JOB POSTING
Make a Meaningful Impact Where It Matters Most
Join the Thresholds Program at Aunt Leah’s as a Family Support Worker and play a vital role in supporting mothers and their children as they navigate some of life’s most complex and vulnerable moments. This is relationship-based, trauma-informed work focused on building trust, stability, and hope for families who are at risk of homelessness and family separation. In this role, you will walk alongside participants as they strengthen parenting skills, build life skills, and work toward greater independence—while also supporting healthy child development, family connection, and long-term well-being. Every day is different, and your support may include emotional guidance, practical coaching, crisis support, and connecting families to essential community resources. If you are compassionate, grounded, and skilled at supporting individuals through challenging circumstances while maintaining a strengths-based and non-judgmental approach, this is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of mothers and children.
Family Support Worker (Thresholds Program-Aunt Leah’s House)
Job Summary: Reporting to the Thresholds Program Coordinator, the Family Support Worker is an integral member of Aunt Leah’s Thresholds team, delivering trauma-informed, person-centered support to participants and their children. This role focuses on supporting mothers who are at risk of homelessness and/or losing custody of their children to the Ministry. Participants include individuals with a range of needs and experiences, including those navigating mental health challenges, substance use, and intimate partner violence, as well as those seeking additional support and stability in a transitional period of their lives. The Family Support Worker provides pre-natal and post-natal support and assists mothers in building life skills, with the goal of preventing family separation and breaking the cycle that can lead children in foster care to homelessness. This work takes place within the Thresholds Program, a transitional housing initiative that supports parenting moms (ages 19+) in need of a safe, stable place to live. The program offers housing, wraparound supports, and opportunities for personal growth while promoting independence and long-term well-being. Operating across three stages of transitional housing (1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage), the program is grounded in a commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where moms and their children can thrive.
Reports To: Thresholds Program Coordinator
Location: Burnaby, BC
Compensation: $25.17/ hr.
Positions Available: 2 x Full Time Regular positions each with shift schedule of Monday- Friday; generally, 9:00 – 5:00 pm; with occasional evening and weekend hours as operationally needed
Qualifications:
- Child and Youth Care Diploma, Social Services Diploma, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in providing support to women and children; with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness, and/or social services; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with general suitability.
Requirements:
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable persons) and Local Police Information Check (including vulnerable persons)
- Undergo & Maintain a MCFD Contracted Agency Caregiver Clearance
- First Aid – Level C w/ CPR
- Food Safe Certificate
- Agrees to the Aunt Leah’s Code of Ethics
- Follows Aunt Leah’s Practice Guidelines
Assets:
- A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, and access to a vehicle; with $5,000,000 in business liability insurance, and clean driver’s abstract
- Rapid Response Overdose Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Cultural Competency Training
- Substance Use & Addictions Awareness Training
- Trauma Informed Training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA):
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Ability to follow and implement program policies and procedures
- Interpersonal abilities and team work skills
- Time management & ability to prioritize tasks
- Cultural safety/competency
- Creative problem solving
- Crisis management, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility/Adaptability in managing multiple priorities
- Computer/Technical Literacy
- Planning/Organizing & Budgeting Skills
- Report Writing & Documentation
- Knowledge of Residential Tenancy Act
- Knowledge and application of Person-Centered Approach and Trauma Informed practices
- Knowledge and application of De-escalation skills and approaches
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Direct Care (One-to-One Support):
- Build trusting, trauma-informed relationships with participants.
- Support parenting, independent living, financial literacy, interpersonal skills, health and wellness, employment readiness, recreation, education, and cultural connection.
2. Direct Care – Program and Household Support:
- Maintain a safe, respectful living environment and reinforce house expectations.
- Support meal preparation, shared household tasks, and routine cleaning/sanitation.
- Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations in accordance with policy and training.
- Participate in outcome tracking related to housing, education, employment, and parenting goals.
- Support and supervise scheduled child/baby visits as directed.
3. Financial Responsibilities:
- Submit and track receipts for float/visa card purchases and cheque requests.
- Ensure all expenditures follow budget guidelines and organizational procedures.
4. Health and Safety:
- Maintain a safe, clean, and secure living environment in line with policy and procedures.
- Conduct and document emergency drills and ensure participant awareness of safety procedures.
- Participate in annual health and safety policy review and related responsibilities.
5. Professional Development:
- Engage in ongoing training and professional development.
- Participate in regular check-ins with the Program Coordinator to support workload and service delivery.
6. Communication:
Internal:
- Complete accurate documentation including logs, case notes, outcome tracking, and incident reports.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and staff development sessions.
- Collaborate with internal program teams to support coordinated service delivery.
- Participate in program activities, outings, and workshops as required.
External:
- Liaise with community partners and service providers to support participant goals.
- Make appropriate referrals to internal and external supports.
- Support program engagement and service activity requirements.
7. Confidentiality:
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with policy and legislation.
- Ensure secure handling of all participant information and records.
- Follow organizational policies, procedures, and applicable ethical standards at all times.
On- Call
- Participate in on call as scheduled.
- Attend annual on-call training as required.
- While on call, is able to support and attend as required; including after-hours support when on-call, and in-person support.
Physical Demands
- This position requires some lifting of heavier objects up to 50 lbs.
- This position may involve physical activity, including the safe lifting and carrying of children, as well as providing physical assistance in a supportive and secure manner.
Working Conditions:
- Hours of work are generally 37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours a day); generally, Monday – Friday; generally, 9:00 – 5:00 pm; with occasional evening and weekend hours as operationally needed
- This position may require working occasional evenings and weekends and travel to various locations within Metro Vancouver.
- This position is primarily based out of the Thresholds Programming residences, which are located across various sites in New Westminster, BC and Burnaby, BC.
- Participate in on call as scheduled.
Living Wage Employer:
As a certified living wage employer, we are committed to compensating our employees a living wage that allows working families to support the healthy development of their children and participate in the social, civic, and cultural lives of their communities. Embracing a living wage policy aligns with our Strategic Goals and provides our staff a great place to work.
We Offer:
A comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, extended health care including vision care and prescription, RRSP matching, generous vacation and personal time package.
To Apply:
To apply, please use the application link provided in this posting. We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We encourage qualified people of all gender expressions and identities, sexual orientations, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities to apply if you are interested in supporting our mission and mandate.
#INDHP
Work Location: In person
