Shelter Services Support Worker; Casual

Title: Shelter Support Worker

Reports To: Manager, Emergency Shelter

Department: Emergency Shelter

Position Type: Casual

Location: 637 Main Street

Direct Reports: 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. The Support Worker assists participants in a manner that promotes dignity, self‑worth, and increased independence.

• 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‑centered care plans
• Provide individual support as required for case management
• Understand and uphold community member rights and the shelter code of conduct
• Ensure community members understand program processes and expectations
• Respond to emergency situations, assess, intervene, and document critical incidents per MSP policies
• Monitor the physical safety of community members and ensure medical attention when required
• Inform community members of internal and external resources, advocate for access where needed
• Assist community members in connecting to resources, filing applications
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records per MSP policies
• Collect and submit agency‑required statistics on time and with accuracy
• Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following cleaning duties
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies professionally
• Manage community member intake professionally per MSP policies
• Prepare and distribute food for meal service per food handling guidelines
• Provide clothing, hygiene, and harm supplies per MSP values
• Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
• Oversee and facilitate laundry services
• Respond and de‑escalate potentially aggressive situations per policy and training
• Support community members with diversion from shelter
• Maintain confidentiality per MSP policy & legislation
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, communications, safety protocols, and the collective bargaining agreement

• Experience working in human services with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use issues
• Experience in an emergency shelter or outreach capacity is an asset
• Ability to work with a community member‑centered care philosophy
• Apply harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, anti‑oppressive, and housing‑first philosophies
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived experience relevant to the role
• Knowledge of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Understanding of the effects of poverty and health determinants
• Team collaboration skills
• Knowledge in addiction and mental health fields is an asset
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Experience with culturally diverse populations
• Manage challenging behaviors or crisis situations
• De‑escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Assess, manage, and work in crisis settings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & online databases
• Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid certifications

• Meet physical demands: standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs., cleaning duties (bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, crouching)
• Exposure to biohazards including blood, bodily fluids, syringes
• Work with individuals using substances or experiencing mental health issues
• Support in high‑intensity incidents, including medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Work in an environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices, including smudging, are actively performed
• Successive criminal record checks with a clear vulnerable sector search and adult abuse registry

• Embedding MSP’s core values:
  Reducing Harm, Truth & Reconciliation, Anti‑Oppression, Trauma‑Informed

• Collaboration
• Problem solving
• Crisis management
• Decision making
• Verbal communication
• Service excellence
• Accountability

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & dental benefits
• Pension plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid sick and family days
• Shift premiums
• Employee assistance program

Final date to receive applications: Open until filled