Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society is seeking Casual Shelter Support Workers to support individuals accessing emergency shelter services in Hope, BC.

This is a unionized casual position. Casual employees are not eligible for regular health and welfare benefits and instead receive the applicable percentage in lieu, in accordance with the collective agreement.

About Cedar Strong:

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society provides trauma-informed, inclusive, and community-based support services to individuals and families in Hope and the surrounding area. Our work is grounded in safety, dignity, respect, harm reduction, and connection to community resources.

About the Role:

The Casual Shelter Support Worker provides direct support to shelter guests through safety monitoring, crisis response, advocacy, referrals, documentation, intake support, cleaning and housekeeping duties, and communication with the shelter team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed support to shelter guests
• Complete intakes, assessments, referrals, discharge-related support, and required reports using designated documentation software.
• Respond to crisis situations and immediate safety concerns
• Provide information, advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• Conduct room checks, wellness checks, and general safety monitoring
• Maintain accurate case notes, daily logs, incident reports, forms, and statistical records
• Communicate relevant updates to the oncoming shift to support continuity of care and safety
• Support harm reduction practices, including providing supplies and administering Naloxone when required
• Complete assigned cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, sanitizing, and food/beverage duties
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow Cedar Strong policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics
• Attend required staff meetings, workshops, and training as assigned

Qualifications:

• Diploma in a related human/social services field and one year of recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience supporting individuals impacted by homelessness, trauma, substance use, mental health concerns, poverty, or other complex barriers
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations
• Strong documentation, organization, problem-solving, and time-management skills
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, culturally safe, and non-judgmental support
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with guests, former guests, staff, and community partners

Required or Preferred Training

Training may include:

• First Aid/CPR
• Naloxone
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• De-escalation or crisis intervention training
• Mental Health First Aid
• Cultural Awareness or Cultural Safety
• Workplace Boundaries
• Bullying and Harassment
• Record Keeping

Equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience may be considered. Required training must be completed or maintained as directed by Cedar Strong and/or applicable workplace requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector screening, where applicable
• Ability to perform physical duties such as cleaning, laundry, receiving supplies, and sorting donations
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and access to a vehicle with business insurance may be required depending on operational needs

Casual Employment

Casual employees are offered shifts based on operational need, availability, qualifications, and the applicable collective agreement. Once a shift is accepted and scheduled, attendance is expected.

Why Join Cedar Strong?

• Meaningful work supporting community safety and dignity
• Trauma-informed and values-based team environment
• Opportunities for training and professional growth
• A role that directly supports individuals accessing emergency shelter services in Hope

How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed by submitting your resume and cover letter.

Cedar Strong is committed to employment equity and values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with lived or living experience relevant to the work.

Only applicants selected for the next step will be contacted.

Job Type: Casual

Pay: From $25.95 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hope, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• Social Services Occupations: 1 year (required)

Location:

• Hope, BC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

To apply, email Human Resources at hr@cedarstrong.org

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society is a non-profit organization based in Hope, BC that provides client-centered programs and services to individuals and families across Hope and the Fraser Canyon. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed, prevention-focused, and culturally safe practice, and we are committed to building safety, dignity, belonging, and connection in our community.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic, compassionate, and values-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead our housing, youth and family, and outreach programs. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO provides senior leadership across operations, program development, budgeting, human resources, and community partnerships. This is an opportunity to help strengthen internal systems while staying connected to the realities, strengths, and aspirations of the community we serve.

We acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of Sto:lo and Nlaka’mamux peoples, and we strive to approach our relationships with humility and respect.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

What You Bring

· Post-secondary education in social work, human services, nonprofit leadership, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of lived and professional experience.

· At least 5 to 7 years of experience in programs supporting people affected by mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, family violence, or other complex social issues.

· Leadership experience overseeing programs, budgets, staff supervision, and organizational operations.

· A relational leadership style grounded in empathy, clarity, accountability, and cultural humility.

· Strong understanding of trauma-informed, client-centered, prevention-based, and culturally safe approaches.

· Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

· Comfort working in a rural or close-knit community context.

· Valid BC driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

· Successful completion of a criminal record check for working with vulnerable populations.

Working Conditions

· This is a full-time, on-site role based in Hope, BC.

