Support Worker

**About us**

The SHARP Foundation is a non-profit in Calgary, AB. We are fun and innovative.

Our work environment includes:

- Safe work environment
- Flexible working hours
- Casual work attire

The SHARP Foundation provides care and support to individuals living with complex health needs in a residential setting. SHARP is a leader in harm reduction supported living in Calgary.

The clients served by the SHARP Foundation have complex health and social profiles with co-morbidities which may include addictions, mental health issues, physical disabilities, brain injuries, blood-borne infections, histories of abuse, homelessness and criminalization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The **Casual Support Worker** will provide support based on the individual needs of each resident. The primary responsibility is to motivate and support the clients we serve to develop life and community skills and create a comfortable home-like environment. This may include assisting with some or all of the following:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
- Work closely with staff and pharmacy to maintain client medication regimen.
- Provide psychosocial support and assess the emotional well-being of each resident.
- Actively listen to issues and concerns in a confidential and non-judgmental manner.
- Work with the Case Manager to plan and implement activities in the home and community.
- Assist residents with developing life skills - cooking, cleaning, good hygiene, etc.
- Administer medications in a safe and timely manner.
- Contact appropriate medical support when necessary.
- Provide spiritual support as needed - respecting each individual’s beliefs and values and listening in a non-judgmental manner.
- Use motivation and empowerment to get residents involved in day-to-day activities in the home and within the community.

Other responsibilities include:

- Communicate with doctors, nurses, Case Manager/counselling and volunteers.
- Assist with household duties - cleaning of units and around building, cooking single meals to large meals for all residents
- Record case management notes into record management system
- Other responsibilities as identified and assigned by the case management team.

WORKING CONDITIONS
- Apartment supported living environment - in programs with 14 residents, 23 residents and 28 residents
- Hepatitis B immunization will be expected.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY & CHARACTERISTICS

To succeed you must have the following competencies and characteristics:

- Excellent supportive and active listening skills.
- High level of organization and self-motivation.
- Excellent client engagement and motivation skills.
- Empathetic, compassionate and able to build respect and trust with residents and staff.
- Committed to the organizational mission, values and vision including harm reduction.
- Excellent communication skills - listening, documenting (computer based) and oral.
- Strong safety focus; good understanding of universal safety procedures.
- Maintain professional boundaries, attitudes and practices.
- High level of confidentiality and discretion.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE
- A recognized diploma or undergraduate degree in a human services area as asset however not required
- Minimum of one-year experience working with persons with mental illnesses and/or addictions, preferably in a skill development or residential environment.
- Knowledge of working with individuals struggling with substance use and other vulnerabilities.
- Experience in providing compassionate care and support.
- Knowledge of blood-borne infections (an asset).
- Understanding of harm reduction is an asset (training will be provided).
- Standard First Aid, CPR and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
- Non Violent Crisis Intervention and ASSIST training (asset).
- A valid driver’s license and vehicle (asset).

**Salary**:

- Competitive wages.

PPE Equipment supplied

**Job Types**: Part-time, Casual

Pay: $12,000.00-$42,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

- Overtime pay

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- On call
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person