Community Support Officer

Overview

Job Skills / Requirements

Note: This is not a Security Guard position. The Community Support Officer focuses on community outreach and support while working in partnership with the City of Campbell River Bylaw Department, Lookout Society Mobile Outreach Team, RCMP, and other community agencies.

The Community Support Officer provides a visible municipal presence throughout Campbell River, primarily in the downtown core and other identified public spaces. The role focuses on community outreach, crisis intervention, public education, and connecting vulnerable individuals to appropriate health, housing, social, and treatment services. Through relationship-based engagement, the Officer promotes public safety, voluntary bylaw compliance, and a safe, welcoming community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Outreach & Support

• Build respectful, trust-based relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, or other vulnerabilities.
• Conduct wellness checks and provide basic assistance, including first aid where appropriate, while coordinating emergency or outreach services.
• Connect individuals with housing, shelter, healthcare, treatment, counselling, income assistance, and other community resources.
• Support coordinated responses that balance compassion, accountability, and public safety.

2. Patrol & Community Safety

• Conduct proactive foot and vehicle patrols in public spaces independently or alongside outreach staff, Bylaw, RCMP, and community partners.
• Respond to public safety concerns and prioritize situations involving immediate risk to people or property.

3. Bylaw Education & Compliance

• Promote voluntary compliance through education, mediation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Assist in reducing public disorder while maintaining a respectful, community-focused approach.

4. Collaboration

• Work closely with outreach teams, RCMP, Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, Bylaw, social service agencies, private security, businesses, and community organizations.
• Participate in coordinated case management and information sharing in accordance with legislation and City policies.

5. Administration

• Maintain accurate case notes and confidential records.
• Operate assigned vehicles, radios, mobile technology, and reporting systems.
• Follow Occupational Health & Safety requirements and City procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources related to housing, shelter, health, mental health, substance use, and social services.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with vulnerable individuals, coworkers, partner agencies, businesses, and the public.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply sound judgment in dynamic or high-risk situations.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic record management systems.
• Knowledge of municipal bylaw compliance is an asset.
• Training in trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid, naloxone administration, and de-escalation is considered an asset.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Behavioural Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of directly related experience in one or more of the following:
• • Homeless outreach
  • Crisis response
  • Social service navigation
  • Community safety or protective services
  • Direct support of vulnerable populations
  • Bylaw enforcement or municipal/community safety
• Valid First Aid certification (WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid preferred).
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to challenging situations, public disorder, biohazards, and contaminated environments.
• Evening, weekend, statutory holiday, and occasional on-call work may be required.

#NO2

Additional Information / Benefits

Paladin Security: Making the World a Safer and Friendlier Place because we CARE !
The Paladin Difference starts with our people; we're the best because we hire the best. We believe in promoting from within, respecting people and their differences, providing high quality service and always having fun! If you think you have what it takes to join our team, we want to meet you!

Paladin Security has a diverse workforce and we believe in and are committed to a workplace culture of respect, inclusion, and diversity. Paladin Security is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities through the interview process and while employed. If you require an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates that are short listed will be contacted for an interview.

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days