Community Shelter Worker - PFS

Position Summary
Reporting to the Community Shelter Supervisor, a Community Shelter Worker provides front‑line support to families (youth, family, single, or couples) and clients facing homelessness. The primary focus is to support clients through housing strategies, including providing shelter support, creating housing search opportunities, and engaging in housing‑focused conversations using motivational interviewing.

Responsibilities

Deliver shelter welcome packages and maintain welcome files.

Provide support to clients experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Engage in intentional housing conversations with clients during the first two weeks of shelter stay.

Distribute passive housing‑search materials to clients who have been in the shelter two weeks or less.

Develop Individualized Housing Plans for clients who have exceeded two weeks in shelter and are receiving more staff attention.

Circulate throughout the facility to engage clients using motivational interviewing and facilitate housing‑focused conversations.

Participate in Rapid Re‑Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing programs.

Connect longer‑term shelter guests to Coordinated Entry.

Assist eligible shelter guests in becoming document‑ready for Rapid Re‑Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing, so they are house‑eligible when vacancies become available.

Conduct additional assessments as required (e.g., mental‑health status exams, wellness checks).

Perform additional duties as required or delegated.

Administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, following training on overdose recognition, safe administration, and emergency protocols.

Qualifications

Post‑secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent.

Minimum 1 year experience supporting the homeless population.

Knowledge of tenant populations, diversity issues, anti‑discrimination practices, and systemic causes of homelessness.

Strong knowledge of Housing First principles.

Experience working with families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Ability to apply Housing First principles in day‑to‑day client interactions.

Excellent communication skills, assessment, risk management, and crisis de‑escalation abilities.

Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Valid driver’s licence, a vehicle, and adequate insurance coverage.

Valid certification in First Aid & CPR.

Training in ASIST and CPI.

Vulnerable Screening Level 3.

Reporting Function
The Community Shelter Worker reports to the Community Shelter Supervisor and has no management or supervisory responsibilities. The role collaborates with clients and internal staff across all organizational levels.

Working Conditions and

Physical Requirements

Rotational shift:
Friday and Saturday, 7:30‑4:00 pm and 3:30‑midnight.

Ability to work with internal and external clients.

Capacity to sit for prolonged periods.

Ability to answer calls and use a computer for general tasks.

Comfortable working in an environment with animals of various sizes and temperaments, including exposure to noise, fur, and unpredictable animal behaviour.

Requirement to administer naloxone, with training provided within the first eight weeks.

Use of multiple computer screens for extended periods.

Ability to lift up to 20 lbs (products, documents, etc.).

Travel by vehicle to community sites for client support as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity
SHIP is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from equity‑deserving communities, including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2

SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities, and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual performance reviews.

Group RRSP with 5 % employer contributions.

12 paid health, wellness, and sick days.

10 paid vacation days.

3 paid personal/floating holidays.

Generous parental and family leave.

Learning and development opportunities.

Employee assistance program.

Company culture that values compassion, respect, and professionalism.

Opportunity to create a real impact in the community.

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