Residential Community Support Workers (Nanaimo - Casual Pool)

Taproot Community Support Services; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Nanaimo is seeking Residential Child and Youth Workers in a casual employment capacity. These positions aim to support youth who have faced challenges in previous programs. Applicants should have experience with challenging behaviors and possess relevant qualifications in social work or psychology. The role includes mentoring youth to foster their independence while working in a supportive environment with professional development opportunities. Employee ownership is an essential part of the culture, promoting collaboration and innovation.

Benefits

Employee ownership

Work/life balance

Learning and career development opportunities

Competitive wages and salaries

Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees

Defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in care settings with youth or individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License and clean driver’s abstract required.
• Experience in Community Support, Education Assistance, or Youth Work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and supervise clients with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
• Encourage clients to develop life skills and independence.
• Drive clients to appointments and assist in community activities.

Skills

De-escalation techniques

Positive behavior supports

Trauma-informed care

Education

Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, or equivalent

Tools

CPR/First Aid certification

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate

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.

The Cove Program is designed to accommodate youth that have experienced a history of failure in other programs and group homes in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Our services support youth recovering from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and overcoming other adversity by providing them with housing and trauma‑based guidance.

We accommodate and support traumatized youth in comfortable and welcoming facilities with twenty four hour staffing. Paired housemates share common areas but each child has his or her own bedroom. We offer a safe environment in a residential and friendly neighbourhood. An open door policy encourages a wandering youth to return at any time.

Join our dedicated social services team, to mentor these individuals to develop their unique strengths and encourage independence.

The Position

We are currently hiring for the following roles, in a casual / on‑call capacity, with the opportunity to apply for part‑time and full‑time positions, as they become available.

• Residential Child and Youth Workers (Grid 11)

These positions require union membership with BCGEU.

Challenging behaviours may occur on a daily basis, therefore, applicants with ASIST Suicide training, experience with de‑escalation techniques and a minimum of 1 year of experience working with individuals with significant mental health concerns, high behaviours and/or trauma will be given preference for these positions.

Casual/On Call staff will be contacted to work a variety of unionized roles and shifts (based on availability) to cover staff illness, LOA, vacation etc. in a 24‑hr/7 program located in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

In Your Role You Will

• Independently work with client(s) towards achieving the goals set out in their Individual Support Plan (ISP); encouraging them during setbacks and celebrating successes with them.
• Support/supervise complex behavioural, emotional and social needs/development (in the residence & during community activities).
• Use de‑escalation techniques to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Assist client in developing life skills within the home including household chores (meal prep, cleaning, etc.) in a consistent, healthy & safe environment and their community.
• Model healthy relationships and setting boundaries.
• Drive person in care (in your own or company vehicle), accompany to appointments and supervise/participate with the client in recreational and community activities.
• Request a job description for full duties and responsibilities.
• 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

• Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, Disability Studies, Sociology, Healthcare Aide, PSW, Practical Nursing or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in adult, child and youth care, or with individuals with a developmental disability, mental health issues or brain injury in a community‑based setting.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Other related fields of experience include Community Support Worker, Education Assistant, Special Needs, Behaviour Interventionist, Youth Worker.
• Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License and clean driver’s abstract.
• A reliable, safe vehicle that has appropriate insurance is an asset.
• Positive behavior supports experience and Trauma informed care an asset.
• Valid CPR/First Aid, Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate (Mandt) and Conflict Resolution Certificate (or ability to obtain within probation period).
• Successful applicants will be required to participate in MCFD screening and provide three (3) professional reference prior to confirmed employment with Taproot Community Support Services.***

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 that 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.