Emergency Shelter Support Worker

At House of Friendship we believe in what we are doing. We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve. We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun

Sounds pretty great doesn’t it? It is

We are seeking a mature and independent person to work with and support men accessing shelter services using a housing first approach. Our shelter program is following the ShelterCare model of providing a place to stay and staff support 24/7, along with wrap-around health care services on site to help men experiencing homelessness transition to housing and successfully stay housed.

*** This is a permanent, part-time position (15 hours per week) within the Emergency Shelter program.**

**Scheduled to work every weekend: Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm.**

**Option to pick up additional relief shifts if/when available.**

**Kay Responsibilities**:

- Perform intake for those accessing the shelter
- Connect with and support men accessing the shelter, providing individual support with the target of developing individual plans for each of the men
- Engage participants in meaningful support relationships to achieve the goal of obtaining housing and wellbeing stability
- Engage participants in navigating community resources pertaining to financial and overall wellbeing
- Ensure a safe and clean environment for both staff and those accessing shelter
- Engage in rapport building with individuals while doing on the floor tasks such as meal delivery and room checks
- Expertly de-escalate conflict and manage behavioural concerns to ensure a safe environment for all staff and participant

***

**Skills Experience**:

- Two year post-secondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.)
- Experience providing individualized support services
- Experience of homelessness or relating with people experiencing homelessness
- Experience of working with those who have experienced mental health challenges, addictions and trauma
- Liaison with local emergency and mental health services (ie. CMHA, police services, EMS, Here 24/7)
- Aptitude for accurate and efficient computer data entry
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Commitment to a strength-based approach to supporting people
- Very good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to handle crisis situations in a calm manner
- Comfortable responding to emergency situations and providing first aid/CPR when applicable
- Strong Understanding of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to develop rapport with individuals
- Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
- Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
- Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
- Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
- Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery
- Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
- Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges
- Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keeping

**Rate of Pay**:
Note: Most new team members will start somewhere between the start rate and the mid point of the range.

Grade: 4

Min: $21.31

Mid: $24.68

Max: $28.05

**Working Conditions**:

- Working every Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm
- Also able to pick up additional shifts depending on need and personal availability
- Encountering participants at program sites who may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness can be expected

**COVID-19 Vaccination Policy**:
To maintain the safety of staff and participants, House of Friendship has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. All Staff hired after October 19, 2021 are required to provide proof of being Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19 as a pre-condition of their employment or placement offer. If an individual is unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19, they will be required to submit written proof verifying a medical reason or by submitting a request under the Ontario Human Rights Code and agree to regular Rapid Antigen Test