· The position includes regular community engagement and occasional evening or weekend work.

· Flexibility, sound judgment, and comfort working in dynamic community settings are important for success in this role.

Pay: $90,000.00-$105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hope, BC: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (preferred)

Education:

• Master’s Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• work: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

To apply email Human Resources at hr@cedarstrong.org

Job Summary:

Community Prevention worker works as a member of the Cedar Strong team and provides support to students through individual and group sessions along with offering prevention workshops to students in the Boston Bar School and community on a variety of social issues impacting the lives of students and their families.

Why Work For Cedar Strong

At Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society, we believe that meaningful work changes lives — including your own. When you join Cedar Strong, you become part of a compassionate, mission-driven team dedicated to supporting individuals and families through shelter, outreach, and prevention programming in our local communities. We value integrity, cultural humility, collaboration, and continuous learning, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow. Our team members benefit from a strong culture of care, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a tangible difference every day. If you are passionate about community impact and want to contribute to a purpose-driven organization that truly values its people, Cedar Strong is the place to build your career.

Job Duties:

Coordination of Workshops:

• If necessary, meet with teachers/counsellors prior to presentations to go over material and any other pertinent information
• Create a schedule for school presentations
• Meet the needs of the classroom teacher regarding pertinent social issues to be addressed

Coordination of Individual Sessions:

• Work with identified student’s individual on the specific issues that are impacting their school, social and emotional well-being
• As required referral students to specialized counsellors for more long-term, intense support/counselling
• Building trusting relationships with students
• Develop session structure that will meet the needs of the students
• Work with families as needed and as requested (time permitting)
• As needed work with other community stakeholders to ensure a wrap-around service is offered to students and families

Record Keeping:

• Keep up-to-date material for presentations
• Maintain school binder to ensure that a duplication of presentations is not occurring
• Keep a record of how many students are receiving the presentations and/or individual sessions

Miscellaneous:

• Maintain professional boundaries within the Cedar Strong Code of Ethics and philosophy both internally and externally
• Abide by Cedar Strong. Policy and Procedure Manual
• Exercise professional boundaries
• Maintain Employer Expectations
• Knowledge of the diverse community and cultures in Hope and surrounding area
• Maintain current knowledge of family violence and related issues
• Continue to upgrade skills through staff and professional development
• Attend staff meetings, staff workshops, and special events
• Participate in the coordination of fund-raising events
• Seek donations to augment restricted Program budgets
• Special projects as directed by the Executive Director
• Other related duties

Working Conditions:

This position is from September to June (the school year).

HUMAN PROFILE

Technical Skills

Education:

Two-year college diploma in the Social Services Sector or related disciplines with one to three years’ experience or five years combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Three to five years combination of education and experience in the Social Services Sector (either paid or volunteer basis.)
• Knowledge and understanding of family dynamics
• healthy relationships and ability to present to large groups
• age range from 5 years to adulthood. 
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• work well within a team environment.

Training Provided:

Presentation skills; Conflict Resolution; Crisis and Suicide Intervention

Performance Skills

Physical Demands:

Limited physical demands, box of resource material may need to be carried.

Mental Demands:

The job involves psychological and mental demands in relation to working with students and families who have a variety of social issues. Working with children in a variety of settings and being exposed to their experiences.  Ability to adapt to unforeseen situations during presentations of material.

The job involves verbal and written communication within the staff team and with local agencies.  Ability to document and relay information in a concise and efficient manner. 

The job involves ethical thinking and making sound judgments.  Respectfulness toward individuals regardless of ethnic, religious, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability is required and is expected.  Ability to problem-solve, demonstrate time, organizational, and stress management skills.

All Staff will possess Emotional Competences.

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to HR@cedarstrong.org

Interview Location: Boston Bar, BC

Fact: Providing services to at-risk youth helps prevent future challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and trauma, building a stronger and healthier community for the future.

Why It Matters: Investing in services for at-risk youth creates a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities. By providing education, social connection, mental health support, and safe spaces, we help young people build the skills they need to thrive and contribute as engaged, active members of society.

How We Work: We build trust through strong relationships and support youth in developing life and social skills. Growing up can be tough, especially when faced with challenges like trauma. However, having safe and supportive connections can make all the difference, helping young people build resilience, learn coping skills, and find the strength to keep moving forward.

Our youth services offer programs, resources, and mentors to help young people feel a sense of community and belonging. Whether through safe spaces, guidance on healthy relationships, or learning about mental health and substance use, we’re here to help youth make informed choices and create a brighter, healthier future for themselves.

Young people we work with have shared how impactful these programs have been:

• “The environment was a very safe space where I could ask questions or get help if I was struggling mentally. I never felt judged… I felt seen and heard, and that to me was the biggest help.”
• “I feel more educated about substance use and what it really means to be addicted… and why someone might feel like they want to use substances. I feel more empathetic towards people who are addicted or use substances, and I’m also more educated about better options for dealing with stress.”
• “If it wasn’t for the prevention program, I wouldn’t have stopped doing hard drugs, and I’m sure I’d be way worse off than I am now… I learned to love myself again.”

More Information: Investing in youth today means building a brighter, stronger future for everyone. By equipping young people with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive, we empower their individual growth and create healthier, more connected communities. To learn more about Cedar Strong or explore opportunities to partner, volunteer, or donate, call us at 604-869-5111 or visit our website’s “Youth and Family Services” section.

Fact: This myth oversimplifies a complex issue. Many people experiencing homelessness do seek help but face overwhelming barriers that make it difficult to move forward. Homelessness isn’t just about personal choices—it’s about access to stable housing, healthcare, and support systems. If you see someone struggling in our community, remember that homelessness is never just a choice. A little understanding, compassion, and kindness can make a difference, and there are many issues to consider, including: 

• Barriers to Accessing Help: People may seem hesitant to accept support, but often, the real issue is that services aren’t accessible when they need them. Shelters may be full, waitlists for housing can take months, and many services aren’t available 24/7. Some people lose hope after encountering short-term solutions that don’t address their long-term needs.
• Lack of Affordable Housing: The biggest driver of homelessness isn’t a lack of motivation—it’s a lack of affordable housing. Even for those actively working toward stability, skyrocketing rent, housing shortages, and low vacancy rates make securing a place to live nearly impossible. Without stable housing, it becomes much harder to manage work, health, and family responsibilities.
• Mental Health and Trauma: Many people experiencing homelessness are also dealing with mental health challenges, addiction, or past trauma. These experiences can make it difficult to trust systems, ask for help, or navigate complex services. If someone you care about is in this situation, they may struggle in ways that aren’t always visible.
• The Complexity of Homelessness: Homelessness is rarely caused by a single issue. It can result from job loss, domestic violence, medical crises, or family breakdowns. The path to stability isn’t as simple as finding a shelter for a night—it requires access to legal support, medical care, job training, childcare, and long-term housing. Many people do their best to overcome these challenges with limited resources.
• Stigma and Discrimination: Negative stereotypes often prevent people from seeking help. Many individuals experiencing homelessness fear being judged, mistreated, or rejected, which makes them hesitant to reach out for support—even when they desperately need it. Showing compassion and understanding can make a huge difference in helping someone feel safe to accept help.

Why It Matters: Believing that homeless people aren’t “doing enough” is harmful because it shifts blame onto individuals rather than recognizing the real, systemic barriers they face. By challenging these misconceptions, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community that focuses on solutions like affordable housing, accessible services, and policies that address the root causes of homelessness.

How We Work: No one chooses homelessness. Most people want help, but the barriers they face are overwhelming. At Cedar Strong, we work to break down these barriers by providing access to safe housing, mental health support, and essential resources that give people the stability they need to move forward. Addressing homelessness means addressing the systemic gaps that keep people stuck.

More Information: Visit the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness to learn more about the social and economic factors influencing homelessness. If you’d like to volunteer or learn more about the work we do in the community, please call 604-869-5111. 

Fact: While Cedar Strong has long been a trusted ally for those struggling with substance use, that’s just one part of what we do. Originally founded to support women escaping domestic violence, we’ve grown to help individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. Cedar Strong isn’t just focused on substance use issues—we’re here for people navigating many tough situations.

We operate a transition house and a year-round homeless shelter, providing safe, supportive spaces for those without stable housing. In the colder months, we run a temporary weather shelter to ensure no one is left out in the cold. Beyond housing, we offer individual and family counselling, and programs designed to support at-risk youth and help them build a strong future.

