Support Worker

_**Who we are**_

Cornerstone offers emergency shelter and affordable supportive housing in four residential facilities for women experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness, addictions, trauma and abuse in Ottawa. Our services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. We are committed to public education, advocacy and strive to increase safe affordable housing to end homelessness. Cornerstone is a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.
- **VISION**_

Everyone has a home in a community that supports them to live with dignity and hope.
- **MISSION**_

Cornerstone provides a continuum of housing support for women and gender-diverse people that is inclusive and reduces barriers.
- **COMMITMENTS**_
- Social Justice - A leader in ending homelessness.
- Collaboration - Strong partnerships to meet diverse needs.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - A culturally competent and inclusive organization.
- Respect - Sharing, caring communities that support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Organizational Excellence - A strong foundation for our work.
- **EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT**_

Cornerstone Housing for Women is committed to building a team that reflects and embodies the diversity of the communities we serve and where all staff feel valued, respected, and supported.  We are striving towards cultivating a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, respectful, and equitable workplace.
- **JOIN OUR TEAM**_

This position is ideal for individuals seeking temporary employment in the social service sector, **students looking to work during school breaks,** or those looking to complement their full-time/part-time work with additional seasonal opportunities. We offer competitive hourly pay, a supportive management and staff team and professional opportunities.
- **What You’ll Be Doing**_
- Collaborating with other Cornerstone staff and volunteers to develop a warm, accepting, non-judgmental, and respectful atmosphere in the residence.
- Model a creative, problem-solving approach with the ultimate goal of assisting residents to sustain housing with Cornerstone and to reach their individual goals
- Proactively preventing and interving in crises and facilitating resolution of conflict.
- Providing guidance, encouragement and information about community resources.
- Collaborating with Case Managers to implement individualized resident plans.
- Participate in move-in/move-out plan.
- Monitor and assist with residents’ medication routines.
- Facilitate resident gatherings.
- Ensure cleanliness, health, safety, and good repair of residence and individual tenants’ units by carrying out basic household chores, emergency health and safety procedures and regular manual tasks as necessary.
- Collaborate with community services to support resident plans.
- Other related duties as required.
- **Potential Hazards**_
- **Encountering people in crisis**: You may encounter individuals who are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues.
- **Dealing with individuals under the influence**: You may be required to respond to overdoses and other medical situations
- **Dealing with mental health issues**: You might have to engage with individuals dealing with complex mental health conditions, which can require patience, empathy, and understanding
- **Performing cleaning and sanitizing tasks**: You may be required to perform duties such as the cleaning and sanitizing of bodily fluids and disposal of safe injection materials using appropriate PPE.
- **What we need from you**_
- College Diploma or University Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a social service, social work or an equivalent field of study (such as Criminology, Gender Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Justice)
- Demonstrated experience working with women facing social, health, economic, or other barriers to sustainable housing
- Proven conflict resolution and crisis intervention abilities.
- Ability to meet the physical and psychological demands of the position.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Effective communication, interpersonal and public relations skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Bilingualism (French and English) would be considered an asset.
- Fluency in other languages is also considered an asset.
- Satisfactory Police Records Check (Level 3 Vulnerable Sector).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using a database software such as OneNote or HIFIS
- **Availability Requirements**_

The **Seasonal Support Worker** role is designed to provide coverage during peak holiday periods. To be eligible, you must meet the following minimum availability requirements:

- **Winter Period (December 1st - January 31st) - MANDATORY**_
- To retain status as a Seasonal Support Worker, you must be available for this period.
- Must be available for at least **three (3) shifts** in one of the following