Client Support Worker

**_SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY:_**
- _ must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period;_
- _ is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,_
- _ has a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations._
- This is a temporary position expected to last approximately eight (8) weeks in duration._

**_
Position Overview_**

Pregnancy Pathways began as a collaboration of some 25 organizations that came together to address the housing and support needs of pregnant homeless women in Edmonton. Radius Community Health & Healing (Radius), which runs inner-city health and wellness programs, operates the Pregnancy Pathways program that includes a dedicated residence for 12 women with on-site support services. In addition to experiencing homelessness, program participants may face challenges with trauma, addictions and mental health issues, require assistance to access prenatal care, and need support to be empowered to make decisions about the care of their infants.

Client Support Workers provide 24-7 on-site support to Pregnancy Pathways’ Clients and report to a Wellness Coordinator/Team Leader.
- Key Responsibilities_
- Work with the Wellness Coordinator and program participants to develop and work toward their goals.
- Teach and guide program participants to access income support, identification, banking services as well as mental health, addictions and physical health services.
- Assist program participants to gain confidence with a range of life skills including budgeting, shopping and meal preparation.
- Assist program participants to address family and personal stressors.
- Guide mothers to further develop skills to take care of their babies and children and to navigate Children's Services processes.
- Help program participants build effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Help create a sense of community in the Pregnancy Pathways residence including assisting with the organization of recreation and cultural events.
- Work as part of a Team to coordinate support provided to Clients, but work most shifts with single staffing.

Client Support Workers typically work one of the following two shifts:

- A full-time position (40 hours per week either days or evenings)
- A full-time position (averaging 40 hours per week) with rotating shifts of days (8am-4:30pm), evenings (3:30pm-11pm) and “awake” overnights (10:30pm-8:30am), including weekend shifts

Applicants **must** indicate which one or more of the above positions they are interested in when applying.

Please note that a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with $2 Million PLPD vehicle insurance and proof that you can carry work-related passengers will be required if working the rotating shifts.

**Qualifications, Experience and Skills**
- An in-depth understanding of the background and challenges faced by pregnant women experiencing homelessness, including the impact of trauma on women and children, and of street culture.
- Experience working in a residential environment.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills for women dealing with trauma.
- A track record of working effectively with Indigenous people; familiarity with Indigenous culture is an asset, as the majority of program Clients identify as Indigenous.
- Experience teaching/guiding mothers on appropriate techniques in raising babies and children.
- A background in organizing appropriate cultural and recreation events.
- Criminal Record, Vulnerable Person and Child Welfare Checks will be required; in the event of any convictions or concerns, we will review the information available to determine if it impacts eligibility for employment.
- Client Support Workers require valid CPR Certification; Naloxone training will be provided.

**Peer Support