The Program
At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.
As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.
Our 800-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $70 million.
Short Stop: This home supports Indigenous children and youth in care in an environment that values culture, identity, belonging, and connection. Staff work alongside youth to strengthen or re-establish meaningful connections with their families, communities, cultures, and traditions whenever possible, while providing consistent, relationship-based support for youth with diverse needs and experiences.
New Leaf: This home supports younger children with behavioural and emotional support needs in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. We believe childhood should include fun, exploration, and a sense of normalcy, so staff spend their time building relationships through community outings, recreational activities, skill-building, and everyday moments that help children feel safe, confident, and able to thrive.
Join our dedicated social services team, to mentor these individuals to develop their unique strengths and encourage independence.
In Your Role You Will
- Independently work with client(s) towards achieving the goals set out in their Individual Support Plan (ISP); encouraging them during setbacks and celebrating successes with them.
- Support/supervise complex behavioural, emotional and social needs/development (in the residence & during community activities)
- Use de-escalation techniques to deal with challenging behaviours.
- Assist client in developing life skills within the home including household chores (meal prep, cleaning, etc.) in a consistent, healthy & safe environment and their community.
- Model healthy relationships and setting boundaries
- Transports and assists residents to appointments, shopping or leisure activities; operates motor vehicles safely and legally while transporting clients or on Taproot business.
- Request a job description for full duties and responsibilities.
The Position
We're looking for people who genuinely enjoy working with children and youth and believe in the power of building positive, consistent relationships. You bring education and/or experience in Child and Youth Care or a related field, share Taproot's values, and are committed to applying the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) principles in your everyday practice.
We are currently hiring for the following roles, in a casual / on-call capacity, with the opportunity to apply for part-time and full-time positions, as they become available:
- Residence Worker, may include overnight awake scheduling (Grid 10)
- Residential Child and Youth Workers (Grid 11)
These positions require union membership with CUPE.
Challenging behaviours may occur on a daily basis, therefore, applicants that already have ASIST Suicide training, along with, experience with de-escalation techniques and a minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with significant mental health concerns, high behaviors and/or trauma, is preferred.
Casual/On Call staff will be contacted to work a variety of unionized roles and shifts (based on availability) to cover staff illness, LOA, vacation etc. in a 24-hr/7 program located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
You might be a great fit if you:
- Enjoy taking children and youth on community outings, recreational activities, and everyday adventures.
- Find purpose in encouraging and supporting youth to attend appointments, school, and other important commitments.
- Build trust through patience, consistency, and authentic relationships.
- Work well as part of a team and value collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Respect and celebrate each young person's unique strengths, identity, culture, and lived experiences.
Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks
***Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.
As An Ideal Candidate You Possess
- Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, Disability Studies, Sociology, Healthcare Aide, PSW, Practical Nursing or equivalent
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in adult, child and youth care, or with individuals with a developmental disability, mental health issues or brain injury in a community-based setting.
- Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Other related fields of experience include Community Support Worker, Education Assistant, Special Needs, Behaviour Interventionist, Youth Worker
- Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License and clean driver’s abstract
- A reliable, safe vehicle that has appropriate insurance is an asset
- Positive behavior supports experience and Trauma informed care an asset.
- Valid CPR/First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate (Mandt) and Conflict Resolution Certificate (or ability to obtain within probation period)
**Successful applicants will be required to participate in MCFD screening and provide three (3) professional reference prior to confirmed employment with Taproot Community Support Services.***
What Taproot Community Support Services Does
At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength-based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we’re building a company we’re proud of.
Our Employees Enjoy
- Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
- Work/life balance
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Competitive wages and salaries
- Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
- Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
- Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
- Professional development opportunities and job-related training
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Long Service Milestone rewards
- Employee referral bonus program
- A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good
Website reference
For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website: taproot.ca
Closing Statement
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Please apply.
Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
