Support Worker

**Who we are**

Cornerstone offers emergency shelter and affordable supportive housing in four residential facilities for women experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness, addictions, trauma and abuse in Ottawa. Our services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. We are committed to public education, advocacy and strive to increase safe affordable housing to end homelessness. Cornerstone is a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.

**VISION**

Everyone has a home in a community that supports them to live with dignity and hope.

**MISSION**

Cornerstone provides a continuum of housing support for women and gender-diverse people that is inclusive and reduces barriers.

**JOIN OUR TEAM**

The Support Worker provides individualized support to Cornerstone residents. Client needs are assessed, a service plan is developed and the resident is referred to appropriate community resources. The service is flexible and resident-centered to meet the unique situation of each woman. The Support Worker aids in the following life domains: basic needs; activities of daily living including maintenance of personal and communal space; physical and mental health; housing; financial; social; spiritual; legal; educational and vocational. The Support Worker follows the individualized plan as developed by the Case Manager and works with other team members to assist residents to meet their goals.

**CURRENT VACANCIES**
- Wednesday to Saturday from 11:45 pm to 7:45 am (32 hours/week)

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Works with other Cornerstone staff, students, and volunteers to develop a warm, accepting, non-judgmental and respectful atmosphere in the residence.
- Models a creative, problem-solving approach with the ultimate goal of assisting residents to sustain housing with Cornerstone and to reach their individual goals.

**Assessment and Planning**
- Takes part in orientation of new residents.
- Develops supportive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with residents.
- identifies potential risks to maintaining their housing.

**Resident Support Services**
- Actively uses effective listening skills.
- Implements early intervention plans.
- Proactively prevents and intervenes in crises.
- Provides guidance, encouragement, and information about community resources.
- Coaches and models independent living skills in individual and group activities.
- Collaborates with Case Manager to implement individualized resident plans.
- Participates in move-in/move-out plans.
- Accompanies residents to appointments.
- Facilitates resolution of conflict and complaints.
- Monitors and assists with residents’ medication routines.
- Facilitates resident’ gatherings.
- Ensures cleanliness, health, safety, and good repair of residence and individual tenants’ units by carrying out basic household chores, emergency health and safety procedures, and regular manual tasks as necessary.
- Assists residents to create a natural support network of friends, family, and significant others.
- Advocates for and assists residents to access community services.
- Other related duties as required

**Community Relations**
- Collaborates with community services to support resident plans.
- Assists in the orientation and guidance of students and volunteers.
- Carries out a collaborative and welcoming relationship with agency partners, volunteers, donors, and the community at large.
- Liaises with police, ambulance, fire, and emergency services when necessary.
- Facilitates and participates in the development of activities for all Cornerstone residents.

**Administration**
- Maintains up-to-date resident files.
- Books shifts as required.
- Completes any reports/documentation as requested by Manager.
- Carries out approved fire and health and safety plans.
- Participates in staff meetings and training sessions as required.

**Other**
- Other related duties from time to time as assigned.
- Carries out approved fire and health and safety plans

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- College Diploma or University Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in social services, social work or an equivalent field of study (such as Criminology, Gender Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Justice)
- Demonstrated experience working with women facing social, health, economic, or other barriers to sustainable housing.
- Bilingualism (French and English) would be considered an asset.
- Fluency in other languages is also considered an asset.
- Satisfactory Police Records Check (Level 3 Vulnerable Sector).

**SKILLS**:

- Proven sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of women experiencing homelessness, poverty, trauma, abuse, mental illness, addictions, discrimination, new arrival, and other personal and systemic challenges to independent living.
- Ability to work with women of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
- Ability to meet the physical and psychological demands of the position.
- Ability to work independently and