Residential Community Support Workers (Penticton - Casual Pool)

The Program

Taproot Community Support Services (formerly WJS Canada) works to improve the lives of person in their communities through a variety of programs and services.

Okanagan Community Living Residential Service is a residential program that offers supports to people with developmental disabilities. The Penticton Beach, Okanagan based residential program is housed in a large single family bungalow with an attached duplex, a large manicured yard and flowers along the walkways. Neighbours respect and support our residents. We are close to local restaurants and coffee shops. To encourage community inclusion, residents use public transportation although the program also has a vehicle.

Okanagan Community Living Residential Service is staffed weekdays in the afternoon and overnight as residents participate in our community based day programming. Okanagan Community Living Home Based Day Service offers specialized services to high needs participants. In-house programming includes functional daily activities that provide growing and learning components as part of daily routines. Individuals learn personal care and life skills that assist them with day-to-day living.

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

The Position

Role

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:

• Residence Workers (Grid 10)
• Awake Residential Night Workers (Grid 6)

These positions require union membership with BCGEU.

Challenging behaviours may occur on a daily basis, therefore, only applicants with ASIST Suicide training, experience with de-escalation techniques and a minimum of 2 years experience working with individuals with significant mental health concerns, high behaviors and/or trauma will be interviewed for this position.

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 Penticton, 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 2 years’ experience in adult, child and youth care, or with individuals with a developmental disability, mental health issues or brain injury.
• 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 (NVCI, Mandt or CPI) and Conflict Resolution Certificate (or ability to obtain within probation period).
• Physician’s note confirming suitability, including immunization records and negative tuberculosis screening test.
• Successful applicants will be required to 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

• Casual employees are paid an additional 10.6% of wages in lieu of benefits.
• Ability to apply for other positions within the Union and within Taproot Community Support Services.
• Professional development opportunities and job-related training.
• Flexible hours to accommodate life/work balance.
• Long Service Milestone rewards.
• Employee referral bonus program.

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.