About | Community Living Careers

What is Community Living?

Community Living is about helping adults of all ages, with a range of disabilities and support needs (such as developmental disabilities, autism, or FASD), thrive within their own community. The goal of Community Living programs in B.C. is to help those they serve in a way that is integrated within the communities where they live. Services are provided throughout the province by over a hundred non-profit community partners, many of whom are funded by a contract with Community Living BC, an agent of the Government of BC.

Although the services offered in each community may differ, they can include supporting people with their housing or living arrangements, learning new skills, and finding jobs. There is also support available to ensure the well-being of eligible individuals and their families.

Where can I get more information?

To learn more about Community Living in British Columbia, please visit the Community Living BC website.

Find a Community Living Services Provider near you:

OUR APPROACH

Thriving in community

Community Living is founded on the belief that people do best when they have a diverse network to give them support and a strong sense of belonging and connection, including family and friends, neighbours, employers, and local social and recreational groups. This gives each person the best chance of finding the best life they can within the community they call home.

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Community Living Services below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our member organizations will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of positions are available?

Work alongside of a person who is living in their own home or with a few others in a residential home setting. You may also work to provide support in and throughout the community as the person engages in daily living, activities and other interests that they have identified. You might also be working to help people identify and develop new skills and abilities that are important to them, like finding employment, shopping for nutritious food, or taking local transit.

Can I work part time?

In most communities, there are casual, part-time, and full-time positions available. In residential supports, shift work may provide the flexibility you are seeking when juggling family or school schedules.

What training and/or experience do I need?

Experience in a caring profession is always an asset. The good news is that most organizations can train on the job and provide opportunities to upskill your abilities as you work.

What opportunities are there for career development?

You can often work with a supervisor to try out different roles and opportunities within an organization, and you may choose to advance your career by becoming a supervisor.

Will I work alone or with a team?

Both options are available in Community Living and can vary throughout the day. You may work one-to-one supporting someone with a diverse ability, or you may work in a team, providing support to more than one person.

What kind of work setting can I expect?

Work settings may include supporting people at home or out in the community. That’s the nice thing about community living. Your work setting may be as diverse as the people you support.

Will I be a part of a union?

Just as the work is diverse, so are the agencies in your community. Some agencies are unionized, while others are not. There are also “hybrid” agencies that have both.

What kinds of disabilities do people have?

Supporting people in the Community Living Sector means supporting people who have a developmental disability, autism, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Some people may also have physical disabilities.

Find your place in Community Living: Start with our Career Path Planner

Follow us on:

A joint initiative between:

Feedback about this website

Have comments or questions about our website? We are always happy to hear from you. Reach out to us at careers@bcceonetwork.ca and we will get back to you as soon as we can.