Community Support Worker Surrey, BC

Cedars Recovery; Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Cedars Recovery is seeking a Community Support Worker (CSW) to support individuals in our gender-specific sober living homes in Surrey, BC. The CSW provides recovery-oriented, practical and emotional support to clients transitioning from treatment into community living.

The role involves facilitating daily accountability groups, teaching life skills, transporting clients to recovery meetings, and responding to needs with trauma-informed care and professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education or equivalent.
• 20 hours of education or training in counselling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or related field.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, recovery-oriented living environment.
• Support client arrivals, orientations and departures as directed.
• Build professional relationships with clients, fostering trust and accountability.
• Facilitate in-house recovery meetings and structured activities.
• Provide transportation to meetings and community activities.
• Teach practical life skills: budgeting, meal prep, cleaning and routines.

Skills

Counselling

Crisis intervention

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal skills

Education

Grade 12 education

20h Counselling training

First Aid & CPR

Driver's license

Criminal Record Check

Mental Health/Addictions cert (preferred)

Job description

CSRL Part Time Surrey, BC $22 - $25 CAD per hour

Job Title: Community Support Worker (CSW) Department: CSRL

Location: Surrey, BC Direct Report: Program Manager

Cedars Recovery is a vibrant, growing organization with opportunities to suit your professional skills in a diverse and rewarding work environment. We believe employees are our greatest asset and are dedicated to helping you develop and maximize your professional skills. Built by family for family – we are committed to setting you up for success as a part of our team.

Cedars Supportive Recovery Living (CSRL) has three long-term post-treatment homes. These purpose-built homes are located in Surrey, BC. All our homes are gender specific, giving space and safety to those living with us. We work to empower individuals to achieve their long-term goals of abstinence and ultimately recovery. We know recovery is real, attainable and sustainable.

Our supportive recovery homes provide structured, gender-specific living environments where clients can strengthen their recovery foundations, develop independent living skills, and establish meaningful connections within their communities. Through connection, accountability, peer support, and practical assistance, we empower individuals to develop the skills, relationships, and confidence necessary to achieve their long-term recovery goals.

OUR MISSION:

“To inspire, facilitate, and foster lifelong recovery and healing from the effects of addiction for individuals, families, and communities.”

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Community Support Worker (CSW) plays an integral role in supporting individuals living with us. The CSW provides recovery-oriented, practical and emotional support to individuals transitioning from intensive in-patient addiction treatment into community. Working directly alongside clients in a communal living environment, the CSW helps foster a safe, respectful, structured, and supportive recovery community.

Through meaningful engagement, positive role modelling, and practical assistance, the CSW encourages clients to develop personal recovery capital. This position involves facilitating daily accountability groups, the development of daily life skills, transporting clients to recovery meetings and outings, assisting with household needs and responding to client needs, concerns or emerging challenges as they arise.

The CSW works collaboratively with the Program Manager and other members of the Cedars team to support clients in maintaining their recovery commitments while respecting their individuality, autonomy, dignity, and rights. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, professional boundaries, and a genuine commitment to helping individuals build healthy, sustainable lives in recovery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Household Operations & Safety

• Maintain a safe, clean, and recovery-oriented living environment.
• Monitor client activities and adherence to house guidelines and community expectations.
• Conduct regular property checks, identifying and reporting maintenance, security, or safety concerns.
• Assist with household supplies, cleaning, and other operational needs.
• Support client arrivals, orientations, and departures as directed.

Client Support & Recovery Engagement

• Build supportive, professional relationships with clients, fostering trust, accountability, and connection.
• Encourage active participation in recovery programs and help clients overcome barriers to sustained recovery.
• Support clients in developing healthy coping strategies, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Reinforce house guidelines and community expectations through respectful communication and consistent boundaries.

Recovery Meetings & Community Engagement

• Facilitate in-house recovery meetings, community discussions, and structured activities.
• Encourage participation in community recovery programs, including 12-Step fellowships, SMART Recovery, and Wellbriety.
• Help clients to develop lasting support networks and engage in healthy social and recreational activities.
• Provide transportation to recovery meetings, appointments, and approved community activities.

Life Skills Development & Independent Living

• Teach and reinforce practical life skills, including budgeting, meal preparation, cleaning, personal organization, and healthy routines.
• Assist with household errands, grocery shopping, and other daily living activities.
• Support clients in accessing employment, education, volunteer opportunities, and community resources.
• Support clients need to access income support, employment insurance or other forms of income support as needed.
• Recognize and respond to emotional distress, interpersonal conflict, potential substance use, and other safety concerns using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques.
• Provide first aid and arrange emergency assistance when required.
• Maintain professional boundaries while protecting the client’s dignity, confidentiality, and individual rights.
• Provide regular documentation on client interactions, progress, observations, and incidents utilizing SOAP notes in CSRL EMR system.
• Document all client sessions in CSRL’s EMR system in a timely manner. Communicate client concerns, progress, and relevant information to the Program Manager and appropriate team members.
• Collaborate with colleagues, external service providers, and community resources to support client well-being and continuity of care.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Grade 12 education or equivalent.
• Minimum of 20 hours of education or training in counselling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, psychosocial intervention in substance use, or a related field.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License in good standing, with the ability to transport clients.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector screening.
• Understanding of addiction, recovery principles, and the challenges of transitioning to independent living.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to provide three (3) character references.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate or diploma in Mental Health and Addictions, Community Support Work, Social Services, or a related field.
• Lived experience in addiction recovery is a significant asset.
• Experience in supportive recovery housing, addiction treatment, mental health, or community support services.
• Familiarity with 12-Step recovery, SMART Recovery, Wellbriety, and other recovery approaches.
• Training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or crisis intervention.
• Experience facilitating recovery meetings or group activities.
• Knowledge of recovery resources and community services in Surrey and the Lower Mainland.