Program Manager, Temp Full-Time

Taproot Community Support Services; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Port Alberni seeks a Program Manager to oversee operations and administration of programs for Indigenous youth. The role requires strong leadership, financial management experience, and a commitment to supporting diverse community needs. Ideal candidates should have a degree related to the humanities or social sciences and at least three years of experience in similar settings. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and work within a values-driven team environment.

Benefits

Employee ownership

Competitive wages

Paid vacation

Defined benefit pension plan

Learning and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in a similar facility or program.
• At least one year in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience with basic sign language or alternative communication strategies is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and administrative direction for program development.
• Monitor policies and procedures related to day-to-day services.
• Oversee staff management and coaching.

Skills

Humanities or social sciences background

Financial and human resource management

Trauma-Informed Practices

Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention

Conflict Resolution

Basic sign language

Education

Degree in humanities or social sciences

Tools

WCB Occupational First Aid, Level 1

CPR certificates

Job description

The Program

At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee‑owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700‑plus employee‑owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community‑based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $50 million.

Our Youth Residential programs provide culturally based programming, support and safe, home‑based accommodations for youth in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) as well as an Indigenous funded agency (Usma) providing long‑term therapeutic care for up to three children or youth. These programs support children or youth who have experienced trauma, are addressing adverse childhood experiences, and/or overcoming other adversities.

The Position

The Program Manager provides operational and administrative direction for the development, implementation and management programs within Port Alberni. They implement and monitor policies and procedures related to day‑to‑day services to persons served and direct and coordinate the day‑to‑day management of program staff. This position will oversee two programs. Funders are Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Usma Nuu‑chah‑nulth Family & Child Services in Port Alberni.

Both programs are dedicated to serving and supporting Indigenous youth and working in partnership with Nuu‑chah‑nulth and their child family services agency, Usma. We strongly encourage qualified Indigenous – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants to apply.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday 0800‑1600; hours may vary to meet the needs of the program
• Requires the full ability to perform on‑call duties, which may include weekends, statutory holidays, and evenings
• On‑call is on a rotation basis amongst the management team
• Duration of position is dependent on incumbent, estimated to be 3 months

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel across Vancouver Island and the mainland using a personal vehicle. The role may also involve travel to remote communities, which can include driving on gravel roads and utilizing alternative transportation methods such as helicopter, float plane, and boat. A valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are essential.

In Your Role You Will

Administration

• Participate in long‑term planning and visioning for the program and organization, contributing to the development of goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve organizational success.
• Develop and manage the annual program budget and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses; utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed decisions about future planning and improvements.
• Ensures personnel administration is completed and monitored to established agency, licensing, funder, and CARF standards.

Employee Relations

• Develop highly engaged staff and ensure optimal levels of qualified staff are available through the recruitment, screening, and hiring process.
• Provides coaching, mentorship, and supervision of staff in performance and conduct, assigning work, training, growth opportunities and promotions, and team building activities to motivate employees to peak performance and productivity.
• Evaluates and conducts regular performance conversations with staff, ensuring feedback is clear, constructive, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage employee/labour relations, conflict, concerns, compliance with provincial employment standards, applicable collective agreements, policies and ensuring a positive, safe work environment. Addresses and handles disputes, policy violations, misconduct, performance management and other concerns in a timely manner. Determines disciplinary actions and participates in decisions on staff terminations ensuring appropriate processes are followed.
• Responsible for cooperative management and union relationships, this includes resolving grievances and participating in labour management meetings and union negotiations.

Service Delivery

• Promote a safe, structured, and predictable environment that reduces conflict and enhances child and adult development.
• Design, implement and evaluate programs that support the developmental needs of children and adult individuals; while incorporating family involvement and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment where staff are empowered to build strong, positive relationships with children and adult individuals.
• Lead the development of strategies that mitigate potential trauma triggers and create a healing environment for individuals in care.

Public/Community Relations

• Represent the program and/or agency at various interagency forums, as well as to the media, government agencies, families/caregivers, funding bodies, and/or the general public/local community; network with other agencies, organizations, individuals and community groups for the benefit of the service recipients and program, including participation on community boards, committees and professional groups.
• Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as required.
• Provide on‑call and emergency coverage on pager or cell.
• A complete and detailed list of key responsibilities can be available at time of interview.
• Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• A degree in one of the humanities, social sciences or related field with educational preparation for the roles of manager and administrator.
• Minimum of three years in a similar facility or program, with at least one year in a supervisory or management role.
• Must have specific experience with financial and human resource management.
• Current WCB Occupational First Aid, Level 1 and CPR certificates required.
• Non‑Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Certificate and Conflict Resolution Certificate.
• Experience with basic sign language and/or alternative communication strategies training or experience an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract.

Other Requirements

• Prior experience in Trauma Informed Practices.
• Prior experience in implementing Behavioural Interventions.
• Successful criminal record/vulnerable sector check.
• Successful candidate must sign an oath of confidentiality, a conflict of interest statement, abuse protocols, and a code of ethics statement.

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee‑owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength‑based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we’re building a company we’re proud of.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit‑sharing dividends
• Work/life balance
• Learning and career development opportunities
• Competitive wages and salaries
• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
• Professional development opportunities and job‑related training
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Long Service Milestone rewards
• Employee referral bonus program
• A values‑driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we’re committed to using business as a force for good

For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website: taproot.ca

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you! Please apply.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We’re seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.