Shelter Services Support Worker

**Title**: Shelter Support Worker

**Reports To**:Manager, Emergency Shelter

**Department**:Emergency Shelter

**Position Type**:Casual

**Location**: 637 Main Street

**Direct Reports**:None

**Wage**:$20.48

**About the Company**

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

**Job Summary**

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier, housing-first emergency shelter offering 120-bed facility and drop-in space with a harm reduction focus, open 365 days a year. Our services are free to use and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Low barrier means that we don't require abstinence or sobriety as a condition to receive services.

Our drop-in offers food, beverages, a safe place to use the bathroom and/or take a shower, a safe place to be during extreme weather, the only daytime safe sleeping space for folks who sleep during the day, and access to clothing, harm reduction supplies as well as ongoing support for and pathways towards permanent housing.

In accordance with Main Street Project mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Withdrawal Management Support Worker functions as a member of a team in providing services designed to assist and support all who enter the program with respect, dignity, and the goals of the participant always in mind.

The Support Worker maintains the core values of MSP regarding harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity and encourages individuals in capacity building. They work with MSP participants in a manner that encourages self-awareness, self-worth, increased independence, and without judgment.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Provide support and resources without judgement for community members accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services
- Embody MSP’s Values in day-to-day work and interactions
- Assist community members in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
- Assist in participant-centred care plans
- Provide individual support as required for case management
- Understand and uphold community member right and shelter code of conduct
- Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations
- Respond to emergency situations, assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols
- Monitor the physical safety of community members to ensure they receive medical attention when required
- Ensure community members are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and if needed, advocate for community member to access services
- Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records according to MSP policies and protocols
- Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
- Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following established cleaning duties
- Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in professional manner
- Manage community member intake professionally and according to MSP policies and protocols
- Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food handling guidelines
- Provide clothing, hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with the values of MSP
- Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
- Responsible overseeing and facilitating laundry services
- Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy,