Family Support Worker
Location: Sechelt
Employment Type: Part-Time (Union) – 20 hrs/week
Compensation: $31.82/hour
About Community Services
Since 1974, Sunshine Coast Community Services Society has been at the heart of creating positive change for people on the Sunshine Coast. With a legacy built on care, dedication, and adaptability, we proudly offer over 30 impactful programs across the region. Our work spans four vital areas: Community Action and Engagement, Together Against Violence, Child and Family Counselling, and Family, Youth, and Children’s Services.
Guided by our core values—social justice, interdependence, diversity, compassion, and respect—we are driven to empower individuals and strengthen our community. We’re seeking passionate, values-driven individuals who want to make a real difference in the lives of others. If that sounds like you, join us and be part of our meaningful journey!
About the Role
The Family Support Worker creates a welcoming and safe environment for participants at the Thyme Second Stage Program. The Family Support Worker provides emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to women (including trans women) and their children, and contributes to the administrative and facility responsibilities of the program. This position works effectively and collaboratively with the staff team to deliver a Family Support Program that provides counselling, information, and support for informed decision-making. This position reports to the Thyme Second Stage Program Lead and requires membership with the BC Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
What You’ll Do
- Initiates the search for, and interviews, suitable applicant families in collaboration with other Thyme staff.
- Welcomes and orients women and children to the program to ensure they feel safe and at ease, and provides opportunities to identify, express, and understand their feelings related to violence and family separation.
- Assists new participants in developing a program plan, including goals for their families, and monitors progress.
- Accompanies participants to appointments when appropriate and necessary.
- Assists participants in developing and implementing a plan to secure stable, suitable, and affordable housing/accommodation.
- Collaborates with other Thyme team members on daily administrative tasks to ensure efficient and effective operations and service delivery.
- Uses available communication tools consistently to ensure continuity of service, safety of residents and staff, and smooth program operations.
- Works with families to strengthen conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, with a focus on respect for individual differences.
- Facilitates and develops materials for a participant-directed, participant-centered weekly women’s support group.
- Ensures smooth program operations by performing operational duties including, but not limited to, shopping, stocking the pantry, yard work, donation management, and basic housekeeping.
- Provides participants with information about community resources and refers participants to appropriate services; coordinates with other service providers as needed to promote participant safety.
- Ensures participant files and related record keeping are up to date, accurate, and secure.
- Collaborates with the Program Coordinator to ensure participants have opportunities to engage in program oversight, development, and implementation.
- Consistently and effectively uses team communication tools such as log books, files, forms, team meetings, cross-over, etc.
- Provides support to ex-participants as requested and when time permits.
- Ensures effective service delivery consistent with the agency’s mandate, policies, and all legal, contractual, financial, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinates volunteer pick-up of donations.
- Implements and adheres to Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) legislation and all Thyme and SCCSS policies, procedures, protocols, philosophies, and objectives.
- Supports the mission, vision, and values of SCCSS.
What You Bring
- Post-secondary degree in a related field is an asset, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working directly with women and children of all ages.
- Demonstrated ability to be non-judgmental and to build supportive relationships without imposing personal values or preferences.
- Experience working with diverse populations, with demonstrated ability to communicate in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner while setting and maintaining boundaries.
- Experience applying a feminist analysis of gender-based violence as it affects women, children, and trans folks.
- Solid understanding of systemic issues related to violence against women and children.
- Trauma-informed practice approach.
- Strong knowledge of family systems and culturally competent practices.
- Good working knowledge of relevant local, provincial, and federal legislation and regulations.
- Experience supporting individuals with varying levels of mental health and substance use concerns.
- Experience providing crisis intervention.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required to provide transportation to participants.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across programs and with community partners.
- Successful results of a criminal records check.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Working Conditions
- This position is in a setting that is often stressful, with ongoing conflict between participants.
- There is an element of risk when participants are staying whose ex-partners have a dangerous or criminal history and become aware of their location.
- This position may work alone with minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements
- Lifting and moving recreation, office, and household supplies, furniture, and related equipment.
- Performing basic household activities including grocery shopping, garden work, cleaning, and general maintenance.
- Lifting and holding babies and children.
- Sitting and playing on the floor with infants and children.
Why Join Our Team?
- Competitive and Transparent Compensation: We value fairness and clarity in our wages.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Employer covers 100% of health benefits and 75% of long-term disability premiums.
- Secure Your Future: Enjoy employer contributions to the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP).
- Generous Vacation Time: Start with 3 weeks in your first year, increasing to 4 weeks in your second year.
- Wellness and Flexibility: Receive 5 days of special leave annually for wellness, personal needs, and more.
- Professional Development Support: Paid memberships for professional designations and plenty of opportunities for growth.
- Community Impact: Be part of meaningful work that makes a real difference.
- Team Connection: Participate in our annual Off-Site Team Building Day with fun, engaging activities that foster collaboration and connection.
Accessibility and Accommodations
We are committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodations during any part of the application process, please contact [email protected]
How to Apply
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.
EEO Statement
“We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.”
