Relief Worker

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Relief Worker will primarily be responsible for providing back up support and counselling to clients experiencing homelessness and/or mental health challenges in the an emergency shelter setting. They will be able to understand and diagnose negative mental health symptoms or addictions, their effects, and their treatment.

They will be a resource and an advocate in their comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact homelessness and/or addictions may have on overall mental health to support individuals in their overall wellbeing.

Their main goal is to ensure that clients with experiencing homelessness and/or mental health challenges receive the best support possible to enable them to access and achieve independence in their daily activities.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Assist clients with activities of daily living, support services, and conflict resolution
- Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports and social skills necessary to maintain independency in the community
- Provide practical hands-on work, when necessary, to demonstrate skill and assist in client development
- Assist clients in understanding and learning about their illness, symptoms, and medications
- Provide crisis prevention and intervention as necessary
- Observation of medication self-administration as required
- Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Responsible for client and resident safety

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in Health Services, Social Services, or equivalent
- 1+ years’ experience supporting clients experiencing Homelessness, Substance Abuse challenges, and/or Mental Health Crisis Management
- Demonstrated awareness and belief in the value of harm reduction principles
- Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
- Individual and group counselling skills
- Working knowledge of SDAT and HIFIS
- Working knowledge of HTI is an asset
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and CPI

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Hours for this position are flexible but not guaranteed as these relief positions provide shift coverage to our full time staff which may include overnights, weekends, and holidays
- Average amount of physical effort is required.
- Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.

**COVID-19 Considerations**
- As part of SHIP’s commitment to health and safety, it is a condition of employment that you be fully vaccinated (2 doses, including 14 days since your second dose) against COVID-19 or have an exemption pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

**Why Work For Us?**

**Our Vision**
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

**Our Mission**
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

**Our Culture**
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen, we know what it means, and why it matters.

**Our Commitment**
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

- Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
- Comprehensive Health Plans
- Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
- 12 Paid Health & Wellness Days
- 10 Paid Vacation Days
- 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
- Generous Parental and Family Leave
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Travel Allowances
- Employee Assistan