Support Worker - Nanaimo

Canucks Autism Network; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community organization in Nanaimo is seeking Support Workers for the upcoming Winter 2026 Season. This role involves providing individualized support to children on the autism spectrum, facilitating social interactions, and ensuring a safe, engaging environment. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic, team-oriented, and patient. Positions are available in various locations across Nanaimo with competitive pay. Join us to make a positive impact!

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• If applying for skate program: must skate forwards, backwards, and support beginners.
• If applying for swim program: must be comfortable in all pool depths.
• Previous experience with Autistic individuals is an asset.
• Fun, enthusiastic, motivated, and a positive team player.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to participants.
• Facilitate socialization amongst program participants.
• Support health and safety of participants.
• Communicate with guests about CAN.

Skills

Support Autistic individuals

Communication skills

Team player

Adaptability

Reliability

Education

Relevant post-secondary education

First aid certification

Job description

Wage: $21/hour + 10% in lieu of benefits ($23.10/hr)

Schedule & Hours: Various hours and schedule

Locations: Please note that this position is located in various areas in Nanaimo

The Canucks Autism Network is looking to welcome some new Support Workers to the team for this upcoming Winter 2026 Season!

• Multisport - Basketball & Ball Hockey @ Randerson Ridge Elementary: Tuesdays, January 20 to February 24 from 4:45 pm - 6:45 pm
• Skate @ Cliff McNabb Arena: Fridays, January 16 - February 27 from 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
  • Exception date: February 13
• Swim @ Beban School Park: Sundays, January 11 - March 8 from 4:15 pm - 6:30 pm
  • Exception date: February 15

Program opportunities are available year-round, and we recruit for each season closer to the start of the program. Specific program details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs give children on the autism spectrum a place to learn sports skills, engage in new activities, and socialize with their peers without the fear of acceptance or the worry of competition. It is a chance for them to build new friendships, confidence, and their skill set. CAN provides a fun and engaging environment where the pace of instruction can be modified to meet our participant’s individual needs. A high instructor‑to‑participant ratio allows for individualized support and instruction for each participant, and a variety of strategies are used to help participants to be successful, including visual supports. Training is provided to all CAN Support Workers, both in a virtual classroom and on the job.

CAN offers sports & rec programs for children on the autism spectrum which include Multisport (intro to gym‑based physical activities and sports), Swim, and Skate programs. Gymnastics, Hockey, & Music are also offered in a few of our program regions. Support Workers may sign up for one or for multiple programs during the season, we just ask that commit to all sessions within a season.

Under the direction of the Coach and Onsite Supervisor, you will provide lessons and skill development in a program that has been specifically designed to promote physical and social development of children on the autism spectrum.

Key Functions

• Provide individualized support to participants & promote active engagement & learning as directed by the Onsite Supervisor
• Follow instructions delivered by the Skills Coach & adapt to participant(s) needs as required
• Facilitate peer to peer interaction and socialization amongst program participants
• Encourage participants to independently partake in activities
• Collaborate with Onsite Supervisor, Coaches, other Support Workers, and Volunteers to help the group be as successful as possible
• Help engage and mentor Volunteers in participant support as required
• Under the direction of the Onsite Supervisor, support the health, safety, and overall well‑being of participants by maintaining a safe and hygienic environment, assisting with participant toileting and personal care needs in a respectful and dignified manner
• Event Staff: Communicate with guests and members of the public about Canucks Autism Network and assist with the needs of various CAN family and fundraising events
• Have fun!

Job Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• If you are applying for a skate program: you must be able to skate forwards, backwards, stop with ease and be able to physically support beginner participant on the ice.
• If you are applying for a swim program: you must feel comfortable in all depths of the pool and able to physically support a beginner swimmer in the water.
• Previous experience supporting Autistic individuals and other diverse abilities a strong asset but not required
• Relevant post‑secondary education and first aid certification an asset
• Fun, enthusiastic, motivated and a positive team player
• Passion to get involved and an eagerness to learn
• Patient, collaborative, adaptable, and respect for children and families
• Willingness to learn and open to receiving feedback
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Punctual and reliable: committed to 100% program attendance
• Excellent people skills and able to build positive relationships with participants

We thank all of those who apply but only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

Please note that all chosen candidates will need to successfully complete our online criminal record check to move forward in the hiring process. Additionally, successful candidates/new employees must complete all training and necessary paperwork prior to starting the program.