Support Worker - Kelowna

Job summary

Provide physical, emotional, and social support to clients in a shelter environment while applying harm reduction and trauma-informed principles. Manage daily operations, including crisis intervention, case plan maintenance, and facility safety.

Job details

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!

What you’ll do

Provide physical, emotional, and social support to clients in a shelter environment while applying harm reduction and trauma-informed principles. Manage daily operations, including crisis intervention, case plan maintenance, and facility safety.

Requirements

Requires a certificate, diploma, or degree in a related human or social services field and at least one year of recent experience. Candidates must hold current First Aid certification and be able to pass a Criminal Record Check.

Benefits

• Extended health and dental benefits • RRSP matching • 3 weeks vacation • Personal time off with pay • Professional development opportunities • Overnight premium

Listed skills

• safety monitoring · Preferred
• First Aid · Preferred
• crisis intervention · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Administrative Support · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Documentation · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Harm reduction
• Trauma-informed care
• Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Naloxone administration
• Life skills development
• Documentation
• Interpersonal skills
• Relationship building
• Problem-solving
• First aid
• Safety monitoring
• Communication skills
• Administrative support
• Empathy
• Trauma Informed Approaches
• Time Off Management
• Administrative Functions
• First Aid
• Mental Health
• Case Management
• Social Work
• Housekeeping
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Life Skills Development
• Relationship Building
• Rent Collection
• Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Program Standards

Job areas

• Social Services
• Security & Safety
• Healthcare
• Support Worker
• Caregiver / Personal Care Aide
• Companions and Valets
• Personal Care Aides
• Home Health and Personal Care Aides