Frontline Shelter Worker

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Reporting to the Supervisor of the Frederick Street Men’s Emergency Shelter, the Shelter Worker is responsible for providing front line support to men.
- The individual’s main responsibilities is to provide and support clients through housing strategies. Provide shelter support, provide shelter services and create housing search opportunities and engage in housing focused conversations through motivational interviewing.
- **General Duties and Responsibilities**:

- General responsibilities including shelter welcome packages and welcome files
- Providing support to clients who are facing challenges including Poverty, homelessness
- Have intentional housing conversations with those in the shelter during the first two weeks
- Provide passive housing search materials to those who have been in the shelter for two weeks or less
- Create Individualized Housing Plans with those who have exceeded two weeks in the shelter and are receiving more staff attention to operationalize their housing plan
- Circulate throughout the facility and engage with any of those who have stayed in the shelter, using motivational interviewing and opportunities to engage in housing focused conversations
- Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing program
- These staff play a critical role in connecting longer-term shelter guests to Coordinated Entry
- These staff also play a critical role in getting those shelter guests that are eligible for Rapid Rehousing or Permanent Supportive Housing ‘document ready’ so that they are imminently house-able should a vacancy become available in a housing program in the community
- Other assessments as required (i.e. mental health status exams, wellness checks, etc.)
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated

**Qualifications**:

Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
- 1+ years Supporting the homeless population
- Knowledge of tenant population, diversity issues, anti-discrimination practices, and systemic reasons for homelessness
- Strong knowledge of Housing First Principles
Experience working with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Strong communication skills, assessment, risk management, and crisis de-escalation
- Working knowledge of SDAT and HIFIS
- Working knowledge of HTI is an asset
- Proficient in MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and CPI
- Vulnerable Screening Level 3

**Reporting Function**:
The Shelter Worker will report to the Supervisor of the Frederick Street Men’s Emergency Shelter. They will not have any management/supervisory responsibility. They will work with clients and internal staff at all levels within the organization.
- **Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- This is an overnight position operating from 7:15 p.m. - 7:45 a.m.
- Able to work well with internal and external clients
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Computer screen use (multiple screens if applicable) for prolonged periods of time
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Travel by vehicle to community sites for client support as required

SHIP strongly encourages all staff to acquire the seasonal Influenza vaccine and COVID vaccine based on Public Health recommendations. There may be occasions, based on risk and community safety, where SHIP may mandate vaccinations as a condition of employment.

**Application Instructions**

**Why Work For Us?**

**Our Vision**
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

**Our Mission**
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

**Our Culture**
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen, we know what it means, and why it matters.

**Our Commitment**
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full time