About Us

Children Matters is not just an organization; it's a compassionate force dedicated to creating a world where every individual has the chance to thrive. As advocates, guides, and champions of growth, we believe in a shared mission towards a brighter future. Join us in building a more equitable global society where the unique potential of each person contributes to a richer tapestry, ensuring that no one is left behind.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and fostering growth, Children Matters is the place for you.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the development, implementation and review of individualized support plans, incorporating each young person’s strengths, goals, preferences, cultural identity and support needs.
- Assess mental health needs and risks within your professional scope, drawing on youth perspectives, staff observations and information from treating professionals.
- Develop and regularly review individualized safety and crisis response plans addressing self-harm, suicide risk, emotional distress and other significant concerns.
- Ensure plans give staff clear direction on early warning signs, supportive responses, escalation thresholds and when to seek emergency assistance.
- Translate clinical recommendations into practical approaches staff can use consistently during daily routines, transitions and periods of crisis.
- Support therapeutic relationships, emotional regulation, coping skills and meaningful participation in school, family and community life.
- Coordinate medication support and monitoring in collaboration with prescribers, pharmacists and other health professionals, within your scope and CMCS policies.
- Review significant incidents and recurring patterns, adjusting care plans and team practices in response.

Team leadership and development

- Mentor, coach and evaluate the Residence Coordinator and support staff.
- Provide practical teaching on trauma-informed care, self-harm response, suicide prevention, de-escalation, professional boundaries and therapeutic engagement.
- Help staff understand the needs underlying behaviours and respond with consistency, compassion and clear expectations.
- Lead reflective case discussions and post-incident debriefs that identify learning, staff support needs and changes to care.
- Participate in recruitment, orientation and ongoing professional development.
- Ensure staff understand their responsibilities,



work within their training and seek clinical support when needed.

Care coordination and advocacy

- Coordinate case conferences and maintain collaborative relationships with guardianship workers, families, Indigenous partners, schools, mental health services and other professionals.
- Advocate for timely access to assessment, treatment and appropriate community supports.
- Support hospital discharge and transitions into or out of the program through coordinated planning and clear communication.
- Ensure youth voices are meaningfully included in decisions affecting their care.
- Identify and escalate gaps between a young person’s needs and the program’s available staffing, resources, or service capacity.

Qualifications: Applicants must hold one of the following professional credentials, with current registration or designation in good standing:

- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) registered or Licensed Practical Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, with mental health experience.
- Registered Social Worker (RSW) registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designated through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, with a relevant master’s degree.
- Must hold a Class 5 BCDL
- Ability to obtain CCRC clearance through MCFD and maintain it throughout employment

Applicants with a degree in social work, child and youth care, psychology or a related human services field, combined with substantial experience supporting youth with complex mental health needs and supervising teams, may also be considered. A relevant diploma supported by extensive experience and specialized mental health training may be considered on an individual basis but will not be given preference.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

- At least three years of relevant clinical experience, including supporting children or youth with mental health needs, including those who may experience self-harm or thoughts of suicide.




- At least two years of supervisory, team leadership, or program management experience.
- Demonstrated competence in risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, crisis intervention and care coordination within their professional scope.
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, attachment-informed and relationship-based practice.
- The ability to turn complex clinical information into clear, practical direction for support staff.
- Strong communication, documentation, organizational and qualified judgment skills.
- Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and affirming care, including respect for Indigenous identities and connections.

Who will thrive in this role? You remain thoughtful under pressure and know when to act, consult or escalate. You can build connection with a young person while maintaining clear professional boundaries. You approach staff leadership through coaching, accountability and practical support.

You understand that meaningful care grows from relationships, connection and a sense of belonging. By caring for the people you lead and helping them feel valued, supported and confident, you strengthen their ability to offer youth the same care and connection. You bring this approach into everyday interactions, creating a home where young people feel safe, heard, and accepted.

At our agency, we're not just offering a job; we're building a community that prioritizes the joy of work and the ongoing development of each team member. We understand that true success comes from a harmonious balance between work and life, and we're committed to fostering an environment that supports your well-being.

Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your professional credentials, experience supporting youth with complex mental health needs, and approach to leading a team.

Children Matter Community Services welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment process.

Pay: $40.00-$48.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Wellness program

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
- Crisis support and: 3 years (required)
- Management: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
- MHFA, First Aid, MANDT, or NVCI (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Program Manager – Youth Mental Health & Staffed Home (Kamloops)
🏢 Children Matter Community Services
📍 Kamloops