Find your place in Community Living

Welcome to the Career Path Explorer for the Community Living sector! This section aims to provide insight into three common frontline opportunities in community support work, direct professional support and staff supported living.

The Career Path Explorer is designed to help you navigate and discover various frontline job opportunities within the Community Living sector. Use this tool to explore potential career paths, required qualifications, and growth opportunities to see if we are a fit for your career aspirations.

Start your journey towards a fulfilling career in Community Living today!

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Job opportunities in the Community Living Sector

Every organization within the Community Living sector offers unique roles and opportunities, tailored to their specific needs and objectives. This section aims to provide insight into three common frontline work opportunities: Community Support Worker (CSW) / Direct Support Professional (DSP), Vocational Counsellor, and Residential Care Worker. These summaries highlight the essential responsibilities and qualifications for each position, giving you a clear understanding of the rewarding career paths available in this field.

Community and Direct Professional Support

Job Summary: Assist individuals with their physical, economic, vocational, recreational, social, emotional, and daily life skills development to help them achieve the greatest degree of independence and quality of life possible.

Qualifications/Experience: Experience in Community Living. Relevant education in developmental disabilities is an asset.

Additional Requirements: COVID-19 vaccination, criminal record check, CPR and First Aid certification, doctor’s certificate of good health, tuberculosis screening, Food Safe Certificate, Class 5 and possibly Class 4 BC Driver’s License, NADSP Code of Ethics and Competencies.

Vocational Counselling

Job Summary: Develop, implement, and evaluate support plans and interventions to assist individuals in securing employment, strengthening support networks, connecting with the community, developing skills, and pursuing lifelong learning.

Qualifications/Experience: Certificate/diploma in human/social services or employment counseling, or equivalent experience. Knowledge of the Employment Standards Act and the Charter of Rights. Ability to develop training plans, work independently, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

Additional Requirements: COVID-19 vaccination, approved criminal record check, medical certificate of good health, tuberculosis screening, First Aid with CPR certification, Class 5 BC Driver’s License, Food Safe Certificate.

Staff Supported Living

Job Summary: Support individuals with diverse abilities in community-based independent living environments, ensuring their wellbeing, individuality, independence, and social inclusion. Duties include personal care, medication administration, health care tasks, community access, household management, and documentation.

Qualifications/Experience: Related education or training with relevant experience, or at least one year of experience in a community residential setting. Current CPR and First Aid certification, tuberculosis test, and criminal record check.

Additional Requirements: Driver’s abstract (if applicable), Class 4 Driver’s License (for specific positions), ability to interact professionally, effective communication skills, ability to observe and document changes in health, work independently, use good judgment, organize, and perform physical duties.

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An initiative led by the BC CEO Network, and supported through a grant from CLBC
Commuinity Living BCBCCEO Social Services Leadership Network

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.