Shelter Services Support Worker; Part-time

POSITION:
Shelter Services Support Worker

Department:
Emergency Shelter Services

Location:

637 Main St
FTE: 0.4 FTE, Permanent
Wage: $20.48 per hour
Hours of Work:
Days (07:30 to 16:00)

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier, housing-first emergency shelter offering a 120-bed facility and drop-in space with a harm-reduction focus, open 365 days a year. The services are free to use and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Low barrier means we do not require abstinence or sobriety as a condition to receive services. The drop-in offers food, beverages, a safe place to use the bathroom and/or take a shower, a safe place to be during extreme weather, the only daytime safe sleeping space for folks who sleep during the day, and access to clothing, harm-reduction supplies as well as ongoing support and pathways toward permanent housing.

The Support Worker functions as a member of a team in providing services designed to assist and support participants toward long-term success in housing. Shelter Support Workers also assist in connecting community members with resources to work toward self-determined goals.

• Provide support and resources without judgment for community members accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services
• Embody MSP’s values in day-to-day work and interactions
• Assist community members in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
• Assist in participant-centered care plans
• Provide individual support as required for case management
• Understand and uphold community member rights and shelter code of conduct
• Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations
• Respond to emergency situations, assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols
• Monitor the physical safety of community members to ensure they receive medical attention when required
• Ensure community members are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and, if needed, advocate for community member to access services
• Assist community members in connecting to resources including seeking out and providing information, filing application forms and submitting appropriately
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records according to MSP policies and protocols
• Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
• Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following established cleaning duties
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in a professional manner
• Manage community member intake professionally and according to MSP policies and protocols
• Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food-handling guidelines
• Provide clothing, hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with the values of MSP
• Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
• Oversee and facilitate laundry services
• Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy, procedures and training
• Support community members with diversion from shelter
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with MSP policy and legislation
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement

• Experience working in the field of human services, preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use issues
• Experience working in an emergency shelter or in an outreach capacity is considered an asset
• Ability to work with a community member-centered care philosophy
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in day-to-day support of community members
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived experience: knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields is considered an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and communication…