Cpo 18r

Posting Title- CPO 18R - Community Integration Specialist- Position Classification- Community Program Officer R18- Union- GEU- Work Options- On-Site- Location- Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8Y9 CA (Primary)
- Salary Range- $64,123.59 - $72,674.35 annually- Close Date- 10/10/2024- Job Type- Regular Full Time- Temporary End Date- Ministry/Organization- BC Public Service -> Social Dev & Poverty Reduction- Ministry Branch / Division- SDD - Community Integration Services Branch- Job Summary**The Team**
The Community Integration Services Branch is a dedicated and established team of Community Integration Specialists who work closely with frontline support workers, outreach staff, and emergency shelter coordinators. This team collaborates with a range of professionals, including Employment and Assistance Workers, community partners, and non-profit staff, to provide essential support to B.C.’s most underserved individuals. We value our team’s commitment to client-centered care and their efforts to meet clients where they are, ensuring they receive both financial assistance and help navigating complex social services.

**The Role**
Community Integration Specialists, in partnership with the Port Alberni Friendship Centre, work in the community 80-85% of their scheduled work week using in-reach and outreach approaches to connect individuals with services. You'll play a vital role in supporting individuals to navigate government systems and access necessary services, particularly within the province’s complex care housing sites. Your responsibilities will include intensive case management, expedited intakes, and coordinated housing inspections. This role is crucial in lowering barriers for those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, trauma, and addiction, fostering community integration and independence. By building meaningful relationships with diverse partners, you'll make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve. Join us in our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and help create opportunities and reduce poverty.

This hiring process will be conducted in partnership with the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. For more information about Aboriginal Friendship Centres in BC, we encourage you to visit BCAAFC - Working together for a brighter future.

**Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience Requirements**
- Secondary school graduation and three (3) years’ related experience*; **OR**:

- Evergreen Certificate and four (4) years’ related experience*; **OR** An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered- Related experience must include at least two (2) of the following and can be gained in either a community/volunteer or employment/customer service capacity:

- Working with Indigenous people who are living in poverty and may be experiencing homelessness
- Working with Indigenous people who are experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges
- Working with people with disabilities
- Experience delivering services to/supporting Indigenous people

Preference may be given to applicants who have one or more of the following:

- Due to the nature of this role and in accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
- Experience working in community organizations, BC Friendship Centres, and/or with multiple service providers
- Direct or indirect lived experience of addiction, poverty, homelessness, or mental health challenges.
- Experience using a trauma-informed approach to client service.

Provisos:

- Must be comfortable working in encampments, on the street and in areas where individuals who are experiencing homelessness gather.
- Will be required to have a valid BC driver’s licence within thirteen (13) months of starting the position.
- Travel will be required.
- Practice reasonable precautions in the performance of duties and adhere to all safety rules and practices to ensure personal safety as well as safety to colleagues, individuals, and others.

**About this Position**:
This position has full time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established for future temporary and/or permanent vacancies in Port Alberni and will be utilized exclusively by the Community Integration Services Branch.
Successful applicants will be required to physically work in Port Alberni and will not be eligible to be placed elsewhere in the province by virtue of this competition.
The Service Delivery Division provides a flexible work environment with many unique benefits, including a scheduled day off every two weeks.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

**Working for the BC Public Service**:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team an