Support Worker - Kelowna

John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overnight premium

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Extended health and dental benefits

RRSP matching

3 weeks vacation

Personal time off with pay

Job summary

The John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to assist adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. The role emphasizes harm reduction and trauma-informed care to help clients build life skills, access resources, and improve overall well-being.

Responsibilities include daily support, crisis response, documentation, and collaboration with the team to maintain safe, respectful environments and connect clients with needed services.

Qualifications

• Current First Aid (Level 1) certification is required.
• Naloxone training is preferred.
• Certificate, diploma, or degree in a related human/social services field is required.
• Minimum one (1) year of related experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day physical, emotional, and social support to clients.
• Assist with activities of daily living and life skills development.
• Support case management and help maintain client case plans.
• Connect clients with community resources and services.
• Respond to crises and provide calm intervention as needed.
• Monitor safety and maintain a secure environment for clients and staff.

Skills

Empathy & interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Teamwork

Documentation skills

Calm under pressure

Education

Certificate, diploma, or degree in a related human/social services field

First Aid Certification (Level 1)

Job description

Position Overview

As a Support Worker, you play a vital role in supporting individuals to live successfully in shelter and residential environments through a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. This is a dynamic, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will support a diverse adult population navigating mental health and substance use challenges, helping them build life skills, access resources, and improve their overall quality of life.

If you are someone who leads with empathy, stays grounded in challenging situations, and believes in creating inclusive, judgment-free spaces, this role offers meaningful, front-line impact every day.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day physical, emotional, and social support to clients

• Assist with activities of daily living and life skills development

• Support case management and help maintain client case plans

• Connect clients with community resources and services

• Transport clients to appointments, outreach activities, and essential errands

• Facilitate and participate in client-focused programming and activities

• Apply harm reduction principles in all aspects of care

• Monitor for and respond to crisis situations, including overdose response and Naloxone administration

• Provide calm, effective intervention in emergent or high-risk situations

• Conduct regular client observations and ensure overall safety

• Maintain a safe, clean, and secure environment for clients and staff

• Monitor access to the building and ensure safety protocols are followed

• Perform routine cleaning, housekeeping, and basic maintenance reporting

• Support meal services and ensure common areas are maintained

• Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with program standards

• Maintain records related to client supports and daily operation

• Support rent collection and other administrative duties as needed

• Other duties as assigned

What We Offer

• Hourly overnight premium between midnight and 8am.

• A supportive, caring, work environment with a focus on investing in our staff

• Professional development opportunities

• Extended health and dental benefits

• RRSP matching

• 3 weeks vacation

• Additional personal time off with pay

Acknowledgement

The John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to their race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates and those eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.

• Schedule: 30 hours/week

• Required: Current First Aid (Level 1),

• Preference given to candidates with Naloxone training

• Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and overnight (shift schedule: 10pm-8am, Sunday to Wednesday)

• Certificate, diploma, or degree in a related human/social services field

• Minimum one (1) year of recent, related experience

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with diverse populations

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or crisis situations

• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong communication and documentation skills

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the role

• Clear a Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector)

• Ability to work in environments that may include pets

• Comfort working independently (lone worker shifts may apply)

If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, please let us know!