Drop in Assistant

_**The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) is a multi-service agency that includes Central Neighbourhood House, Neighbourhood Link Support Services and St. Stephen’s Community House**_

**JOB OPPORTUNITY Job# TNG2024-151**

**POSITION TITLE**: Drop-In Assistant (Winter Hours)

**DEPARTMENT**:Urban Health and Homelessness Services

**STATUS**:Contract Full Time, CUPE 7797

**# HRS / WEEK**:35

**CONTRACT DATES**:ASAP until April 15, 2025

**REPORT TO**:Corner Drop-In Manager

**HOURLY RATE**:$26.98

**GENERAL DESCRIPTION**:The Corner Drop-in is a busy, dynamic program that serves over 200 participants each day. We provide daytime shelter, nutritious hot food, primary health care services from on-site nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, information and help finding affordable housing, mental health support, voluntary financial trusteeship, substance use counselling, workshops and activities. This position will work as a member of the Drop-In team to provide an enriched drop-in setting for homeless and socially isolated adults, engage with and support Drop-in participants as appropriate and inform new visitors of all services and opportunities. Work alongside staff, volunteers and peer workers to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Work closely with the staff team to support individual case management plans. Work with Drop-in staff, including kitchen staff, to ensure the smooth running of the Drop-in. The Drop-in Assistant will remain consistent with the philosophies of the agency/peer program and follow all policies, procedures, and requirements.

**MAJOR DUTIES**:

- Circulate in the Drop-in during operation hours, and maintain a safe, welcoming and supportive environment
- Greet and connect with clients, seeking out opportunities for engagement, and provide referrals to support services as appropriate
- Maintain vigilance of the entire Drop-in space, monitoring clients for signs of crisis
- Provide information on community services and resources as requested
- Support individual case management plans and assist case managers as required
- Effectively prevent and respond to verbal or physical aggression or violence using a Transformative Justice team approach
- Assist with drop in operations such as preparing and serving meals, organizing the space and cleaning
- Support client engagement initiatives within the agency including the volunteer program, Member Advocacy Group, Crystal Meth Program and peer development initiatives
- Participate in the Drop-in meeting on Mondays and the department meeting once a month as able
- Work collaboratively with other staff to ensure the best possible service to clients
- Weekend work may be required
- Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings with the Manager
- Attend meetings and other TNG activities as assigned
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained on all client, staff and TNG matters
- Cooperate with health and safety instructions, including all IPAC protocols
- Other duties as assigned

**REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum high school graduate and/or one-year experience with marginalized populations including people who use substances and people who are homeless, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated experience with and commitment to harm reduction
- Able to stand, walk and climb stairs every day
- Certification in Non-violent Crisis Intervention or willingness to obtain certification
- Experience and/or knowledge of client engagement work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Adherence to procedures for limits, boundaries and safe work, including IPAC procedures
- Ability to work independently, as well as in a team

Pay: $26.98 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35 per week

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience working with marginalized populations including people who use substances and people who are homeless?
- Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?

Work Location: In person