Community Support Worker - Penticton

John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay; Penticton; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay is seeking an Outreach & Community Inclusion Community Support Worker (OCSW) to build supportive relationships with adults referred by CLBC who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and complex needs. You will work one-to-one to help clients access homes and communities.

You will assess needs, set goals, support daily living skills, and respond with strength-based, harm-reduction approaches, documenting progress and collaborating with families and

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in a related human or social services field (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Service Work).
• At least one year of recent, relevant experience supporting individuals with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, one-to-one outreach and community-based support to individuals with complex needs.
• Assess needs and collaboratively develop service goals related to daily living, housing, social inclusion, recreation, and life skills.
• Support activities of daily living (ADLs) such as appointments, budgeting, shopping, and meal planning.
• Promote independence, safety, and quality of life through strength-based and harm-reduction approaches.
• Maintain accurate documentation including daily narratives, assessments, and reports.
• Collaborate with CLBC facilitators, family members, and community stakeholders as appropriate.

Skills

Independent work

Communication skills

Judgment

Harm-reduction approach

Professional boundaries

Education

Diploma or degree in related field

Job description

Position Overview

The Outreach & Community Inclusion Community Support Worker (OCSW) builds supportive, respectful relationships with adults referred by Community Living BC (CLBC) who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and complex support needs. At the heart of this role is helping people feel connected, supported, and empowered in their own homes and communities.

Working one-to-one, the OCSW partners with individuals, families, and community supports to set meaningful goals, build daily living skills, and navigate life’s challenges using strength-based and harm-reduction approaches. Whether supporting an appointment, sharing a skill, or responding to a tough moment with calm and care, this role is about meeting people where they’re at with patience, professionalism, and an open mind.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide direct, one-to-one outreach and community-based support to individuals with complex needs.
• Assess needs and collaboratively develop service goals related to daily living, housing, social inclusion, recreation, and life skills.
• Support activities of daily living (ADLs) such as appointments, budgeting, shopping, and basic meal planning.
• Promote independence, safety, and quality of life through strength-based and harm-reduction approaches.
• Recognize, analyze, and respond appropriately to challenging or emergent situations.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation including daily narratives, assessments, and reports.
• Collaborate with CLBC facilitators, family members, and community stakeholders as appropriate.
• Contribute to positive behavioural support strategies and uphold professional boundaries.
• Co-facilitate therapeutic, recreational, or educational group activities as needed.
• Participate in team, office, or committee work when required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We Offer

• A supportive, caring, work environment with a focus on investing in our staff
• Professional development opportunities
• Immediate access to our robust Employee Assistance Program

Acknowledgement

The John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to their race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates and those eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.

Education & Experience

• Diploma or degree in a related human or social services field (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Service Work), and/or
• At least one (1) year of recent, relevant experience supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including factual report writing.
• Sound judgment and ability to manage challenging or emergent situations.
• Commitment to harm-reduction, strength-based, and person-centered practices.
• Ability to maintain boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Class 5 driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle for transporting clients.
• Successful Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• Availability to work a variety of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, please let us know!