Residential Community Support Workers Casual Pool

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…