Shelter Diversion Worker

Shelter Diversion Worker (Internal)

Date Posted: January 16, 2026

Competition Number: 23-26/27             

Location: Kelowna, BC (Emergency Youth Shelter)

New Internal Opportunity!

BGC Okanagan is hiring a Shelter Diversion Worker for our Emergency Youth Shelter at the Downtown Youth Centre. In this role, you will act as a strategic gatekeeper by identifying immediate and safe alternatives to shelter, such as family mediation or rapid relocation, to prevent youth from entering the homeless system. Through targeted crisis intervention and connection to resources, you will support youth in resolving housing instability quickly and maintaining their independence. The primary objective of this role is to ensure that shelter stays are a last resort rather than a long-term solution. This is a temporary position that will end March 31, 2026.

Here’s what we offer when you join our team:

• A positive, supportive team culture where your contributions are valued


• Ongoing paid professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career


• Childcare discounts to help your family thrive


• Paid sick leave and vacation to help you recharge when needed


• A comprehensive benefits plan


• Trauma response team to respond to issues associated with serving vulnerable populations

So, what are you waiting for? Come join a team that trusts, values, and appreciates YOU. Your adventure begins here – because Opportunity Changes Everything!

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in case management and care planning by conducting assessments, setting goals, and assisting with the development, implementation, and evaluation of Personal Service Plans (PSPs) for residents.


• Coordinates with counsellors, professionals, and natural supports to develop appropriate PSPs that support residents in achieving their goals. Contributes to progress evaluations and prepares reports as required.


• Provides housing focused life skills training, including meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care, and financial management. Connects clients with social, educational, recreational, and community services to meet their needs.


• Transport and supports residents in attending appointments, shopping, and leisure activities.


• Engages residents in client-focused activities in alignment with their PSPs.


• Promotes safety and prevents crises through person-centered care, proactive collaboration, and early intervention strategies.


• Responds to potential emergency situations, including managing aggressive behaviors, to ensure the safety of clients and the public. Reports incidents to supervisors and participates in problem solving.


• Administers or monitors client medications in accordance with established policies. May be required to administer Naloxone (NARCAN) in emergency situations, following training and OBGC procedures.


• Provides emotional support, encouragement, and feedback to residents and their families.


• Performs household and facility maintenance duties, including laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, grocery shopping, yard work, and snow removal.


• Maintains accurate records and documentation, including statistics, logbooks, youth files (digital and paper), case notes, and incident reports.

Qualifications

• Certificate in a related human or social services field.


• Minimum of one (1) year of recent, relevant experience.


• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.


• Successful completion of the Agency’s screening process, including a consolidated criminal record check (CCRC) and the Criminal Records Review Act check (CRRA) completed by the HUB.

Please Note:

• This position is open to all applicants


• This position requires union membership


• Only qualified internal staff will be considered

Rate of Pay: $25.95 per hour

Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday-Friday 1pm-6pm or 3pm-8pm

Closing Date: January 26, 2026

As an equal opportunity employer, BGC Okanagan is committed to the prioritization of equitable and inclusive employment practices. Our goal is to be representative of the communities we serve, and we encourage applications from communities which are structurally marginalized based on race, disability, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, social or ethnic origin, gender identity and/or expression. If any candidate needs any accessibility support throughout the hiring process, we will accommodate such requests when made. You will only be considered for a position with BGC Okanagan if you’re legally entitled to work in Canada. Eligible applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and refugees in Canada with legal status.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.