Housing Focused Shelter Worker

Join The Mustard Seed as a Housing Focused Shelter Worker, providing crucial support to community members at our shelter who have faced trauma and housing challenges. In this role, you'll guide individuals towards programs and services, enabling a coordinated and sustainable exit from the shelter. Daily, you'll engage in crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, case management, and conflict resolution, all while upholding The Mustard Seed's mission to build hope and well-being for our most vulnerable citizens through Jesus’ love.

**Position Type**: Full-time, Permanent Part-time and Casual positions available
**Schedule**: Morning (7:00 to 3:00pm), Evening (3:00pm to 11:00Pm) and Overnight (11:00pm to 7:00am) shifts available.
**Reporting to**: Shelter Manager
**Location**: Saskatoon, SK

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Act as the first point of contact for shelter participants, providing compassionate and respectful service that promotes dignity, kindness, and equity.
- Respond promptly to individuals in crisis, addressing physical and mental health concerns, aggression, and interpersonal conflicts using de-escalation techniques to reduce harm and offer healthy alternatives.
- Enforce shelter rules and expectations, including handling suspensions when necessary.
- Maintain a clean, safe environment for all shelter participants seeking respite.
- Mediate conflicts and facilitate reconciliation conversations when appropriate.
- Assist with the coordination and delivery of daily meal programs.
- Support the daily operations of the shelter, including laundry, cleaning common areas, conducting security checks, and supervising shelter activities.
- Perform janitorial and basic maintenance tasks to ensure the cleanliness and functionality of the shelter.
- Build healthy relationships with shelter participants by actively listening, providing advice, offering appropriate referrals, and being open to spiritual conversations.
- Work collaboratively with team members, including volunteers and visitors, to create a supportive and proactive environment.
- Provide assistance to other shelter locations as needed, based on operational priorities.
- Use case management tools to help shelter participants set and achieve housing goals, managing a caseload of 7-8 clients.
- Support participants in accessing community resources and services through a person-centered approach, encouraging progress toward their goals.
- Conduct housing-focused case management intake, schedule regular check-ins, and engage in daily intentional conversations with participants, ensuring thorough documentation of these interactions.
- Collect and maintain accurate client records using the client database system, adhering to privacy and confidentiality standards.
- Maintain professional boundaries with shelter participants at all times.
- Participate in staff training, attend regular meetings, and engage in one-on-one sessions with your supervisor.
- Follow all health and safety policies, submitting incident reports as required to ensure a secure environment for all.
- Utilize critical thinking to assess situations and make informed decisions to support participants effectively.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- 1 year of experience working with marginalized populations.
- Diploma and/or certificate in Human Services, Social Work, or a relevant field (preferred).
- Demonstrated passion for ending homelessness in Saskatchewan.
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for client individuality and self determination.
- A broad knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset.
- Ability to follow organizational protocols of front-line programs to completion.
- Experience in case management and advocacy (considered an asset).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and adapt to shifting priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as conflict resolution abilities.
- Self-starter capable of working effectively within a cross-functional team.
- Strong desire to work with marginalized and vulnerable populations.
- Demonstrated teachability and a proactive attitude, with a willingness to take initiative
- Integrity, discretion, and tact in handling confidential matters.

**Working Conditions**:

- This position involves working in a challenging and potentially volatile environment where you may encounter racial slurs, name-calling, and derogatory comments from community members. It requires resilience, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to maintain professionalism and composure in the face of adversity. Training and support will be provided to ensure your safety and well-being.
- The working environment for this position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and daily interactions with colleagues and guests.
- This position is often fast-paced and requires moderate amount of mental effort to analyze information and problem solve