Metro Community Living (MCL) is building a pool of casual Community Residential Workers (CRWs) to support last-minute shift coverage within its Small Option Home (SOH) Program in Kentville, NS. This opportunity is ideal for flexible, dependable individuals who are able to accept shifts on short notice and provide high-quality, person-centred support when teams need additional coverage. It is especially well-suited to students, recent graduates, and individuals with customer service, hospitality, retail, recreation, or other people-focused experience who are looking to build meaningful experience in the human services sector.
Metro Community Living is a respected, community-based organization committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and mental health challenges to live meaningful, self-directed lives across Nova Scotia. Through person-centred support, MCL promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion while fostering safe, supportive home environments rooted in community connection.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the Community Residential Worker provides hands-on support to participants in their homes and communities on an as-needed basis. This role is well suited to compassionate, reliable individuals who can step into shifts with professionalism, follow established support plans and routines, and contribute positively to a safe, respectful home environment.
Casual shifts offer a flexible way to gain hands-on exposure to community-based support work while developing transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, relationship-building, teamwork, and person-centred care. For those exploring a career in human services, disability support, mental health, recreation, social services, nursing, continuing care, or related fields, this role can be a strong entry point into meaningful community-based work.
Position Overview
The Community Residential Worker (CRW) provides individualized, community-based support to participants within the Small Option Home Program during casual, relief, and last-minute coverage shifts. Grounded in Active Support principles and least-restrictive practices, the CRW helps maintain continuity of care by promoting community engagement, social inclusion, life-skill development, and support with activities of daily living (ADLs).add
Compensation: $17.49/hour
Casual Shift Availability
- Accept casual and relief shifts as available, including short-notice and last-minute coverage needs.
- Provide coverage across varying shifts, which may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
- Remain responsive to scheduling requests and communicate availability clearly and promptly.
- Adapt quickly to established home routines, participant needs, and program expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Participant Support & Engagement
- Build respectful, trust-based relationships with participants.
- Support participants in identifying interests, pursuing hobbies, and engaging meaningfully in their communities.
- Promote independence, social inclusion, and healthy lifestyles.
- Provide personal care as required, with professionalism, dignity, and respect.
- Support participants in attending medical, mental health, and therapeutic appointments and follow through on support recommendations.
- Collaborate with participants and the Program Coordinator to implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
- Foster positive working relationships with families, community partners, and service providers.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to participant support.
Home & Daily Living Support
- Assist with meal preparation in accordance with menu plans, DSP guidelines, and participant preferences.
- Support household routines and responsibilities, including cleaning tasks outlined in daily, weekly, and monthly schedules.
- Submit Special Needs Requests to the Program Coordinator in a timely manner.
- Complete additional duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.
Administration & Documentation
- Accurately complete daily documentation and maintain thorough records.
- Adhere to all organizational policies related to participant support, safety, finances, and administration.
- Collaborate on annual Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
- Prepare participant Quarterly Reports.
- Support monthly cash requests and other administrative tasks as required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education and/or experience in Human Services or a related field is considered an asset.
- Experience in recreation, leisure services, or community-based supports is an asset.
- Customer service, hospitality, retail, recreation, student placement, volunteer, or other people-focused experience is considered an asset.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Clear and current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
Required Certifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Non-Aversive Intervention
- Crisis Prevention
- Standard First Aid & CPR
- Basic PCW
- Fire & Life Safety
- Medication Awareness & Individual Program Planning
- Food Handlers Certification
- WHMIS
The Ideal Candidate
- Embraces a person-first mindset, recognizing the participant’s home as their space.
- Is a self-starter and natural motivator who actively engages participants.
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence, authenticity, and strong relationship-building skills.
- Maintains professional boundaries while confidently taking initiative within the scope of the role.
- Works well independently, adapts quickly to changing coverage needs, and remains a reliable, communicative team member.Balances compassion with strong attention to documentation, organization, and compliance.
- Is accountable, open to feedback, and proactive in communication.
Why Join Metro Community Living?
- Casual Flexibility: Flexible, as-needed shifts that allow you to contribute meaningfully while choosing opportunities that align with your availability.
- Professional Autonomy: Trusted to exercise sound judgment, share ideas, and take initiative while delivering high-quality supports.
- Gain Meaningful Experience: Build practical, hands-on experience in community support, disability services, mental health, and person-centred care—an excellent opportunity for students, recent graduates, or individuals exploring a career in human services.
- Pathway to Internal Opportunities: Casual employment can be a great starting point for those interested in growing with MCL, with the ability to apply for internal full-time positions as they become available.
- Training & Ongoing Learning: Access to structured training programs, online learning resources, and role-specific development.
- Variety & Flexibility: Exposure to diverse support environments, including mental health and complex care, allows for skill development and specialization.
Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or someone with strong customer service experience looking to transition into meaningful community-based work, this casual role offers a flexible way to gain experience, make a difference, and explore future opportunities with Metro Community Living.
#MCL2026
Pay: $17.49 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kentville, NS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