Why It Matters: It’s important for our community to know that Cedar Strong’s work extends far beyond substance use support and homelessness. When people assume we only focus on one issue, they may overlook our many other services. The truth is that people come to us for all kinds of reasons—escaping violence, facing homelessness, struggling with mental health challenges, parent/teen conflict or counselling. Our work isn’t about a single issue—it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where people can heal, rebuild, and move forward.

We can reach those who need us most when more people understand our full scope. Whether someone needs help with housing, counselling, or programs for their children, Cedar Strong is here to offer support every step of the way. 

How We Work:

We focus on prevention and support, offering programs for youth, families, and individuals. At Cedar Strong, we believe everyone deserves a life of safety, stability, and connection—free from violence, addiction, and poverty.

From young people to elders, singles to families—whether someone is on a steady path, searching for one, or feeling lost—we’re here to help. What affects one of us affects all of us, and there’s nothing more powerful than knowing you belong, that someone sees you, believes in you, and has your back.

More Information:

Want to learn more about Cedar Strong and how we can help? Here are a few easy ways to get the information you need:

• Our website: Explore all our website pages to learn more about our programs and services. You can see everything we do and how we’re helping people in the community.
• Follow us on social media: Stay in the loop by following us on social media. We share stories about the people we help, the events we’re involved in, and the impact we’re making. 
• Get in touch: Have questions? We’d love to chat! Contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to give you more details about our services or explain how you, your business or organization can get involved.

By learning more about Cedar Strong and sharing what you know with others, we can help spread the word and ensure no one misses out on the support they need.

Fact: If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, harm reduction can help. Rather than focusing solely on stopping drug use, harm reduction prioritizes safety, health, and dignity. It includes life-saving strategies like supervised consumption sites, needle exchange programs, and access to naloxone to prevent overdoses. The goal is not to encourage or enable drug use but to reduce the risks—like overdose, the spread of infectious diseases, and unsafe drug practices. Research consistently shows that harm reduction programs do not increase drug use; instead, they help people stay safer, access healthcare, and seek treatment when they’re ready.

Why It Matters: Substance use is complicated, and no one sets out to struggle with it. The overdose crisis has affected too many lives, and harm reduction is one of the most effective ways to prevent more loss. It also helps prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, which are linked to intravenous drug use.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt judged, dismissed, or afraid to seek help. Many people who use substances avoid seeking support because of stigma or fear of legal consequences. But harm reduction provides care without judgment, creating trust and making it easier to access services when you’re ready.

Harm reduction isn’t about ignoring the risks of substance use—it’s about meeting people where they are and ensuring they have the tools, information, and support to stay as safe as possible.

How We Work: At Cedar Strong, we believe in harm reduction because we believe in people. No matter where you are in your relationship with substance use, you deserve respect, support, and access to care.

Our services include education, advocacy, and direct support. We help people connect to healthcare, treatment options, and safer practices. Whether you’re looking for resources for yourself or someone you love, we are here to listen, provide information, and help you take the next step—whatever that means for you.

Harm reduction is about dignity and respect. There are options. If you need support, we’re here to help.

More Information:  

• The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) regularly publishes research on harm reduction strategies and their effectiveness. Visit their website for detailed reports and evidence-based resources.
• The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) offers resources on harm reduction practices and outcomes. Their work in British Columbia has shown how harm reduction approaches can reduce harm and save lives. 
• The Public Health Agency of Canada has extensive information about harm reduction programs in Canada and their impact on public health. 
• Websites like Harm Reduction International (HRI) offer international perspectives on harm reduction, providing global evidence, tools, and resources.

Fact: Sexual assault, harassment, threats, and voyeurism are all serious crimes. While survivors have the right to report to police at any time, many choose not to—for reasons like fear, shame, or uncertainty about how they’ll be treated. Not reporting does not make an assault any less real.

Why It Matters: Most sexual assaults are never reported. Survivors may hesitate because they fear they won’t be believed, worry about judgment, or feel unsure about what happened. Others may distrust the legal system or simply not want to relive the experience. No one should feel pressured to report if they’re not ready. Everyone deserves support, whether they choose to report or not.

