Community Services Coordinator
Organization: Japanese Community Volunteers Association – Tonari Gumi
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Employment Type: Part-time to start, with the potential to become a full-time position
Hours: 24 hours per week to start; hours may increase to 37.5 hours per week as the position develops
Salary: $27.00–$32.00 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and relevant experience
Start Date: [01 Sep 2026]
Application Deadline: [15 Aug 2026]
About Tonari Gumi
The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, commonly known as Tonari Gumi, is a non-profit charitable organization that has served the Japanese Canadian community since 1974.
Tonari Gumi provides culturally appropriate programs and services that support seniors and their families, promote healthy aging, reduce social isolation, and strengthen connections within the community.
Position Overview
Tonari Gumi is seeking a compassionate, organized, and highly motivated Community Services Coordinator to support seniors, their families, volunteers, and members of the Japanese Canadian community.
The successful candidate will coordinate community programs and support services, communicate with clients and their families, connect individuals with appropriate resources, and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
We are looking for someone who values kindness, dignity, respect, and meaningful communication and who can help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who comes to Tonari Gumi.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate community programs and support services for seniors and their families
- Communicate with clients and families to understand their individual needs
- Conduct client intake, follow-up, and wellness check-ins
- Connect clients with appropriate Tonari Gumi programs and external community resources
- Coordinate and support volunteers involved in community service programs
- Build positive and trusting relationships with clients, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners
- Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential client and program records
- Assist with program planning, outreach, promotion, evaluation, and reporting
- Respond to inquiries in a professional, timely, and compassionate manner
- Participate in staff meetings, training, community events, and collaborative projects
- Help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, culturally sensitive, and respectful environment
- Perform other related duties as required
Education and Experience
- A university degree or college diploma in Social Work, Gerontology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Human Services, Community Development, or another related field is required
- An equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience may also be considered
- Previous experience in community services, senior services, healthcare, social services, case coordination, or volunteer management is preferred
- Experience working with seniors and their families is a strong asset
- Knowledge of community resources and the non-profit sector in British Columbia is an asset
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in both conversational Japanese and English is required
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and active-listening skills
- Genuine compassion, patience, and respect for seniors and their families
- Ability to understand and respond sensitively to clients’ physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs
- Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and follow through on assigned tasks
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Sound judgment and the ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting clients’ personal information
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, databases, and electronic record-keeping
- A valid BC driver’s licence
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will be:
- Compassionate, patient, and approachable
- Respectful and culturally sensitive
- Dependable, responsible, and well-organized
- A clear and thoughtful communicator
- Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Committed to teamwork and community service
- Able to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and cover letter to [[email protected]] by [15 Aug 2026].
In your cover letter, please describe your relevant education and experience, your ability to communicate in Japanese and English, and your interest in supporting seniors and the Japanese Canadian community.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Tonari Gumi is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.
Pay: $27.00-$32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application question(s):
- A university degree or college diploma in Social Work, Gerontology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Human Services, Community Development, or another related field
Education:
Experience:
- Microsoft Office: 4 years (required)
- Senior care: 4 years (preferred)
- Non-profit sector: 2 years (preferred)
- Healthcare: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
- English (required)
- Japanese (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
