Residential Support Worker

**Job Summary**

The Residential Support Worker at Phoenix Society is a member of the integrated services team. In line with the overall purpose of facilitating the capacity building of participants to maximize their community reintegration and supporting residents who are transitioning out of Federal Correctional Institutions, the Residential Support Worker is accountable for: client supervision and monitoring, assessing public risk and client needs, client support, community building with Corrections Service Canada, local police and other external partnerships.

**Organizational Status**

The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. The Residential Support Worker works as part of the integrated services team combining clinical addiction services and supportive housing programs.

**Work Performed**

**Client Services**
- Support the clients in adhering to the community guidelines set out in both their CSC conditions and Program Agreement conditions.
- Support clients with their community reintegration plans by maintaining accurate logging and documentation as required by the Society and Corrections Service Canada.
- Build a therapeutic relationship to support the client in their life skills and goals.
- Support proper reporting/documentation and collaboration for: breach of conditions which include but are not limited to: suspected alcohol or drug use; clients who late for curfew and/or do not return home; escalating, unsafe behaviour; emergency medical situations; client requests to go to the hospital; and power failures, fire, or other emergency conditions which require staff supervision or consultation.

**Administration**
- Support administrative tasks including: photocopying; case documentation; database entry; filing; and answering phones
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the Admissions Control Centre. Wipe down desktops and countertops, and take out garbage as required
- Perform other duties as required

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary diploma (e.g., 2 to 3 years) in counselling, social work, community services, etc., or equivalent
- 1 to 3 years of experience working with marginalized populations, substance use services, mental health, corrections, etc., or equivalent
- The ability to understand the dynamics of offender behaviour and assess their needs and risks.
- The skills to counsel offenders, form effective relationships and gain trust.
- The skills to understand the use of authority in supervision and to intervene effectively in crisis situations.
- The ability to assist offenders in identifying and solving practical problems involved in their successful reintegration into the community.
- The ability to assist offenders in identifying and obtaining community services required for their successful reintegration.
- Skills in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
- The ability to demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity.
- Satisfactory completion of police fingerprinting and enhanced security reliability clearance.
- Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record is required.
- First Aid Level 1 with CPR is required.

**Skills & Knowledge**
- Knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management systems.
- Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office equipment, including telephone system, fax machine, photocopier, printer, etc.
- High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
- Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English.
- Ability to engage, facilitate, support, empower and increase motivation for change; actively involving the residents/alumni in the change process and encouraging the resident to take responsibility for the outcomes they achieve.
- Ability to form effective collaborative relationships with clients for the purpose of facilitating their success in a performance-based program.
- Ability to perceive situational or other stressors, subtle changes in motivation that elevate risk, and act proactively to check in and bring the client back on track toward their goals using appropriate strategies, and prioritizing issues.
- Ability to work in a trauma-informed framework.
- Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential.

**Competencies**

**Approach to Work**
- Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness
- Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement
- Sets goals, creates and implements