The Program

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

Taproot in Port Alberni provides individualized 24-hour support for children/youth and adults with a variety of specialized and/or complex needs.

In our passion to improve lives and develop life skills, we encourage inclusion and participation through community, life skill coaching, career development and family supports.

Our Services include:

• Supporting youth in recovering from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and overcoming other adversity by providing them trauma informed care within resource homes.
• Community-based supports for adults with diverse abilities.
• Home-based supports for adults with diverse abilities.
• Home Share programs for adults with diverse abilities.
• Life skills development supports for both youth transitioning to adult services as well as adults with diverse abilities.
• Outreach supports for youth and adults that are supported with life skills, self-help skills, employment, and more.

In Your Role You Will

• Initiate contact with referred individuals. Assists manager with intake interviews and assesses suitability for services. Assesses support needs and formulates service plans with individuals. Makes referrals to other programs, agencies and/or community resources as appropriate.
• Assists individuals to plan goals and provides support in accessing community, skill development, employment skills, guidance and emotional support. Monitors their well-being and provides feedback and support to families of clients and other stakeholders in their lives.
• Transports individuals to multiple locations in the community and surrounding areas, such as leisure centers, day programs, malls, parks, family visits and appointments, to support them in their goals and to promote community inclusion and well-being.
• Recognizing and analyzing potential emergency situations and develops strategies to deal with them. Utilizing their knowledge of persons with FAS/FAE and/or autism spectrum disorder, develops service plans and frontline instruction around crisis management, problem solving and community-based instruction
• Helping individuals access resources in the community and provides referrals to services. Assists individuals to obtain temporary or permanent housing either directly or by coordinating with other agencies. Provides information that helps individuals make better-informed choices.
• Advocating for the individuals and assists them in self-advocacy.
• Reviewing individuals’ progress and makes reports regarding their daily activities and progress.
• Liaising with other agencies, professionals, ministry staff and the community.
• Developing Personalized Service Plans that are person centered and comprehensive in line with Dr. Shalock’s Quality of Life Indicators.
• Performing miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

The Position

The Specialized Outreach Worker identifies and provides specialized supports and interventions for persons with developmental disabilities, FAS/FAE and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder in an accredited agency. Supports and instruction focus on community inclusion skill development, social network and employment skills. The positions will provide services to clients within the Outreach program.

Once hired, Casual/On Call employees are contacted to work a variety of shifts (based on availability) to cover staff illness, LOA, vacation etc. located in Port Alberni, BC.

Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks

***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

• A degree, diploma or certificate in one of the humanities, social work or related field. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of one year experience working with persons with a developmental disability, and sexualized behaviour
• Valid CPR/First Aid certificate (or ability to obtain prior to employment)
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and current driver’s abstract (hiring subject to abstract review)
• Successful candidate must sign an oath of confidentiality, a conflict of interest statement, abuse protocols and a code of ethics statement.
• Able to provide crisis supports and have the flexibility to respond to the needs of the individual(s) served.
• A working knowledge of the criminal justice system and ability to assist individuals to navigate the system.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Able to plan and implement changes in response to service recipient needs/desires and environmental influences through interdisciplinary case management.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives; able to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Able to collect, organize, prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and other documentation; maintain files and records according to agency, funder, and accreditation standards.
• Commitment to quality assurance; familiarity with Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards and related accreditation and certification requirements; understanding of principles and practices of risk management.
• Skill in the use of computers, mobile phones, and related applications, including Windows and Microsoft Office Suite; willingness to learn and adapt to new software, including the Human Resources Information System and Expense Accounting System
• Familiar with online group conferencing platforms
• Ability to re-prioritize and adjust to interruptions and changing requirements.
• Ability to comprehend information and communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including business communications and basic mathematics.

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

• Work/life balance
• Learning and career development opportunities
• Competitive wages and salaries
• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
• Professional development opportunities and job-related training
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Long Service Milestone rewards
• Employee referral bonus program

Closing Statement

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.