(250) 717-3007
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for people in the Central Okanagan area who struggle with serious and persistent mental health challenges by providing supportive housing and therapeutic work.
Therapeutic Work Programs
Research shows that between 70-90% of people with serious mental health challenges are unemployed, and face the highest degree of stigmatization in the workplace. We know that being employed and being able to care for oneself make a huge contribution to recovery from mental illness.
OMHSS has 2 programs to help participants gain the skills to increase their ability to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. This, in turn, supports their mental and overall health. Our work programs help to bridge the gap that links our participants’ desire to work, with opportunities to do so – in a modified and supportive environment.
How Does It Work?
We offer 2 programs: Room By Room (Janitorial contracts) and Yard By Yard (Landscaping and Tree Care contracts). All participants are trained on-the-job by supervisors and other program participants. Our supervisors understand the struggles of dealing with various mental health issues, effects of medication, and how all of these can complicate a participant’s life. Our supervisors work closely with all participants to support, encourage, teach and motivate them in the best way possible.
Benefits
- Provide social and emotional support
- Our offices provide an “open-door” policy
- Telephone support for any work issues
- More than just job-training
- A safe place to visit and be accepted.
The programs offer participants a sense of purpose and normalcy. They develop skills in industries where there is steady demand. Supervisors encourage the participants to develop leadership skills.
Vocational Planning Services
Participants who have been working with either of our therapeutic work Programs, Room By Room and Yard By Yard, have developed skills and abilities that can be adapted to other employment. Our Vocational Planning Services (VPS) provides job coaching in order to find other employment, or to take the next step in education/training in a chosen field.
We work closely with employers to support them and our clients in the early days of any placement.
Benefits:
- Personalized job search assistance
- Resume Reviews
- Identify Job Placements
- Source Job-Shadowing Opportunities
- Monitoring & Follow-up After Hiring
Career Opportunities
At OMHSS we are always looking to add talented people to our team.
We value our employees and that’s why we offer a great Health Benefits package, opportunities for employment advancement, flexible working hours, and training.
If you think you would be a great fit for our team please send us your resume and cover letter to:
Larry Vandergrift, Executive Director
E: lvandergrift@okanaganmentalhealth.com
Current
Job Opportunities
House Managers
- Minimum of 5 years of experience
Support Workers
- Minimum 2 years in social services field; Full and Part time position;
- excellent shared benefit program; 12 Stat holidays, 2 bonus stat holidays;
- Full time positions receive 6 mental health days off;
- Part time positions receive 3 Mental health days off and accumulated sick days’ banked.
Arborists
- ISA International Certified Arborist Certificate
Horticulturist
- Certified
Landscapers
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in landscaping & construction
Irrigation Technician
- Certificates required
Lawn Care Supervisors
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience; Full and Part time positions; excellent shared benefit
program; - 12 Stat holidays, 2 bonus stat holidays; Full time positions receive 6 mental health days off;
- Part time positions receive 3 Mental health days off and accumulated sick days’ banked.
Handy Man Maintenance Worker
- Construction experience; Painting, renovation experience
Janitorial Supervisors
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience; Full and Part time positions;
- excellent shared benefit program; 12 Stat holidays, 2 bonus stat holidays;
- Full time positions receive 6 mental health days off;
- Part time positions receive 3 Mental health days off and accumulated sick days’ banked
112 – 2303 Leckie Rd., Kelowna, BC V1X 6Y5
Office: (250) 717-3007
Fax: (250) 717-3022
Email: work@okanaganmentalhealth.com