Community Support Worker

* Temporary Position *

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Temporary from now until March 31st, 2027.

About us

Turning Points Collaborative Society provides outreach, shelter services, and various housing options for vulnerable people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness in the Okanagan. We also offer employment programs, addiction recovery programs, and affordable housing options. We believe in the inherent dignity of the people we serve and seek to support them as experts in their own lives.

Our greatest strength is our people!

At Turning Points, we’re committed to building community, helping people, and giving them all the tools they need to succeed. In order to do that, we need a great team of people who share our values, have excellent interpersonal skills and like helping others.

Diversity matters.

At Turning Points, diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us; they’re principles that drive us as an organization.

Our programs support people from various backgrounds, orientations, and ethnicities, and it’s vital that our staff reflects that same diversity. What’s more, lived experience is a powerful tool to help those facing marginalization and oppression, and varied perspectives help generate better ideas to provide better service.

For these reasons, we strongly encourage applications from the following underrepresented groups:

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)

Multilingual

Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Expansive

LGBQ+

What we offer:

Meaningful work where you’ll make a difference in people’s lives

Supportive work environments

Competitive compensation packages

Opportunities for professional growth

Membership in the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and access to the hundreds of hours of training and resources that goes with it!

Nature of Position:

This Community Support Worker (CSW) position reports to the Regional Manager of Shelter Diversion and is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the program. Scattered Site Housing is a housing-first response to individuals who are experiencing systemic homelessness and vulnerabilities by providing access to affordable market-housing rentals and in-home support services. The CSW will work with community members to find housing, maintain multidimensional services to well-being and sustain long-term housing. The CSW provides life skills training, ongoing support, and guidance to clients eligible for the Scattered Site Housing Program.

Competencies & Experience:

• Recent, relevant experience providing direct human services to clients who are economically disadvantaged, experiencing mental health challenges, and/or drug/alcohol dependence in a diverse environment.
• Familiarity with local and regional community resources and social service agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based stakeholders (i.e. landlords)
• Familiarity with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)
• Possess strong knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness, unemployment, mental health, drug and alcohol dependence, and harm reduction.
• Participates in assessment, goal setting, and case planning for individuals moving through shelter into independent or semi-independent living. Documents and implements the plan. Provides input into the evaluation of the program.
• Evaluate client needs and develop short-term plans to meet such needs with the active participation of clients and their natural support networks.
• Assists clients to function more independently in their own homes and in the community. Assists clients with daily life skills, social skills, and/or behavior management. Teaches and assists clients with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, and pet care. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities.
• Recognizes, analyzes, and deals with potential emergency situations such as clients’ aggressive behavior to minimize potential harm to the clients and/or the public. Ensures that health and safety standards are met and reports problems to the supervisor.
• Proven record of conflict resolution and demonstrated abilities in de-escalation.
• Reviews and evaluates clients’ progress and adjusts programs as required. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their natural supports.
• Accompanies and/or transports clients to activities such as appointments, shopping, or leisure activities.
• Provides written and/or verbal reports regarding clients’ daily activities and progress. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials, and the community.
• Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to model healthy boundaries and effective communication.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.
• Strong ability to manage stress and organize workload.
• Possess above-average analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Proficient computer skills.

Qualifications

• Diploma in human or social services-related field, Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• One year recent related experience
• Minimum Grade 12
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 & Basic CPR certification
• WHMIS
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Criminal Record Clearance-Vulnerable Sector-required.
• Managing Hostile Interactions, Mental Health First Aid, Naloxone,
• Trauma Informed training is an asset.