Life Skills Instructor (Canada Summer Jobs Position)

Position Summary 

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.