The Client Support Student / Program Support Student will gain hands-on experience supporting recreation, food security, harm reduction, case management, and community engagement initiatives within a supportive housing environment for older adults. This placement provides exposure to supportive housing, food access programming, community-based service delivery, and resident-centred care.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of recreational, social, wellness, and community engagement programs for residents.
• Assist with resident engagement and outreach to encourage participation in programs and activities.
• Support the operation of the food bank, including food sorting, set-up, distribution, inventory tracking, and client support.
• Observe and learn about case management practices, including resident goal setting, service navigation, community referrals, and advocacy.
• Gain exposure to harm reduction principles and supportive housing practices while working with older adults experiencing complex health, mental health, substance use, and housing-related challenges.
• Assist with community events, workshops, and special programming initiatives.
• Support data collection, attendance tracking, and program evaluation activities.
• Learn about supportive housing, food access programming, community-based service delivery, and resident-centred care.

You Must Be

• Current student enrolled in a Social Service Worker, Community Development, Social Work, Recreation and Leisure, Gerontology, or related post-secondary diploma program.
• Placement must be required as part of the student’s academic program.

What You Bring to the Team

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including older adults and individuals experiencing housing, mental health, or social challenges.
• Interest in community development, recreation, food security, and supportive housing.• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, and data entry).
• Experience using Canva and creating promotional materials is an asset.
• Experience volunteering or working in community, recreation, food security, or social service settings is considered an asset.

Shift Hours

• Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Some flexibility may be available depending on program activities and student schedules.

Commitment

• Approximately 21–28 hours per week for a period of 3–4 months, or as required by the student’s academic placement program.
• Total placement hours may range from approximately 250–450 hours depending on school requirements.

Screening Requirements

• Resume review.
• Interview.
• Preference will be given to students with an interest in community development, supportive housing, recreation programming, food security, and working with older adults.
• Students should be comfortable working in a diverse and inclusive community setting.

Training

• Students will gain exposure to case management, supportive housing practices, harm reduction principles, service navigation, food access programming, resident engagement, and interdisciplinary community-based service delivery while receiving supervision and mentorship throughout the placement.