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Sector: Community Social Services

Key Resources for Social Services Workers in BC

By andrewwalsh

Care to Speak For workers and employers in BC who have experienced a traumatic workplace event.Purpose: Peer-based emotional support for work-related or personal stress.Type of Support: Phone, text, and web-based chat with trained peer volunteers.Availability: Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm Contact: Phone/Text: 1-866-802-7337www.caretospeak.ca Critical Incident Response (CIR) Program For healthcare and social service workers in BC.Purpose: … Continued

Webinar Recording: Balancing Leadership and Frontline Realities

By andrewwalsh

This webinar explores the paradox of leadership in community-based social services and introduces practical strategies for bridging the gap. Participants will learn key skills required for new managers, including effective resource allocation, administrative oversight, and how to professionally develop and support their teams — all while keeping clients at the heart of their practice. By … Continued

Strategies for an Effective Open Door Policy

By andrewwalsh

Jack and Jill manage two different youth centers. Both face similar challenges, yet their leadership styles could not be more different. Jill’s office is constantly filled with staff coming and going to meet with her. She regularly checks in with team members in the hallway or during breaks, building trust and rapport along the way. … Continued

Strength-Based Supervision: Empowering Staff Growth

By andrewwalsh

For Community Social Services Supervising employees who provide direct support services to their communities is a challenging role. ‘Front line’ service personnel are expected to meet administrative, legislative, practice, and ethical standards while also accommodating the unique needs of their clients. Effective supervision attends to the dual role of ensuring that the community and its … Continued

Going From Burnout to Balance While Managing Multiple Responsibilities

By ellie

With staff shortages, compounded by immigration policy reviews, and ongoing injuries, many social services workers are feeling stretched thin. So, how do you stay well when you’re overwhelmed? If you wear multiple hats at work, managing different roles or juggling various jobs, you know the feeling of being stretched too thin. With economic pressures and … Continued

How to Help New and Young Workers Thrive in Social Services

By ellie

Do you struggle to retain new staff in your organization? Are burnout, stress, or mental health injuries impacting your team’s morale and well-being? Research shows that young and new workers are more likely to be injured due to limited training, insufficient orientation, and being unaware of their rights and responsibilities.1 In fact, in 2024, WorkSafeBC … Continued

Protecting Your Well-Being While Working Alone in Social Services

By ellie

Working alone is a common reality for many workers in social services, especially for those who provide direct services. If you have ever walked into a client’s home by yourself, answered an after-hours crisis call, or done outreach in the community without a colleague by your side, you know what working alone feels like. While … Continued

Fostering a Psychologically Safe Culture To Prevent Workplace Bullying

By andrewwalsh

You Matter Too: Supporting Yourself While Caring for Clients with Complex Needs

By ellie

You’ve just completed a safety plan with a client who needed support with keeping themselves safe. It’s your third session like this for the week, and each time you leave with a rush of emotions, including tension, fatigue, and uncertainty. However, there’s little time to process, with paperwork waiting and more clients to see. Does … Continued

CMHA BC Understanding Addiction Course

By jenniferquan

Do you volunteer or work with people living with substance use or addiction? Learn essential skills to support yourself and others through the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division’s (CMHA BC) Understanding Addiction course. Understanding Addiction is a unique online training program for those who work directly or indirectly with people living with substance use … Continued