Front Line Support Worker

**FRONTLINE SUPPORT WORKER JOB DESCRIPTION**

Frontline Support Workers are responsible for maintaining a stable and supportive environment providing solutions-based interventions, care and support to the residents at the Unity Project 24 hours a day. At least two frontline support workers are on shift at all times. The position requires that the person be able to perform daily responsibilities, adequately analyze and act upon conflicts among community members, maintain a resident caseload and communicate effectively with other staff and residents. Frontline Support Workers report to the Frontline Team Leaders. Note for Overnight Shifts and Relief, Case Management responsibilities are reduced.

**FUNCTIONAL AREA**

**OBJECTIVE**

Support Participants through a Housing First Approach

Create an environment for participants to be supported on their path to housing and stability.

Employ the core values and culture of the organization

Foster a collaborative and consistent approach in all interactions with participants, peers and the community.

Maintain a Clean and Functional Facility

Ensure a welcoming, safe and supportive space where basic needs can be adequately addressed.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Supporting Participants through a Housing First Approach**:

- Utilize the diversion process to seek alternatives to shelter for participants who have safe, accessible alternatives;
- Complete intake and orientation to services and facilities when an individual enters shelter;
- Assign supports according to individual needs using assessment tools;
- Participate in shared case-management that is housing focused. For full-time FSW’s this includes maintaining a caseload of participants as the primary caseworker and meeting with assigned participants on a regular basis as per policy;
- Understand and implement a harm reduction approach in all interactions;
- Employ assertive engagement and motivational interviewing techniques when communicating with participants;
- Mediate and assist in resolving conflicts among participants and facilitate open and honest dialogue;
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach;
- Effectively work to resolve situations in which participants are presenting in crisis;
- Utilize all available community partners for appropriate referrals that support the creation of and execution of housing and support plans;
- Participate in case conferences as the need arises;
- Advocate to ensure participants can access necessary medical care that addresses their physical, dental and mental health;
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and consent within all interactions;
- Administer first aid as required, including the use of naloxone as a response to opioid overdoses and exercise universal precautions.

**Employ the Core Values and Culture of the Organization**:

- Understand and employ the core values of respect, compassion, cooperation and interdependence;
- Work within a team approach to effectively support participants;
- Participate in own goal setting and regularly attend to your own professional development;
- Attend training and learning opportunities offered through the Unity Project and its partners. This includes regularly scheduled staff meetings;
- Utilize creative, flexible approaches to supporting individuals recognizing their unique needs and circumstances;
- Participate in consensus decision-making;
- Participate in program development, needs identification, strategic planning and evaluation;
- Work to resolve any conflicts between you and your peers;
- Reflect and think critically about your own actions and engage in a process of continuous learning;
- Provide support in the moment to help participants achieve their goals;
- Complete all documentation and daily notes according to agency procedures;
- Supervise and assist volunteers and encourage volunteerism at the Unity Project;
- Execute a complete and effective transfer of shift, communicate to oncoming staff all updates or pertinent information in a clear, objective, factual manner;
- Know and abide by the Unity Project’s policy and procedures;
- Seek support from Leadership for any outstanding conflicts or issues that might be impacting your ability to perform job tasks effectively.

**Maintain a Clean and Functional Facility**:

- Ensure all shift tasks are completed by the end of a shift;
- Perform laundry, kitchen, bed change, and other cleaning duties as required for maximum health and safety of the Unity Project facility;
- Report any maintenance needs to the Facility Coordinator;
- Ensure adequate monitoring of facility;
- Demonstrate, instruct and coach pertinent life skills such as cleaning and cooking;
- Ensure aggressive and disruptive behavior is addressed in the moment;
- Monitor and ensure compliance from participants with policy and follow through with appropriate actions for non-compliance as per the policies and procedures.

Because of the changing nature of the work and the work to be done, the responsib