Onsite Support Worker

Job Title:

Onsite Support Worker

Number of Position(s):
One (1)

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time Overnight (70 hours bi-weekly) Unionized position.

Language Requirement:
English required.

Reports to:

Program Manager

Vacancy:
Existing Vacancy

The Onsite Support Worker is responsible for providing support to the clients/ tenants of the 24-hour program. The responsibilities include providing supportive counseling, group programming, crisis intervention and assisting clients with life skills acquisition, as required. Onsite Support Workers may cover a variety of shifts including days, evenings, overnights and weekends. The position reports to the Program Manager.

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to challenging conditions, including unpleasant situations and odors. The Onsite Support Worker will provide support services to acute and complex clients, including those involved in active substance use.

• Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent educational background in a related discipline
• Three (3) years of experience working with clients in the areas of substance use health and mental health
• Two (2) years of experience working in a residential or supportive housing setting, an asset

• Provide Group support
  • Establish a supportive, respectful relationship with clients/ tenants
  • Provide group intervention, advocacy and mediation when necessary
  • Facilitate group programming
  • Resolve disputes that may arise between clients/ tenants
  • Support the implementation of recreational events and meaningful activities
• Provide Program support
  • Provide supportive counseling and problem-solving to clients/ tenants when necessary
  • Support new clients/ tenants in their integration to the program
  • Foster a sense of community and connection within the Program
  • Provide crisis intervention support including overdose response
  • Support clients in establishing healthy sleep patterns
  • Support clients/ tenants in following the rules and expectations of the Program
  • Support clients/ tenants in acquiring basic life skills –personal hygiene, laundry etc.
  • Support clients/ tenants in general domains of life: basic needs, physical and mental health, housing, financial, social, spiritual, legal, educational and vocational
  • Work collaboratively with community partners and support the referral of clients/ tenants to external agencies as needed
• On-call
  • Provide on-call support while on duty
  • Debrief with day staff and supervisor, as needed
• Other
  • Document as needed in the log book, incident reports, etc.
  • Ensure documentation is up to date in the client’s file
  • Review client files on a regular basis –be familiar with client’s overall goals and their current progress
  • Participate in staff meetings
  • Participate in career development sessions
  • Adhere to program protocols and procedures including health and safety
  • Other related duties as determined by the Manager

• Displays a professional approach to the work along with the values and attitudes that is in keeping with the helping professions (i.e., sensitivity, respect, understanding, sincerity, genuineness, perseverance, patience, compassion, positive outlook, non-judgmental attitude, acceptance, tolerance etc.)
• client-centered, caring, supportive and reliable
• sound judgment and common sense in decision making and problem solving; critical thinking, intelligence
• demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility and independence
• sense of humor
• commitment to work and life-long learning

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use health and treatment modalities
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals living with mental health, substance use health and those experiencing chronic homelessness
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Tribunal processes
• knowledge of group dynamics theory and practice
• knowledge of concurrent disorders theory
• knowledge of ethical standards relevant to social service work (confidentiality, boundaries etc)
• knowledge of social problems associated with psychiatric disabilities (poverty, stigma, labeling, homelessness, oppression, addiction etc)
• knowledge of mental health legislation
• knowledge of community…