Shelter Services Support Worker; Casual

Title

Shelter Support Worker

Manager, Emergency Shelter

Emergency Shelter

Casual

637 Main Street

None

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. Services are free and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Low barrier means that there is no requirement for abstinence or sobriety as a condition for receiving 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 those who sleep during the day, and access to clothing, harm‑reduction supplies as well as ongoing support for and pathways toward permanent housing.

The Withdrawal Management Support Worker functions as a member of a team to assist and support all who enter the program with respect, dignity, and a focus on participants’ goals.

• Provide support and resources without judgement 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‑centred 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 members 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 skills, both oral and written
• Experience in working with culturally diverse populations
• Ability to work with…