonal skills

Crisis de-escalation

Education

Diploma in human or social services-related field

Tools

Occupational First Aid Level 1 & CPR

WHMIS

Valid BC Driver’s License

Job description

Temporary from now until March 31st, 2027.

About us

Turning Points Collaborative Society provides outreach, shelter services, and various housing options for vulnerable people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness in the Okanagan. We also offer employment programs, addiction recovery programs, and affordable housing options. We believe in the inherent dignity of the people we serve and seek to support them as experts in their own lives.

Our greatest strength is our people!

At Turning Points, we’re committed to building community, helping people, and giving them all the tools they need to succeed. In order to do that, we need a great team of people who share our values, have excellent interpersonal skills and like helping others.

Diversity matters.

At Turning Points, diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us; they’re principles that drive us as an organization.

Our programs support people from various backgrounds, orientations, and ethnicities, and it’s vital that our staff reflects that same diversity. What’s more, lived experience is a powerful tool to help those facing marginalization and oppression, and varied perspectives help generate better ideas to provide better service.

For these reasons, we strongly encourage applications from the following underrepresented groups:

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)

Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Expansive

LGBQ+

What we offer:

• Meaningful work where you’ll make a difference in people’s lives
• Supportive work environments
• Competitive compensation packages
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Membership in the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and access to the hundreds of hours of training and resources that goes with it!

Nature of Position:

This Community Support Worker (CSW) position reports to the Regional Manager of Shelter Diversion and is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the program. Scattered Site Housing is a housing-first response to individuals who are experiencing systemic homelessness and vulnerabilities by providing access to affordable market-housing rentals and in-home support services. The CSW will work with community members to find housing, maintain multidimensional services to well-being and sustain long-term housing. The CSW provides life skills training, ongoing support, and guidance to clients eligible for the Scattered Site Housing Program.

• Recent, relevant experience providing direct human services to clients who are economically disadvantaged, experiencing mental health challenges, and/or drug/alcohol dependence in a diverse environment.
• Familiarity with local and regional community resources and social service agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based stakeholders (i.e. landlords)
• Familiarity with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)
• Possess strong knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness, unemployment, mental health, drug and alcohol dependence, and harm reduction.
• Participates in assessment, goal setting, and case planning for individuals moving through shelter into independent or semi-independent living. Documents and implements the plan. Provides input into the evaluation of the program.
• Evaluate client needs and develop short-term plans to meet such needs with the active participation of clients and their natural support networks.
• Assists clients to function more independently in their own homes and in the community. Assists clients with daily life skills, social skills, and/or behavior management. Teaches and assists clients with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, and pet care. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities.
• Recognizes, analyzes, and deals with potential emergency situations such as clients’ aggressive behavior to minimize potential harm to the clients and/or the public. Ensures that health and safety standards are met and reports problems to the supervisor.
• Proven record of conflict resolution and demonstrated abilities in de-escalation.
• Reviews and evaluates clients’ progress and adjusts programs as required. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their natural supports.
• Accompanies and/or transports clients to activities such as appointments, shopping, or leisure activities.
• Provides written and/or verbal reports regarding clients’ daily activities and progress. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials, and the community.
• Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to model healthy boundaries and effective communication.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.
• Strong ability to manage stress and organize workload.
• Possess above-average analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.

Qualifications

• Diploma in human or social services-related field, Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• One year recent related experience
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 & Basic CPR certification
• WHMIS
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Managing Hostile Interactions, Mental Health First Aid, Naloxone,