Shelter Addiction Support Worker Part-time

Part Time
- Saturdays and Sundays, 3-11pm
- Must have a Class 5 Drivers License (non-GDL)

About Alpha House:
Alpha House Society is a non-profit, charitable agency that provides safe and caring environments for individuals whose lives are affected by alcohol and other drug dependencies. Alpha House first opened in Calgary in 1981 as a place of safety for men and women who are struggling with addictions and mental health issues. Services at Alpha House are delivered from a social model that respects the clients’ right to self-determination as they address the impact of alcoholism and addiction in their lives. We strive to develop relationships of trust with our clients, working on client-identified issues from withdrawal management to mental health concerns, and from treatment to housing needs. We seek to provide hope through direct service and the promotion of well-being.

Position Summary:
As an Addiction Support Worker, you are front-line, working as part of a team, interacting directly with our clients in our shelter, the majority of which are homeless and under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. The primary responsibility is to ensure that client's needs are assessed and met appropriately, while clients are visiting our shelter.

**Responsibilities**:
Completes admissions and discharges of individuals, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Treats clients with respect and dignity, interacting with them in a caring, non-judgmental manner
Monitors clients' safety and well-being, ensuring their withdrawal symptoms are being monitored appropriately, and getting support when needed
Provide one on one support to clients who need extra care and attention, including assisting with showering
Monitor the outside of the building, conducting rounds and picking and/or sweeping up garbage around the building; and if necessary, with the help of a team member, assist
clients that are sleeping in proximity to the building inside or find a safe place for them
Monitor the line-ups, assessing high intox clients and bring them into shelter first, physically assisting them if needed
Attends to crisis situations (i.e. seizures, disagreements, overdoses) both inside and outside focusing on defusing situations before they escalate
Interacts with other addiction agencies and community members, community services including police and EMS.
Role model Alpha House’s value’s and be a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
Completing daily and nightly chores, including cleaning and laundry
Following established protocols, required to ensure bodily fluids are properly cleaned up and area is disinfected.
Provides clients with information regarding treatment options, and makes referrals as required
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (MSDS, OH&S, WHMIS etc.), which includes assisting in maintaining cleanliness of the building both inside and
Support other programs in the agency as needed, by working a shift in PSH, Outreach or Detox/Stabilization

Qualifications:
A minimum two-year program related to Human Services, from a Public Post Secondary Educational Institution, or in progress towards one
Front line experience working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with people socially disadvantaged.
An understanding of addictions including: withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management and crisis counseling, and
impact of mental health issues.
Must be tolerant, non-judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy towards the homeless and those struggling with addictions and or mental health
Proven crisis management, problem solving skills, rapport-building and advocacy skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain confidentiality of clients
A well-developed sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution, de-escalation and people management skills
Team player with strong written and oral English communication skills
Have ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike including a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act

Position Requirements:
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID
Class 5 (Non GDL) driver license
Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa
Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position
FOIP Certification
“It’s your Move” training, or equivalent Patient Lift training
Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
Be able to work day, evening and overnight (all awake) shifts,

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