Job Title: Community Support Worker (CSW) Department: Support
Location: Cobble Hill, BC Direct Report: CSW Manager (CSM)
Shifts: 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, 12am-8am Salary Range: $23 - $26 /hr.
Contact Email: [email protected] (mailto:
[email protected])
Cedars Recovery is a vibrant, growing organization with opportunities to suit your professional skills in a diverse and rewarding work environment. We believe employees are our greatest asset and are dedicated to helping you develop and maximize your professional skills. Built by family for family – we are committed to setting you up for success as a part of our team.
Cedars Recovery is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of addiction. Our commitment is to provide connection, recovery, and healing for everyone - enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Cedars specializes in the treatment of alcohol and other drug addictions along with process addictions and mental health disorders. We offer a full continuum of recovery-oriented programs designed to provide a foundation for achievable, sustainable recovery. Cedars is located in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and situated on 60 acres of forested, private land, which provides a picturesque landscape and tranquil therapeutic setting. Vancouver Island is renowned for spectacular West Coast scenery, and also features a rich network of recovery communities.
OUR MISSION
“To inspire, facilitate, and foster lifelong recovery and healing from the effects of addiction for individuals, families, and communities.”
POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Support Worker (CSW) provides front-line support, structure, supervision, and safety within the residential treatment environment at Cedars Recovery.
CSWs play a central role in supporting patients through their recovery journey by maintaining therapeutic structure, observing and documenting behaviour, supporting medication processes, responding to crises, and promoting a safe and respectful treatment environment.
The CSWs report directly to the CSW Manager(s) and work collaboratively with Nursing, Clinical, Medical, Housekeeping, Culinary, Maintenance, Admissions, and Leadership teams to ensure continuity of care and operational consistency across the campus.
This position operates within a 24-hour residential setting and requires flexibility to work day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Support and Structure
- Maintain daily therapeutic structure and accountability within the residential environment.
- Support patients in attending scheduled groups, meals, appointments, and activities.
- Conduct wake-up routines and assist patients in maintaining schedules and expectations.
- Monitor patient behaviour, interactions, and emotional presentation throughout the shift.
- Provide emotional support, encouragement, and appropriate feedback to patients.
- Enforce program rules, boundaries, and safety expectations respectfully and consistently.
- Review and follow patient-specific exceptions, restrictions, and support plans.
- Maintain professional boundaries with patients, families, visitors, and coworkers at all times.
Crisis Intervention and Safety
- Respond appropriately to emotional escalation, conflict, and crisis situations.
- Utilize verbal de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches when interacting with patients.
- Monitor for safety concerns, behavioural changes, or medical concerns and escalate appropriately.
- Maintain awareness of campus safety and security throughout the shift.
- Conduct wellness and accountability checks as required.
- Respond to emergencies in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Medication Support
- Support medication dispensing processes in accordance with organizational policy, delegated responsibilities, training, and EMAR documentation requirements.
- Follow established medication dispensing protocols, including verification procedures and the Six Rights of medication administration.
- Accurately document medication-related observations, concerns, refusals, and irregularities.
- Communicate medication concerns promptly and appropriately to Nursing staff.
Documentation and Administrative Duties
- Complete accurate, objective, and timely support notes and incident documentation.
- Maintain detailed records relating to patient behaviour, personal effects, room checks, and other operational activities.
- Utilize EMAR, CIMS, Microsoft Teams, and related systems appropriately.
- Answer telephones and provide general information and support within scope.
- Participate in shift handovers and team communication processes.
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy in accordance with organizational policies, applicable legislation, and professional expectations.
- Access patient information only as required for operational and treatment support purposes.
- Ensure all verbal, written, and electronic communication remains professional, objective, and confidential.
Personal Effects and Operational Support
- Secure, log, access, and track patient personal effects in accordance with organizational procedures.
- Support room cleans, room moves, and environmental organization.
- Provide golf cart transportation for patients with mobility concerns where appropriate.
- Assist with maintaining cleanliness, order, and operational readiness within the residential setting.
Additional Note: As Cedars is a 24/7 facility, priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to work nights and weekends.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
- Ability to maintain accurate and objective documentation.
- Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to navigate Microsoft 365 systems.
- Candidates identifying as being in Recovery must have maintained one-year of continuous sobriety.
Preferred
- Diploma, certificate, or degree in social services, addictions, mental health, or a related field.
- Experience working within addictions, mental health, recovery, or residential care environments.
- Understanding of recovery-oriented environments and principles is considered an asset.
- Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
- Candidates identifying as being in Recovery are preferred to have two years of continuous sobriety.
Successful applicants will display a keen interest in recovery-oriented care and be able to model a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Fast-paced residential treatment environment.
- Frequent interaction with emotionally dysregulated individuals.
- Exposure to crisis situations and emotionally demanding circumstances.
- Combination of desk work, standing, walking, and active patient engagement.
- Shift work in a 24/7 operational environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to walk extensively throughout a multi-building campus environment.
- Ability to respond rapidly and appropriately during emergencies or crisis situations.
- Ability to safely operate organizational vehicles and golf carts where required.
- Ability to lift, move, and transport moderate-weight items in accordance with safe work practices.
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and attentive throughout overnight shifts.
- Ability to perform duties involving prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and active engagement with patients.
TRAINING
Cedars Recovery provides comprehensive on-the-job training, including:
- Medication administration procedures
- EMAR/CIMS systems
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Emergency response
- Organizational policies and procedures
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
SCHEDULING EXPECTATIONS
Scheduling is based on operational requirements within a 24-hour residential treatment environment. Shift assignments may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Casual employees may initially access available shifts through internal scheduling processes, with opportunities for advancement into regular positions based on operational needs, availability, and performance.
