Shelter Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association, Kamloops Branch | Permanent Position | 271 Victoria St W, Kamloops, BC V2C 1A5 |

Education:

Bachelor of Social Work, Human Service Diploma |

Skills:

Communication – intermediate, Problem Solving – expert, Verbal De‑escalation – beginner, Advocacy – beginner, Collaboration and Teamwork – nondetermined.

Emerald Centre is a 42‑bed, co‑ed shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Shelter Support Workers support the needs of clients while navigating the complexities of substance use, mental health challenges, lack of affordable housing and multifarious systems. This work is highly relational and requires flexibility to base support around each individual’s needs.

• Position Type:
  Causal
• Duration of Position:
  Ongoing, subject to funding
• Hours:
  
  7.5–37.5 per week
• Location:
  
  271 West Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 1A5
• Probation: 488 hours from start date
• Salary & Benefits:
  
  $27.92 per hour, Extended Medical and Dental Benefits, Municipal Pension Plan

• Work from a trauma‑informed approach and follow a philosophy of harm reduction to provide support to street‑involved populations experiencing poverty, mental health and/or substance use concerns, and social isolation.
• Encourage the development of basic life skills, connection to community and health resources, respectful communication, goal‑setting, constructive conflict resolution, problem solving and managing change.
• Assist clients in interacting with and advocate for them with a variety of external community/government services.
• Work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary team to ensure a safe and caring environment including response to emergency situations, support of others, knowledge sharing, and detailed documentation.
• Perform a variety of cleaning duties such as cleaning washrooms, making beds, laundry, perimeter checks, and general tidying of the facility.

• One‑year recent, related work experience with emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services.
• First Aid with CPR and Food Safe required.
• Mental Health First Aid an asset.
• Lived experiences of mental illness and/or addictions considered an asset.
• CMHA Kamloops is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the Association.
• People who are currently accessing CMHA Kamloops services are not eligible to apply.
• A criminal record check free of convictions of violence and other crimes against the vulnerable will be required.