community support worker jobs

Centre

POSITION SUMMARY

CMHA is looking for Casual Shelter Workers at Warmland House Shelter Services. Reporting to and under the

direction of the Manager, Warmland Services, the successful candidate will provide a high standard of shelter

care. Warmland House Shelter is a safe, supportive environment that helps clients help themselves in their

transition to stable housing, where all individuals treat themselves, their neighbours and their surroundings with

respect. The Sobering and Assessment Centre provides a safe, structured and secure environment, by assessing

the patient, monitoring vital signs and other health checks while the patient is intoxicated.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent); Basic First-Aid certificate; Non-violent crisis

intervention certificate; Food Safe; WHMIS.

POSITION DETAILS

This is a Casual Union Position. There are three different shifts. The hours of work for each shift are 12am to

8am (night shift), 8am to 4pm (day shift) or 4pm to 12am (evening shift), (7.5 hours/day excluding meal break)

with a rotating schedule of four (4) working days and two (2) off days. The rate of pay is $29.62 per hour (Pay

Grid 21) plus 10% in lieu of benefits including vacation and paid holidays. Shift differential is paid for working

evenings ($0.45/hr), nights ($2.50/hr), and Saturdays and/or Sundays ($0.50/hr). Successful candidate to start

as soon as possible.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Please submit your resume clearly outlining your education, experience, and qualifications as they relate to this

position via email to careers.cowichan@cmhacowichan.ca. Kindly specify the title of the position in your subject.

Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2026.

Please note that proof of a successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector is a condition

of employment with CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement, please visit our website at cmhacowichanvalley.com.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be

contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Shelter Worker

Program Title: Warmland Shelter

Date: March 2023

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley

Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch

division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of the

Canadian Mental Health Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to

resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community

integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and

Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth

Connect, Bounce Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other

counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health

and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to provide a high standard of shelter care. Warmland House Shelter is a safe,

supportive environment that helps clients help themselves in their transition to stable housing, where all

individuals treat themselves, their neighbours and their surroundings with respect.

Warmland House consists of:

• A 30-bed emergency shelter for those who are without housing and would benefit from assistance in

meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and hygiene.

• 24 minimal barrier transitional housing studio apartments, designed to accommodate individuals who

can live independently, yet benefit from support and assistance in stabilizing their lifestyle and develop

the life skills to break the cycle of homelessness, successfully making the transition to “housing ready”.

• A day-use common area: shower and laundry facilities: lockers and a small storage area; there is also a

commercial kitchen and dining area that serves up to 50 people, and a community garden with raised

beds and a large greenhouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Building relationships with clients

• Provide emotional support and assess clients’ immediate needs

• Support Crisis Intervention for clients

• Maintain accurate client records

• Maintain knowledge of community resources

• Working with community service providers

• Administering first aid

• Working collaboratively with emergency service providers

• Disbursing Harm Reduction supplies

• Paperwork

• Providing shelter security

• Conducting wake up calls for clients

• Retrieving and putting away client’s bins

• Disbursing blankets to clients

• Providing support during mealtimes

• Some light cooking

• Maintaining shelter cleanliness

• Stocking supplies, laundry, and other related duties

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES and SKILLS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist practices

• Proven record of employment stability

• The ability to work with people who have been, or are, homeless

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written

• High degree of compassion, resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability

• Strong sense of team ethics, dedication, and professionalism

• Personable, dynamic and creative in their approach

• Flexibility and ability to be available on very short notice

• Ability to work a variety of shifts including overnights, days, evenings, weekends and holidays

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector

• High school diploma (or equivalent)

• Basic First-Aid certificate

• Non-violent crisis intervention certificate

• Food Safe

• WHMIS