Reporting Relationship: Reports to Shelter Manager
Location: Women’s Shelter (Cedar Branches), Duncan, BC
Start Date: Immediate
Hourly Wage: $25.78/hour

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Emergency First Aid with CPR-C (or willingness to obtain)
• Current Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector)
• Naloxone training (or willingness to obtain)
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and de-escalation
• Basic computer and communication skills (logging, forms, email)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Cedar Branches is a 24/7 low-barrier shelter offering 22 beds to homeless and unhoused women in the Cowichan Valley, including limited overnight drop-in spaces. The shelter also offers outreach services such as access to a Nurse Practitioner, door-based supports, and referrals to community resources.
Women accessing Cedar Branches may be substance-affected or navigating complex physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. We aim to “do no further harm,” creating a space where safety, boundaries, and dignity guide our work.
Support Workers are essential members of the shelter team, helping to maintain a welcoming environment, meet basic needs (meals, laundry, hygiene, etc.), and ensure clear communication across shifts. This role involves regular interaction with participants, conflict de-escalation, and safety monitoring.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with shelter participants
• Provide compassionate and respectful support while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Complete hourly participant wellness checks and maintain regular communication logs
• Assist with meal prep, laundry, and cleaning across all areas of the three-story shelter
• Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches
• Collaborate with the shelter team to uphold shelter policies and maintain safety for all
• Support women in accessing services, resources, and referrals as needed
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation using basic computer systems and email