Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our caring, collaborative team at Bonaventure Support Services as a Health Care Support Worker in Parksville, BC Job Title: Recreation and Community Release Support Worker

Location:
Nanaimo Correctional Centre, 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, BC Position Type: Temporary Full time hourly
- (36
- 40 hours) Schedule: Monday
- Friday between 9am-5pm (this role is split between Recreation and Community Inclusion Support Worker) Wage: $25.14
- $28.73 &$29 per hour Take our suitability survey here to see if you'd be a great fit *Job Summary* Bonaventure Support Services is a values-driven agency supporting children, youth, and adults with diverse abilities across Vancouver Island. We are looking for support workers ready for a chance go grow, and is interested in sparking real change for women in the newly redeveloped 12-bed unit a the Nanaimo Correctional Centre. W're seeking a Recreation and Community Support Worker
- Corrections to champion on-site and community-based programs that focus on health, healing, and reintegration. In this role, you'll be the go-to catalyst for two intertwined missions. First, wellness: you'll orchestrate and lead everything from personalized fitness plans and stress-management workshops to therapeutic art circles, tracking progress and tailoring each session for women who face physical, cognitive or emotional barriers. Second, reintegration: the second objective is to provide community-integration services that address the urgent support needs of women in custody for short-term stays. You'll act as a bridge to community by curating a live directory of housing, employment, and social-support resources; helping inmates secure ID and vital document; and teaming up with agencies like the Ministry of Housing and Social Development so every short-term resident walks out with a solid plan and support network. Along the way, you'll log outcomes, tweak strategies and collaborate closely with correctional staff to celebrate each milestone. If you thrive in a energetic enviornment, communicate with empathy, and can balance professional boundaries with genuine human connection, this could be the perfect next step for you. *Scope* Services are to be provided to women inmates in-person, onsite at Nanaimo Correctional Centre located at 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, BC. Services provided to inmates in custody will take place in person onsite. *Position Overview* This role supports women inmates through two key service objectives:
- Health and Wellness Programming




- Deliver recreational and therapeutic activities to promote overall well-being.
- Educate inmates on healthy living, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Assess individual needs and develop personalised intervention and fitness plans.
- Coordinate and lead group activities, workshops, and wellness events.
- Focus on inmates with physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, or social limitations that impact their ability to engage in leisure. 2. Community Integration and Resources Access
- Support short-term inmates in preparing for successful reintegration into the community.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive directory of community resources.
- Assist inmates in building positive social support networks prior to release.
- Help inmates obtain identification and personal documentation.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with supported individuals, families, and colleagues Build strong, respectful relationships with supported individuals, families, and colleagues This role requires a balance of compassion, clinical skill, and professionalism. You will be a steady presence in the home, helping individuals feel safe, empowered, and cared for. *

Key Responsibilities
*
- Lead recreational and wellness activities tailored to individual needs.
- Coordinate and implement therapeutic plans and fitness assessments.
- Support individuals in accessing community resources and building connections.
- Maintain records, track progress, and collaborate with correctional staff. *What you bring*
- Preferred formal education (Diploma or Degree, CSW, RCA, SIVA etc.) and/or work experience with persons with diverse-abilities and/or other relevant experience.
- Excellent interpersonal behaviour and communication skills.
- A genuine desire and ability to support individuals with diverse-abilities, promoting dignity, independence, individuality.
- Ability to work independently in a high stress environment.
- Must be in good health with the physical ability to carry out the duties of the position and shift responsibilities. *What We're Looking For*
- Proven ability to prioritize tasks,



collaborate with leadership to develop and review activity schedules, adapt to dynamic or changing circumstances, think critically to resolve problems, and manage conflict in a constructive and professional manner.
- Experience in recreation therapy, community support, or a related field.
- Coordination with community agencies or social services.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to corrections and rehabilitation.
- Strong communication, planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- A collaborative mindset and comfort working in correctional setting.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and work effectively with diverse populations. *Requirements* A highschool diploma plus solid, hands-on experience and the right short courses can fully substitue for a social servies diploma. Bonaventure values practical competences, especially trauma informed practice, recreation leadership, and community-reouces navigation, over formal credentials alone. However course work related to any of these areas are a benefit not a requirement:
- Diploma or Degree in Social Servies or another relevant diploma
- Recreation Therapy/ Therapeutic recreation
- Community Support Work
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Kinesiology
- Mental Health & Addictions
- Criminal Justice/Criminology *Key Competencies & Skills*
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
- Familiarity with community resources and social determinants of health
- Excellent communication and boundary-setting
- Ability to motivate and empower others
- Flexibility and creativity in program design
- Capacity for independent work in secure, regulated environment
- Cultural humility and awareness of Indigenous perspectives on justice and healing
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
- NCC In-house Privacy & Rules Training (0.5 hrs)
- Open School BC Online Privacy Course
- Facility Orientation (0.5 hrs)
- First Aid and CPR, Food Safe Level 1.
- 3 References (including one from your most recent employer).
- Immunization record, TB Screen, and Physician's Declaration. *

What We Offer
*
- Progressive vacation entitlement, starting at 2 weeks.
- RRSP contribution program
- Extended health, dental, and life insurance coverage.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Ready to make a meaningful impact? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
- so apply today

📌 Recreation and Community Release Support Worker (Nanaimo)
🏢 Bonaventure Support Services
📍 Nanaimo