Position Summary 

Help Desk Technician supports the day-to-day technology and administrative needs of Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS). Working across shelter, outreach, community services, supportive housing, and administrative programs, the successful candidate will provide technical support, assist staff with technology systems and office operations, maintain records, and help ensure organizational systems operate efficiently and effectively. This position provides an excellent opportunity for youth interested in Information Technology, Help Desk Support, Business Administration, Office Administration, Community Services, or related fields. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Technical Support 

• Provide basic first-level technical support to NVSSS staff. 

• Troubleshoot common computer, printer, mobile device, software, and connectivity issues. 
• Respond to staff support requests submitted by email, phone, Microsoft Teams, or internal communication channels. 
• Assist staff in using Microsoft 365, Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Adobe Acrobat, HIFIS, and other organizational software systems. 
• Escalate complex technical issues to a supervisor or external service provider when required. 

2. Administrative Support 

• Provide general administrative support to NVSSS programs and administrative offices. 
• Answer and direct phone calls, emails, and visitor inquiries in a professional manner. 
• Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking meeting notes when required. 
• Support data entry, filing, scanning, photocopying, records management, and document organization. 
• Assist with maintaining electronic and paper records in accordance with organizational policies. 
• Prepare correspondence, spreadsheets, reports, presentations, forms, and other administrative documents. 
• Support reception coverage and administrative operations during staff absences or peak workload periods. 

3. Human Resources & Onboarding Support 

• Assist with employee onboarding by preparing orientation packages, forms, and technology equipment. 
• Support employee training registration, attendance tracking, and records management. 
• Assist with maintaining personnel files and administrative documentation. 
• Support organizational compliance with document retention and confidentiality requirements. 

4. Financial & Office Administration Support 

• Assist with organizing receipts, invoices, purchase records, and supporting documentation for bookkeeping and reporting purposes. 
• Support mileage reimbursement, expense claims, payroll documentation, and administrative tracking systems as directed. 
• Assist with inventory management for office supplies, program supplies, and technology equipment. 
• Help coordinate office supply orders and maintain vendor contact information. 

5. Documentation & Training 

• Maintain accurate records of support requests, procedures, equipment, forms, and administrative documents. 
• Develop user guides, reference materials, checklists, and frequently asked questions. 
• Provide basic one-on-one support to staff on technology systems, office processes, and administrative tools. 
• Support staff in learning and adopting new technology tools and administrative procedures. 

6. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement 

• Work collaboratively with supervisors, staff, volunteers, and external service providers. 
• Assist with records management initiatives, file organization, administrative improvements, and special projects.
• Identify recurring technology or administrative issues and recommend practical improvements.
• Support technology and administrative needs for meetings, training sessions, community programs, and organizational events. 

7. Reporting & Compliance 

• Maintain confidentiality of all organizational information. 
• Ensure administrative and technology-related work complies with NVSSS policies, privacy requirements, and applicable legislation. 
• Assist with inventories, program reporting, administrative reviews, and internal tracking. 
• Support data collection, statistics tracking, grant reporting, and organizational performance measurement activities. 

8. Special Projects 

• Support organizational projects involving records management, policy reviews, file organization, data cleanup, office systems, and process improvement. 
• Assist with preparing materials and technology for board meetings, staff training, community events, and public engagement activities. 
• Perform other technology and administrative duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Education and experience in Information Technology, Help Desk Support, Business Administration, Office Administration, Community Services, or related fields.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. 
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to explain basic technology or office processes to staff in a clear and respectful manner. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. 
• Experience with records management, databases, administrative systems, or technology support is an asset. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently. 

Working Conditions 

• Work is performed in office environment. 
• Some travel between NVSSS locations may be required. 
• Occasional lifting and moving of computers, monitors, printers, office supplies, and other equipment may be required. 
• Combination of desk-based administrative work and hands-on staff support activities. 

Who can apply for this job? 

The Government of Canada funded this job through the Canada Summer Jobs program.  Learn more about the program.. 

To apply for this job, you must: 

• Be aged between 15 and 30 years old on the start date of the job; 
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN); and 
• Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. 

International students and other temporary residents of Canada are not eligible. 

Introduction:

We are seeking a reliable and efficient Housekeeper to join our team and ensure that our facilities are clean and well-maintained. The Housekeeper will be responsible for cleaning guest rooms, common areas, and other areas of the facility, as well as performing tasks such as laundry and inventory management. The successful candidate will have strong attention to detail and be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Clean guest rooms and common areas, including dusting, vacuuming, and changing linens

• Perform tasks such as laundry and inventory management

• Maintain a clean and organized work area

• Report any maintenance issues or damages to the appropriate team members

• Follow all safety and sanitation policies and procedures

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a housekeeper or in a similar role

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to multitask and handle a high-volume workload

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Basic math skills

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society provides protection, care, and support to individuals in the Merritt region who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, or housing insecurity. We offer stability, security, and resources to help people rebuild their lives with dignity. We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering empowerment through culturally inclusive programming, particularly in collaboration with local Indigenous communities. At NVSSS, we believe in offering dignity, respect, and trauma-informed, person-centered support to help individuals rebuild their lives.

Job Summary

Walking alongside community participants who face significant trauma and barriers to housing, food, and other basic needs, the Shelter Support Worker acts as a frontline guide and advocate. You’ll connect participants with internal and external services, assist with housing transitions, and ensure their journey toward stability is supported with empathy, professionalism, and respect.

Crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, case management, and conflict resolution are part of your daily toolkit as you help maintain a safe and inclusive environment within the shelter.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for participants, ensuring simple, dignified, and equitable support.
• Respond swiftly to crises—mental or physical health emergencies, aggression, interpersonal issues—using de-escalation and harm reduction strategies.
• Provide addiction support guided by harm reduction philosophy.
• Use case management systems to help participants work on short- and long-term housing goals.
• Enforce shelter policies and expectations, and manage suspensions when necessary.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and support reconciliatory conversations.
• Assist community members with basic needs and participate in daily meal programs.
• Carry out light janitorial and maintenance duties to maintain a safe and functional environment.
• Perform support duties such as laundry, lockers, cleaning, and security checks.
• Model healthy relationships through active listening, advising, and referral services.
• Maintain accurate participant records via HIFIS and NVSSS SharePoint, and complete incident reports as needed.
• Engage in ongoing staff development, training, and one-on-one sessions with the Shelter Manager.
• Uphold privacy and confidentiality standards under FOIPPA and the Health Information Act.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Diploma, degree, or certificate in Human Services or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 1 year of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or marginalization.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills in complex and challenging situations.
• Ability to remain professional and composed when working with individuals in crisis or under influence.
• Experience working across diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous communities.
• Good grasp of Merritt’s community resources (an asset).
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with data entry.
• Understanding of FOIPPA and confidentiality protocols.
• Commitment to training (First Aid, SafeTALK, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, etc.).
• Deep passion for contributing to ending homelessness in British Columbia.

Working Conditions

• Casual, Part-Time, Full-Time —shifts vary based on availability and organizational needs.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with physical, mental, and emotional demands.
• Moderate to significant physical effort (walking, standing, lifting 25–50 lbs).
• Potential exposure to infectious materials; all necessary PPE and protocols are provided.
• Regular engagement with participants who may exhibit trauma-related behaviors; trauma-informed care training provided and supported.
• Position contingent on continued funding.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
• Satisfactory employment background check and vulnerable sector screening required.
• Must sign and adhere to NVSSS’s Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement.

Why Join NVSSS?

• Make a real impact by supporting people in crisis with dignity and compassion.
• Join a mission-driven, inclusive team that prioritizes empowerment and trauma-informed care.
• Gain valuable experience in shelter-based support, crisis intervention, and complex case coordination.

The Life Skills Instructor supports the delivery of NVSSS's Community Connections Program and other community-based services by providing practical life skills education, coaching, and group programming. Working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, and social isolation, the successful candidate will help participants build skills that support independence, wellness, community integration, and overall quality of life. 

The position will primarily be based at the Community Connections Program located at St. Michael's Community Centre in Merritt, BC. The Life Skills Instructor may also support the operation of the Community Connections Program as a cooling space during extreme heat events and a warming space during severe weather conditions, helping ensure vulnerable community members have access to a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Program Planning & Development 

Develop and facilitate life skills workshops and activities focused on: budgeting and financial literacy, healthy eating and meal preparation, personal hygiene and self-care, household management and cleaning, communication and conflict resolution, employment readiness and job search skills, time management and organization, tenant readiness and housing stability, health and wellness and community engagement and social connection 

Adapt lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs, literacy levels, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. 

Develop hands-on learning activities, demonstrations, workshops, and community-based learning opportunities. 

2. Instruction & Facilitation 

Facilitate group workshops, drop-in learning opportunities, and one-on-one coaching sessions. 

Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed learning environment. 

Encourage participant engagement, confidence-building, and skill development. 

Support practical application of skills through hands-on activities and real-life learning experiences. 

3. Participant Support 

Assist participants in identifying personal goals and learning objectives. 

Provide practical coaching in areas such as budgeting, meal planning, job searching, accessing services, and navigating community resources. 

Encourage participants to apply newly learned skills in their daily lives. 

Support participant success through encouragement, mentorship, and positive relationship-building. 

4. Community Connections Programming 

Assist with the daily operation of the Community Connections Program. 

Support recreational, educational, cultural, wellness, and life skills activities. 

Help organize workshops, guest speakers, community events, and volunteer activities. 

Promote participant involvement, social inclusion, and community engagement. 

Assist with family-friendly and intergenerational activities where appropriate. 

Support the operation of the program as a cooling space during extreme heat events and a warming space during severe weather conditions. 

Welcome and assist community members accessing weather relief services. 

Assist with the distribution of water, snacks, cooling supplies, and other basic necessities. 

Monitor program areas and report participant health, safety, or wellness concerns to supervisory staff. 

Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all participants. 

5. Program Coordination & Collaboration 

Work collaboratively with NVSSS outreach staff, shelter staff, community service workers, volunteers, and community partners. 

Participate in team meetings and contribute to coordinated participant support plans. 

Assist with maintaining program supplies, educational materials, and activity resources. 

Connect participants to additional community resources and support services as needed. 

6. Documentation & Reporting 

Maintain attendance records and participant activity logs. 

Assist with tracking program outcomes and participant engagement. 

Support the preparation of program reports, evaluations, success stories, and funding reports. 

Document participant progress, learning outcomes, and program achievements. 

Provide feedback and recommendations for program improvement. 

Qualifications 

Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 

Interest in social services, education, community development, human services, or recreation programming. 

Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Understanding of trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches is an asset. 

Experience facilitating groups, mentoring, teaching, coaching, volunteering, or working with vulnerable populations is an asset. 

Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence is an asset. 

Working Conditions 

Primarily based at NVSSS Community Connections Program at St. Michael's Community Centre. 

Combination of classroom instruction, group facilitation, community activities, participant support, and weather-response services. 

Some local travel within Merritt may be required for community-based activities, field trips, and learning opportunities. 

May involve standing for extended periods, lifting program supplies, and supporting indoor and outdoor community activities. 

Who can apply for this job? 

The Government of Canada funded this job through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Learn more about the program..

To apply for this job, you must: 

Be aged between 15 and 30 years old on the start date of the job; 

Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN); and 

Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. 

International students and other temporary residents of Canada are not eligible.