Social Worker

**Opportunity: Social Worker**

**40 hours per week**

**Shifts will be days, evenings, weekends**

Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not for profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.

Metro Turning Point is a harm reduction, 30-bed emergency shelter for individuals who identify as male or are gender diverse. For those who stay with us, we provide a locker, 2-3 meals daily, access to a refrigerator, phone and laundry, personal care & comfort items, and assistance in securing independent housing.

**Summary**: To be responsible and accountable to the House Manager for promoting shelter diversion and shorter shelter stays and providing quality support and assistance to guests.

**Qualifications**

**Education**:
Minimum requirement of a Bachelor of Social Work and is registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work.

**Experience**:
Minimum two years’ experience in the social services field. Experience in case management is an asset. Demonstrates and is committed to guest centered services, harm reduction models of care, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approaches for working with guests.

Certifications:
Must hold current Standard Level “C” First Aid/CPR and be able to obtain Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry check. NVCI and ASIST an asset

**Salary**: $29.21 hourly, equivalent to $60,750 annually. Benefits available after completion of probationary period

**Responsibilities**

**Guest Service Delivery**
- Monitor to ensure guests are provided with effective service
- Ensure Shelter Nova Scotia’s mission, vision and values are modeled
- Demonstrate commitment to ethical behavior that promotes quality guest service and professional interactions with colleagues, guests and community partners
- Ensure the facility specific Operating Policies and Procedures are adhered to
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty
- Identify and advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate;
- Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income Assistance)
- Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with guests, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes; Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness
- knowledge of and adherence to NSCSW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
- Accurately and professionally document notes relating to guest interactions and keep other team members up to date on guest issues;
- Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required
- Maintains guest privacy by sharing information only on a need to know basis. Protects the confidential information of the guests, clients, residents and tenants;
- The social worker has excellent crisis assessment and intervention skills. Addresses and resolves crisis, conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
- Engage regularly and respectfully with guests and respond to queries and requests in a timely respectful manner;
- Participate in meal preparation, presentation and clean up
- Perform the On Call function as required

**Facility Operation**
- Receive and direct proper storage of deliveries and donations
- Maintain the daily operation of the facility including building security
- Exterior grounds maintenance: complete tasks assigned to you that contribute to a clean environment and report any required repairs as recognized as required
- Interior facility maintenance: Daily cleaning and minor maintenance of facility, bedding setup, laundry, garbage removal and recycling as required
- Ensure that the office and common areas are tidy and free from clutter and food is safely stored or discarded prior to the end of each shift;
**Case Management**
- Coordinates case management services
- Oversee all aspects of case management including assignment of work to front line employees related to housing searches, acquisitions and overall positive transitions from Shelter
- Demonstrate and encourage problem solving and case planning in order to support guests with complex needs
- Demonstrates appropriate interviewing, active listening and supportive skills with a thorough knowledge of community resources
- Conduct intakes, assessments and interviews
- Engage with guests to co-construct housing plans and to assist guests in establishing both short and long-term goals
- Identify resources available to support housing plans
- Provide ongoing assessment of housing plans and redesign plans as necessary
- Encourage the development and enhancement of life skills including money management
- Lead case conference and assign work to Support Workers in c