25.67 Housing/shelter Support Worker

25.67 Housing/Shelter Support Worker / Community Centre Worker / Support Worker

** Please See Below for Shift Details**
- **This posting is open to all qualified applicants.**_

Our Place Society (OPS) is an organization founded on inclusive and progressive Christian values and principles. We are driven by our values: hope and belonging, teamwork, unconditional love and safety. We work as a team to create a nurturing atmosphere of home and family, where all are welcome. A team approach is critical to living out our mission and values and directing our work.

**Position Overview**:
Reporting to the one’s supervisor/manager, the Housing/Shelter Support Worker / Community Centre Worker / Support Worker participates directly in the provision of services, resolves difficult or sensitive issues or problems, provides support and information, acts as advocate, responds to medical emergencies, and maintains a safe and welcoming environment for those who access our services.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Respond to medical emergencies, such as overdoses, and provide non-emergency first aid, such as minor wound care.
- Follow all Health and Safety policies and procedures, report all incidents, observations, and unsafe conditions through the proper procedures, complete Incident Reports according to procedure, and work with OPS Occupational Health and Safety team to ensure that all staff work in a safe manner.
- Plans, prepares, and conducts basic individual counselling session using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution, basic psycho-educational group methods to resolve identified problems, needs and risks.
- Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of laws and legislation which affect our clients such as the Mental Health Act, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Human Rights, city bylaws.
- Perform wellness checks.
- Assist with the collection of statistical information for reporting requirements and maintain reports such as statistics, logbooks, daily activities on residents.
- Accompany facilities staff and contractors while performing maintenance work in resident rooms.
- Assist with “Meet and Greet” of prospective residents and new resident/shelter user intakes.
- Develop rapport and trusting yet professional relationships with clients/residents.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies, personal hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, meals, etc. to clients/residents.
- Report all maintenance needs and requests in a timely manner according to procedure.
- Assist in custodial and maintenance tasks as directed by the Team Lead / Site Supervisor.
- Uphold all OPS policies and procedures.
- Assist with laundry as needed and maintain on-site laundry rooms.
- Ensure the staff office(s) and all other common/shared spaces on site are clean and tidy at all times.
- Clean rooms as needed when residents move out, wearing appropriate PPE. Also, assist residents with room cleans. This can include dealing with human waste, blood, sharps, and other paraphernalia. Plunge toilets and deal with leaks, wearing appropriate PPE.
- Participates in ongoing education, including workshops and seminars on Alcohol and Drug Addictions, First Aid, NVCI, Mental Illnesses, AIDS, Harm reduction, treatment supports and other socially contracted diseases.
- Maintain an active file for each assigned resident. This includes electronic log notes for all pertinent interactions and observation. Maintains all records and statistics and provides reports to the Supervisors as required.
- Ensure that all room inspections and follow-ups are completed according to the schedule.
- Assist with all aspects of resident support plan development and delivery of services. Connect clients to resources such as detox referrals, counselling services, other housing providers.
- Communicate an effective shift exchange.
- Support residents with developing independent life skills such as household management, medication management, socialization (including hobbies and sports), money management, decision-making, and time management, etc.
- Maintain professional boundaries while displaying empathy and compassion.
- Accompany residents to meetings and appointments, as required.
- Maintains open lines of communication between various areas of OPS.
- Performs other related duties as required.
- Oversee resident volunteer work and disperse honorariums according to the program guidelines.
- Maintain open lines of communication between departments.
- Attend to individual residents’ specific needs.
- Monitors washrooms to ensure service user safety and take action to clear if service users are engaging in drug use in the facility.
- **Skills and Abilities**:_
- Basic computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Training in, or knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention techniques and harm reduction approach.
- Knowledge of services and community resources available to clients.
- Ability to work independently an