Shelter Support Worker

As a Shelter Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting The Mustard Seed's guests in their journey towards a positive, coordinated exit from the shelter. Working closely with guests, you will connect them with essential programs and services while providing ongoing support and encouragement. As the first point of contact, you will respond to their needs on an ongoing basis, while also working alongside a team of dedicated shelter support workers, ensuring they receive the necessary support, training, and care. Your responsibilities will include daily crisis intervention and conflict resolution, making this a challenging yet fulfilling role on the front line of our organization.

We are a certified Best Christian Workplace and humanitarian organization whose vision is to build community, grow hope and support change. The Mustard Seed combats the root causes of poverty in British Columbia and Alberta and work to create positive, lasting change in the lives of those we serve. The Mustard Seed provides basic services - food clothing and housing, and support services - education and employment, to those living in poverty within British Columbia and Alberta.

**Job Type**: Casual Position with shifts scheduled on an as-needed basis
Reporting to: Shelter Team Supervisor
Location: Red Deer, AB
Schedule: Shifts will be scheduled on a month-to-month basis, with Saturday to Monday shifts from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Additional 12-hour overnight shifts from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am are also available, covering vacation and sick days.
- Being the first point of contact for guests seeking shelter, food, and clothing
- Respecting the dignity of our guests by identifying their needs in a respectful manner
- Providing person-centered support and care in a flexible way that meets the needs of guests
- Encouraging and assisting guests in accessing resources and services that support their goals
- Being a supportive and proactive team member to fellow support staff
- Communicating effectively with other shelter sites to ensure guests have access to showers, storage, and meals
- Taking initiative to assess situations and make appropriate decisions to support guests
- Being comfortable having spiritual conversations with guests
- Being responsible for maintaining accurate records as required by The Mustard Seed’s policies and procedures
- Taking initiative to ensure that all emergency systems are fully operational and responding to any emergencies promptly.

**REQUIREMENTS**
- Availability to work any shift including weekends, holidays, and overnights
- Education in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related fields (considered a strong asset)
- 1-year frontline experience in a social serving agency and/or counselling experience (considered a strong asset)
- Strong desire to work with a marginalized population
- Excellent relationship building and communication skills
- Knowledge of mental illness and addictions (considered an asset)
- Experience working with volunteers
- A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team
- Desire to serve in a Christian ministry

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Flexibility to work on an as-needed basis, as well as scheduled shifts on weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, and perform moderate physical tasks such as standing for long periods, walking, climbing stairs, bending, lifting, and pushing donation carts.
- Focused mental effort, including the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment, operate a computer, use two-way radio communications, and respond quickly to crises both within and outside the premises.
- Training in the use of two-way radio communications, MS Office, FOIP, First Aid, NVCI, and Safe Talk.
- All positions at The Mustard Seed require an Employment Background Check.
- As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, employees must agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed’s Employment Values during their employment.