Full Time Support Worker

Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not for profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.

**Barry House**s a 17-bed emergency shelter serving individuals who identify as female or are gender diverse. Guests are 16 years of age and older. They could be people living with mental health concerns, disabilities, unemployment or under-employment, struggling with substance misuse, post traumatic stress, abandonment, rejection and poverty.

**Summary**:Responsible to the Director of Shelter Services and Housing and reporting to the House Manager and/or Shift Supervisor, the Support Worker is responsible for the operation of the facility to standard while on duty per the Operational Policies and Procedures, the Human Resources Manual as well as applicable legislation. Demonstrating a commitment to ethical behavior that promotes quality guest service and professional interactions with colleagues, guests and community partners means you will be a good representative of Shelter Nova Scotia at all times while ensuring that Shelter Nova Scotia’s mission, vision and values are understood and modeled.

**Qualifications**

**Education**:
Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required

**Experience**:
2 years working in human services such as social services or healthcare, in a residential facility, Shelter, CRF, Parole, Probation or a similar environment or other related and equivalent experience. Experience in mental health and addictions an asset.

Certifications:
Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check

Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

**Responsibilities**

**Guest Service Delivery**
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty
- Identify and advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate;
- Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income assistance)
- Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with guests, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes;
- Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness
- Accurately and professionally document notes relating to guest interactions and keep other team members up to date on guest issues;
- Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required
- Maintains guest privacy by sharing information only on a need to know basis. Protects the confidential information of the guests, residents and tenants;
- Addresses and resolves conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
- Engage regularly and respectfully with guests and respond to queries and requests in a timely respectful manner;
- Participate in meal preparation, presentation and clean up

**Technical Competencies**
- Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required
- Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification
- Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check
- Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook
- Experience with interviewing, counseling, and intervention techniques is considered an asset
- Knowledge of mental health and addictions an asset

**Hours of Work**

72 to 96 hours per biweekly pay period on a scheduled rotation of 12 hour shifts including days, nights and weekends. Average of 84 hours biweekly.

**Salary**

$23.37 per hour

**Benefits & Vacation**

As per Shelter Nova Scotia Policy benefits available after 6 months

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $23.37 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- RRSP match

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Night shift
- On call

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C” certificate (preferred)

Shift availability:

- Day Shift (required)
- Night Shift (required)
- Overnight Shift (required)