Shelter Support Worker

JOB DESCRIPTION:
SHELTER SUPPORT STAFF Position overview The INN is a community based charitable organization that provides low barrier emergency shelter support to individuals 16 years of age and older who are experiencing homelessness. We provide case management, counselling, emotional support, food security, and access through community partnerships. The INN recognizes the challenges that clients face in supporting themselves and helps them overcome these challenges by focusing on these areas: Housing, food security, personal hygiene support, access to mental health and addiction services. Since 2010, we have transformed lives and empowered people to become self-reliant or find housing with supports.

Reporting to a Program Manager, the role of Overnight Shelter Support Staff is to support the basic needs of overnight shelter guests, ensuring that service delivery has the highest quality outcomes for all those using The INN. Services are delivered in a positive and welcoming work environment from a lens of cultural humility with a guest-centered, trauma informed, anti-oppression approach.

Conditions of Employment
- Legally entitled/allowed to work in Canada.
- Proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is mandatory.
- Clean and completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check at Employee’s own expense. (Original document provided at time of hire, copy then retained by The INN with original returned to the Employee).
- Valid Certification in First Aid and CPR training at Employee’s own expense

The shelter work environment can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting; all staff on shift need to be capable at all times to:

- Maintain a high level of professionalism and self-control.
- Alternate sit/stand or walk/run at will.
- Climb up and down stairs frequently.
- Reach overhead, at/below shoulder level.
- Run to or from an incident

Key Responsibilities

1. Model and actively promote a positive, welcoming, non-judgmental, inclusive environment to all individuals accessing The INN where every individual is treated with courtesy, respect, and compassion.

2. Maintain information in confidence as required, except for in instances where individuals are at risk of harm.

3. Adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct while upholding and enforcing all agency policies and procedures.

4. Work collaboratively with staff, security, onsite partnering agencies and volunteers to provide exemplary guest service delivery.

5. Contribute to an environment that focusses on moving guests forward to obtain housing, including asking encouraging and prompting questions, providing reminders, and assisting in any way possible to moving guests to housing solutions by sharing information with The INN staff team.

6. Ensure guests are aware of The INN expectations in a positive manner.

7. Treat the property of The INN and City of St. Thomas with due care and caution, using resources sparingly and efficiently.

8. Represent The INN in a professional and engaging manner.

9. Participate in diversion conversations with each new guest to prevent admission where possible.

10. Provide support, assistance, and encouragement to guests, referring to day staff for additional support and referrals.

11. Collect basic identifying information, emergency contact, signature and signed consent form for any guests presenting during shift, notifying day staff immediately to complete full intake, assessments, and protocols.

12. Ensure all appropriate documentation and recording is always maintained, reflecting professional, accurate, concise, objective, and relevant record keeping promoting effective communication between staff and enhance service goals.

13. Identify guests that need to become document ready and pass on this information to Housing Focused Case Manager.

14. Read applicable data base information at beginning of shift and record in same at end of shift, sharing relevant information with incoming staff.

17. Carry out nightly operations including light housekeeping duties (mopping, staging/prepping food for breakfast, laundering) to maintain the general cleanliness of The INN inside and out.

18. Responsible for the contents, sorting, upkeep, and tidiness of The INN supplies - including toiletries, linens/towels, guest clothing, office supplies etc., notifying leadership of items requiring restocking before supplies run out. 1

9. Ensure The INN property is always accounted for and monitor guest use of items belonging to The INN, reporting any issues to leadership.

20. Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training.

21. Participate in case reviews, following through on action plans and monitoring on nightly basis.

22. As required and as applicable, make suggestions to a Program Manager that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures.

23. Participate in supervision, performance appraisal process, and ongoing professional d