South Island Wellness Society (SIWS) is seeking a professional and organized Support Worker to provide direct support to Indigenous adults (22+). This position is a 3-month contract that may be extended. Our Support Worker plays a vital role in connecting people with essential resources and programs, fostering emotional support, and promoting cultural enrichment. By connecting individuals to treatment programs, parenting classes, food access/resources, and mental health support, Support Workers contribute to the holistic well-being of the community. This role is critical in helping individuals to build sustainable independence and navigate colonial systems.
Why Join Us?
· Contribute to a positive difference in the community
· Competitive wages
· Additional paid Stat and civic holidays
· 35-hour work week
· Comprehensive benefits program
· Paid sick days
· Ongoing professional development
· Participate in cultural activities
· Small team dynamic
· Prime office location in heritage building of downtown Victoria
Duties
· Practice and utilise decolonial approaches that support and uplift individuals
· Support Indigenous adults in creating and achieving goals to better their life circumstances
· Provide 1:1 emotional support and guidance, as well as connect clients to mental health resources such as counselling, Elders, and workshops
· Support clients in filling out referrals and applications for housing, education, employment, parenting programs, treatment, etc.
· Support with resource finding, accessing food, emotional regulation, and connecting to culture
· Act as an advocate for clients dealing with MCFD (Ministry of Child and Family Development) involvement
· Set and maintain professional boundaries by exercising a high level of confidentiality and using appropriate discretion
· Patience to support and encourage individuals in shifting/growing through difficult times
· The ability to communicate in written and verbal form
· Utilize conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
· Build trust easily with clients, co-workers, and other professionals
· Provide transportation for clients to appointments, professional meetings, and workshops
· Travel to the 9 local nations to meet with clients and provide outreach support
· Develop relationships with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers
· Keep and regularly update individual files, including contact notes per agency best practices
· Attend bi-weekly staff meetings
· Complete monthly stats
Qualifications
· Degree or Diploma in Social Services, or related discipline and 2- 4 years’ experience in delivery of Social Services associated with Child and Family Services. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
· Must be familiar with local Indigenous history, customs, and protocols
· Must have 2+ years’ experience and knowledge working with First Nations and Indigenous communities
· Prior experience in frontline support required
· Ability to work with vulnerable persons in a positive, trauma-informed manner which creates a sense of safety, trust, and respect
· Familiar with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
· Must maintain confidentiality
· Great verbal and written communication
· Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a team-oriented attitude
· Effective problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
· Acceptable criminal record check required
· Valid BC Driver’s License with acceptable driver’s abstract and access to reliable transportation is required
Wage: $26-29/hr
Hours: 35/week; full-time/contract
How to Apply
Resumes will be accepted until midnight on July 21st, 2026. Must include 2 references.
You can apply by emailing your resume to [email protected] or by dropping it off in person at our downtown office at #200 – 569 Johnson St.
Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry, as per Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Please self-identify.
Pay: $26.00-$29.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
