Program Manager - Youth Housing Nanaimo, BC

Bonaventure Support; Nanaimo; Hybrid; CAD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental

RRSP program

Vacation 3 weeks

EFAP

Leadership development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Bonaventure Support Services in Nanaimo, BC, is seeking a Program Manager for Youth Housing (SHSS). The role leads Specialized Homes and Support Services, guiding a team to help youth and children with diverse abilities live meaningful lives.

The successful candidate will apply trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches, coach staff, and ensure safe, therapeutic service delivery within a supportive organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in social services or related field is required or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting youth with complex behavioral, trauma, and mental health needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and crisis intervention is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and direction to staff.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of SHSS programs.
• Guide staff in implementing behaviour and safety plans and individualized service plans.
• Collaborate with the Youth & Family Coordinator on planning and quality assurance.
• Promote trauma-informed, person-centred, culturally responsive practices.
• Ensure compliance with CARF accreditation and relevant laws.
• Manage program resources, including scheduling and expenditures.
• Participate in care circles and collaborative service delivery with families and professionals.
• Foster a safe, inclusive environment that supports growth for children and youth.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Management

Trauma-informed practices

Education

Diploma/Degree in Social Services, Community Support Work, or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Program Manager: Youth Housing (SHSS)

Location: Nanaimo , BC

Position Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8 am - 4 pm)

Wage: $34.76 - $38.90 per hour

Lead with Purpose, Grow with Us

At Bonaventure Support Services, we believe leadership means more than managing programs—it means inspiring people and creating opportunities for growth. As a Program Manager, you’ll oversee Spezialized Homes and Support Services (SHSS) programs, guiding a team that supports youth and children with diverse abilities to live meaningful, connected lives.

The successful candidate will be passionate about supportingchildren and youth with complex developmental, behavioural, mental health, andsupport needs. This role provides leadership to teams supporting youth who mayexperience significant emotional dysregulation, high-risk behaviours, andcomplex responses to trauma. The Program Manager promotes safe, therapeutic,and relationship-based approaches while supporting employees through coaching,collaboration, positive behaviour support, and evidence-informed practices. Therole fosters a culture of safety, accountability, resilience, and positiveoutcomes for children, youth, families, and employees.

The Role

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to staff, fostering a cohesive and supportive team culture.
• Support the day-to-day operation of Specialized Homes and Support Services (SHSS) programs.
• Guide employees in implementing behaviour support plans, safety plans, crisis response strategies and individualized service plans.
• Collaborate closely with the Youth & Family Coordinator to support service planning, family engagement, transitions, and quality assurance activities.
• Promote trauma-informed, person centred, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practices.
• Ensure compliance with CARF accreditation, agency policies, and relevant legislation (WorkSafeBC, Employment Standards, etc.).
• Manage program resources, including scheduling staff and reconciling expenditures.
• Participate in Care Circles, case planning meetings, and collaborative service delivery with families, MCFD, and community professionals.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes sability, growth, and positive outcomes for children and youth.

What You Bring

We’re seeking leaders who combine strong organizational skills with compassion and vision. You’ll bring:

• Diploma/Degree in Social Services, Community Support Work, or related field—or equivalent experience
• Experience supporting children and youth with complex behavioual, developmental, mental health, and trauma-related needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, positive behaviour support, and crisis intervention strategies
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic documentation systems
• Experience leading teams in residential, community living, child and youth care, or human services environments
• Knowledge of SHSS, MCFD, CARF, and licencing requirements is considered an asset

What We Offer

When you join Bonaventure, you become part of a values-driven organization that invests in both the people we serve and the people who lead. We offer:

• Extended health, dental, life insurance, and AD&D coverage (employer-paid portions)
• RRSP contribution program
• Vacation entitlement, starting at 3 weeks per year
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Leadership training and professional development opportunities
• A collaborative, supportive culture where your leadership makes a difference

Requirements

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License
• MCFD Hub Screening with RCMP Criminal Record Check portion (employer facilitated)
• First Aid with CPR, Food Safe Level 1
• Immunization record or exemption, TB Screen, and Physician’s Declaration
• 3 professional references (including one from your most recent employer)

About Us

Bonaventure Support Services is a dynamic and adaptable agency serving adults, youth, and children with diverse abilities across Vancouver Island. We are committed to person-centered, goal-directed services that foster safety, inclusion, and meaningful community participation. We are proud of our compassionate, collaborative culture where leaders and team members alike can thrive.