At Taproot Community Support Services were a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Since 1983 weve grown steadily now delivering support across Alberta British Columbia and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Guided by these principles we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1600 children youth families and people with diverse abilities with revenues exceeding $70 million.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and values-driven leader to establish and lead diverse staff team that supports one to two youth in a program funded by MCFD. As youth transition from our program new youth move in.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience leading teams in high-acuity environments and will be comfortable supporting children and youth that are new to Taproot and who have complex behavioural mental health substance use and/or safety-related needs. Youth may be non-verbal have high medical needs and need additional supports. They will have a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice harm reduction gender-affirming care and person-centered approaches and be committed to creating positive outcomes for youth through collaborative and therapeutic interventions.

Working within MCFD Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) and Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) frameworks the Program Manager will be responsible for building a strong team culture supporting staff development implementing effective practices and ensuring the delivery of safe high-quality services. This role requires a confident and resilient leader who can effectively balance clinical operational and safety considerations while fostering a supportive environment for both youth and employees.

This role works in collaboration with clinical consultant MCFD CYMH/CYSN community supports and the families of the children/youth we serve.

One (1) permanent full-time position available working 40 hours per week:

0830-1630 Monday through Friday.

Requires the full ability to perform on-call duties which may include weekends statutory holidays and evenings.

This role is best suited for a compassionate adaptable and highly skilled leader who is passionate about supporting youth with complex needs and creating environments where both youth and staff can thrive. Manage / oversee a number of areas that include:





Participate in long-term planning and visioning for the program and organization contributing to the development of goals objectives and strategies to achieve organizational success.

Develop and manage the annual program budget and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses. Utilizes data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed decisions about future planning and improvements.

Provides coaching mentorship and supervision of staff in performance and conduct assigning work training growth opportunities and promotions and team building activities to motivate employees to peak performance and productivity

Evaluates and conducts regular performance conversations with staff ensuring feedback is clear constructive and aligned with organizational goals.

Manage employee/labour relations conflict concerns compliance with provincial employment standards applicable collective agreements policies and ensuring a positive safe work environment. Addresses and handles disputes policy violations misconduct performance management and other concerns in a timely manner. Responsible for cooperative management and union relationships this includes resolving grievances and participating in labour management meetings and union negotiations.

Promote a safe structured and predictable environment that reduces conflict and enhances child and adult development.

Design implement and evaluate programs that support the developmental needs of children and adult individuals; Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment where staff are empowered to build strong positive relationships with children and adult individuals.

Public/Community Relations

Represent the program and/or agency at various interagency forums as well as to the media government agencies families/caregivers funding bodies and/or the general public/local community; network with other agencies organizations individuals and community groups for the benefit of the service recipients and program including participation on community boards committees and skilled groups.





Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

A degree in one of the humanities social sciences or related field with educational preparation for the roles of manager and administrator.

Minimum of three years in a similar facility or program with at least one year in a supervisory or management role.

Experience leading and developing teams in residential mental health child welfare or complex care environments.

Solid knowledge of trauma-informed practice harm reduction substance use supports and youth mental health services.

The ability to provide leadership coaching and sound decision-making during complex situations and crisis events.

Experience building new teams establishing program culture and promoting staff accountability engagement and growth.

Strong partnership and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively alongside MCFD CYMH families community partners and multidisciplinary service providers.

Current WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 and CPR certificates required.

Experience with basic sign language and/or alternative communication strategies training or experience an asset.

Valid Class 5 Drivers License and clean drivers abstract with a reliable safe vehicle that has appropriate insurance

Successful criminal record/vulnerable sector check.

Successful candidate must sign an oath of confidentiality a conflict of interest statement abuse protocols and a code of ethics statement What Taproot Community Support Services Does

At Taproot your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. Join a team where your voice matters and together were building a company were proud of.

Learning and career development opportunities

Competitive wages and salaries

Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees

Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia

Professional development opportunities and job-related training

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Employee referral bonus program

As an equal-opportunity employer we prioritize diversity equity and inclusion across all operations. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

No telephone calls please.

📌 Program Manager - Permanent, Full Time (Nanaimo)
🏢 Taproot Community Support Services
📍 Nanaimo