Program Assistant Jobs in Kamloops, BC (NOW HIRING)

THE ORGANIZATION:

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) is a newly launched program and will provide an alternative to the presence of police personnel at mental health crisis calls in Kamloops. The team will provide crisis support services that will integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. The mobile team is comprised of mental health professionals and peers (someone with lived or living experience) will be available during scheduled service hours. This program aims to reduce the harms experienced by people who have mental health and addictions challenges as well as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2+ and other marginalized individuals.

The CRCL team provides acute crisis support and de-escalation services for persons 13 years of age and older experiencing mental health and/or substance use related crises. The CRCL Coordinator plays a key role in supporting day-to-day service delivery and helping ensure strong, consistent operations across the team. This role supports shift coordination, staff guidance, documentation quality, and communication between frontline staff and leadership.

*This position includes an initial training period of approximately 120 hours, which is completed through a blend of online, on-site, and off-site sessions. The training plan is set by the CRCL Program Manager and must be completed within the first three months of employment.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support day-to-day coordination of shift operations, including team communication, call flow, problem solving, and frontline support during active service hours
• Support daily team check-ins and check-outs to reinforce communication, preparedness, and continuity across shifts
• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and informal coaching to Responders to support safe, consistent, and client-centered service delivery
• Provide on-site emotional support to Responders throughout their shifts, recognizing when additional care is needed and fostering a team environment grounded in wellness and self-care
• Provide low-impact debriefing and day-to-day support to Responders following calls, and escalate clinical, operational, or team concerns to the Team Lead as appropriate
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new team members, including shadowing, training support, and reinforcement of program expectations, protocols, Scope of Practice, and service standards
• Review documentation for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with program standards, and flag concerns, trends, or follow-up needs to the Team Lead
• Support quality checks related to documentation, reporting, and service delivery standards
• Identify and communicate emerging staff support, training, or operational needs to the Team Lead
• Participate in debriefs, case discussions, team development, and shared learning opportunities that support effective service delivery across the CRCL program
• Foster respectful and collaborative working relationships with community partners, service providers, and emergency personnel
• Respond to calls as needed to support Responders by providing situational assessment, crisis de-escalation, and point-of-service crisis support, while maintaining a safe holding-space for individuals or groups experiencing psychological or emotional distress
• Contribute to the ongoing effectiveness of the CRCL program by supporting additional responsibilities connected to service delivery, team functioning, and program operations, as required

Requirements

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or Mental Health
• 4+ years of direct experience in mental health, crisis response, or community-based support services
• Strong understanding of crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety and wellness assessments
• Ability to provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and coaching to frontline staff
• Understanding and awareness of emotional well-being in the workplace, with the ability to provide grounded emotional support to frontline staff
• Experience supporting onboarding, orientation, and training of new team members
• Strong documentation skills, including file review for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with program standards
• Ability to participate meaningfully in debriefs, case discussions, and team-based service improvement
• Strong foundation in trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered practice
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and ability to support individuals facing barriers related to mental health, substance use, and broader systems of care
• Empathic observer invested in relationship-building, practicing social justice, cultural humility, trauma-informed, and public health approaches to social support and healthcare
• Ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships with team members, community partners, service providers, and emergency personnel
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and apply sound judgment, resourcefulness, and creativity in dynamic community-based settings
• Suicide Intervention and Assessment Training, CBT and DBT training, and Mental Health First Aid are assets
• First Aid and CPR Level C certified
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle

Benefits

• Training wage of $28 per hour for the first 120 hours of employment
• Upon successful completion of training, you will be eligible for a post-training wage. Your post-training wage is determined by your relevant skills and experience, in accordance with established internal wage grid.
• Group benefits including extended health, dental, and vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Days Off

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).