Life Skills Worker

Job Title: Life Skills Worker
City: Kamloops
Program: Community Living Program
Reports To: Community Living Program Coordinator
Term: Casual/On-Call with no set hours up to a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Wage Range: $24.97 to $28.62 based on education and related experience.  

The ASK Wellness Society is an Accredited not-for-profit organization. Through the generous support of funders, we are able to assist those who are marginalized and at-risk to strengthen the communities we serve (Kamloops, Merrit and Penticton). We provide housing and support to those who are facing homelessness/at risk of homelessness and support those who may use substances, mental health challenges, harm reduction, health education and ultimately provide the skills to re-enter the workforce.

What We Offer:

· Competitive benefits including but not limited to dental, vision, physiotherapy, massage, and fertility upon eligibility

· Municipal Pension Plan upon eligibility

· On-site training and development opportunities such as Violence Prevention, Cultural Awareness and 2SLGBTQ+ training

· A culture of equality, inclusion, and diversity including paid cultural sensitivity days

· Accidental death insurance and Wellness plan benefit

· Vacation entitlements for Part-Time and Full-Time employees

Position Summary: To provide life skills services to adults with developmental disabilities to assist individuals with their physical, economic, vocational, recreational, social, emotional, and daily life skills development. The Community Living Program Life Skills Worker assists clients to achieve their personal aspirations and live as independently as possible. Service delivery is based on a client centered, non-judgmental perspective. Service delivery is based on a client cantered, non-judgmental perspective. 

Typical Duties Include:

Life Skills Worker Responsibilities

Encourage and support Program Participants to live as fully and independently as possible within the local community, providing information, emotional, organizational, and practical support, and training as appropriate.

Organize and provide appropriate support for Program Participants preparing to move on to greater independence, including support through the move and re-settlement into their new housing.

Contribute to the protection of Program Participants from abuse, and support Participants when they are in distress.

Encourage and motivate Program Participants to develop a sense of their own identity, purpose, and self-esteem.

Assist individuals to function more independently in their own home and in the community in accordance with established procedures and protocols.

Teach and assist individuals with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety and pet care. Ensures the safety of the individuals.

Accompany and/or transport individuals to activities such as appointments, shopping, or leisure activities.

Contribute to the protection of Program Participants from abuse, and support Participants when they are in distress.

Work closely with community resources (i.e., CMHA, IHA, Friendship Centre, Brain Injury, etc.).

When necessary, be trained to be the first to respond to an overdose situation with on-the-spot overdose response and support and prepared to work calmly and together with your team, paramedics, and police in crisis   situations.

 Administrative Responsibilities

Conduct assessments of potential Program Participants using the BC Housing mandated Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) when requested.

Complete accurate and up to date communication/case notes.

Maintain files and statistics as per accreditation standards.

Complete move in/move out documentation as required by the Property Services Department.

Work in collaboration with the Licensed Practical Nurse to ensure medication adherence and documentation.

When requested, be a member of the Society's Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) team.

Ensure compliance with all Society policies and procedures.

Other duties which may or may not be outlined within this job description.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work, Human Services Diploma, Support Worker/Care Aid Certificate, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or lived experience.

Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries.

Strong ability to recognize and address difficult behaviors.

Good communication, documentation, interpersonal and conflict management skills.

Ability to work within a team-based environment involving multi-agency supports.

Strong working knowledge of community resources.

Understands and maintains professional boundaries.

Valid driver's license, safe driving record and reliable/appropriate transportation with business use coverage.

Must pass an acceptable criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.

Occupational First Aid Level 1 required.

Readiness to complete in-house online training within the first month of employment.

Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, and Trauma Informed Practice an asset.

As Program Participants are allowed to have pets, it is noted that this is a pet-friendly environment.

If you self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and/or would like assistance with the application process, job readiness, interview readiness or tips for resume and cover letter writing, we encourage you to contact us, and you will be redirected to our Employment Advisor.

The ASK Wellness Society is dedicated to promoting diversity/multiculturalism with inclusion as one of our Core Values.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

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