How We Help: At Cedar Strong, we believe every survivor’s experience is valid. If you or someone you care about has been affected by sexualized violence, you don’t have to go through it alone. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk through what happened, explore your options, and access support—whether or not you choose to involve the police. Our team offers emotional support, advocacy, and connections to resources, honouring each person’s choices and needs.

More Information: Explore our Sexualized Assault Services section. If you need support or are looking for ways to help or volunteer, contact us at 604-869-5111.

Fact: Addiction is a complex condition influenced by brain chemistry, genetics, mental health, and life circumstances—it’s not just about willpower. Addiction changes how the brain’s reward system works, making it harder for someone to feel pleasure from anything but the addictive substance or behaviour. A family history of addiction can increase a person’s risk, and factors like stress, trauma, and mental health challenges often contribute. Breaking the cycle of addiction is difficult and often requires professional support.

Why It Matters: If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, know that it is not a personal failure—it’s a health condition that deserves understanding and support. When addiction is seen as a choice, it can lead to blame and shame, making it harder to reach out for help. This stigma often prevents people from seeking treatment, limits available support, and reinforces harmful misunderstandings. However, recognizing addiction as a chronic health issue helps break down these barriers. It encourages people to get support and pushes communities to develop better resources, like accessible therapy, medication-assisted treatments, and prevention programs. No one should have to face addiction alone—help is available, and recovery is possible.

How We Help: At Cedar Strong, we know that addiction is not just about personal choices—it’s a complex challenge that requires care, understanding, and the proper support. Our services include screenings, assessments, individual and group therapy for adults and youth, referrals, prevention support, and drop-in services. We also offer education and resources for families, helping them support their loved ones in recovery. By treating addiction as a health issue, we create a path toward healing that is rooted in empathy, evidence-based care, and lasting change.

More Information: 

• Contact Us: Reach out to our team for more information on how we approach addiction treatment and how you can get involved, get help or help someone in need. 
• Online Resources: Explore trusted organizations such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, and the BC Centre for Substance Use for further research, statistics, and resources on addiction treatment.

The Myth: If someone is in an abusive relationship, they can just leave. 

The Reality: Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult. Fear, financial dependence, emotional manipulation, lack of support, and safety concerns are just some of the barriers survivors face. They often need resources and support to leave abusive situations safely.

Relationships are complex, and abuse can happen in romantic, familial, or even professional relationships. When abusive behaviour becomes part of a relationship, it creates layers of difficulty that make it harder to recognize, address, or escape.

Signs of abuse in relationships can include emotional, psychological, physical, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, or spiritual harm. This may look like constant criticism, belittling, manipulation, threats, or isolation. It could involve excessive jealousy, hitting, slapping, punching, or physically restraining someone. Abuse can also take the form of yelling, destroying belongings, shaming words, forcing sex, or withholding affection. Financial abuse might include preventing someone from working, controlling their income, or forcing them to sign banking documents. Digital abuse can involve posting private information without consent, sending threatening messages, or monitoring someone by stealing passwords.

Abuse in relationships is always about power and control. It can happen gradually over time, to the point where someone may not even realize they are in an abusive relationship.

Why We Do What We Do

Abuse often impacts individuals and their families for years before they feel ready or able to seek help. While research shows that women may leave an abusive situation an average of seven times before they can leave for good, it’s important to recognize that abuse can affect men and people of all genders.

With this understanding, we work to create opportunities for healing and growth, helping individuals break the cycle of abuse for themselves and future generations. We provide a safe space to rebuild autonomy, reclaim a sense of self, and work toward independence.

How We Do It

We will listen and believe anyone who reaches out to us, validating experiences without judgment. We provide emotional support and empower individuals to make their own decisions. We prioritize safety by creating personalized safety plans, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting their transition to a safe place when needed.

We also connect people to counselling resources, income assistance, legal support, and housing as appropriate. As advocates and professionals, we understand that leaving an abusive situation can be one of the most dangerous times in someone’s life. It’s an honour to provide care and support during these critical moments.

More Information

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society supports men, women and all gender expressions. We also operate the Jean Scott Transition House (for women) in Hope. If you or someone you know is living in an abusive relationship, you can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at 604-869-5191 or text us at 604-869-1872. We can help with safety planning over the phone or simply listen, recognize their challenges, and provide support as they need it.