Social Support Worker

Mission Statement

Belong Ottawa, a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, offers support to homeless and vulnerably housed people to ensure health and well-being, nourishment, and social connection. Our programs promote equity and address barriers such as housing, food and income insecurity. Everyone who comes to our agencies will be given the opportunity to have their individual needs addressed through a variety of services unique to each program and space. Our mission is to provide safe spaces that connect people and create a community in which we foster dignity, wellness, and hope for all.

Job Summary

The Social Support Worker reports to the Program Manager and is the front-line support to the participants of Belong Ottawa. They are involved in all aspects of the daily operations and will participate in organizing social and other programming.

The Social Support Worker assists participants as required to meet their basic needs and work toward their goals. Programs are evaluated, and refined, on an ongoing basis in order to meet the needs of the participants. 

The Social Support Worker is also involved in monitoring program goals and reporting on the outcomes of services as required by the Program Manager. Each of the day programs offer programs and services unique to their community needs.

The daily routine work requires minimal to moderate physical exertion. However, there may be instances that may arise that will require moderate to high physical exertion.

Social Support Workers may be called upon for outreach services in the local community. Belong Ottawa provides street outreach, enabling us to reach a larger demographic, including assisting individuals living with disabilities. Street outreach includes, but is not limited to, providing social support, personal hygiene supplies, referring individuals to our programs, networking with other agencies and making referrals to other community resources. Street outreach requires long periods of mobility within each community sector. The needs of each community are unique and as such we will support our communities to the best of our ability based on what each agency is able to offer.

Values

We work hard to live and be known for our values. All those who are part of Anglican Diocese expect to experience:

Respect – We treat those we serve and one another with dignity, consideration and respect.Acceptance – We accept all those in need and appreciate the wisdom and diversity they bring.Openness – We aspire to offer an open, inclusive and empowering community experience for those who come to our door, where each person feels accepted, safe, and respected and all are received, without exception, in a non-judgmental spirit.Inclusivity – We welcome all and strive to ensure that everyone develops a sense of belonging, knowing that they are valued.Collaboration – We are committed to working collaboratively, welcoming new relationships and partnerships that increase our reach and our impact, respecting other's diverse expertise and experience.Empathy – We seek to act out of a deep understanding and appreciation of our participants' experience and daily realities.Reciprocity – We honour and value the ability of each other to contribute to St Luke's Table, The Well and Centre 454 in varying ways.Passion for social justice – We stand in solidarity with those we serve, advocating their rights and seeking social justice and equality.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure that a safe and supportive environment is maintained at the Centre.Assist in the planning and supervision of recreational activities.Assist during mealtimes.Encourage participants to be engaged in activities and daily tasks related to the program.Provide information, assistance, and advocacy to participants in accordance with the policies and procedures of each social service drop-in centre.Provide support for volunteers at each drop-in centre.Advise and mentor academic students, as directed by the Sr. Social Support Workers and Program Manager.Make referrals to other agencies and community resources as required.Ensure that each Centre is secured upon closing each day.Ensure that emergency and critical participant incident management plans are affected appropriately.Work collaboratively with the other staff on site, including the Program Administrator, other Program Support Workers, the Food Services staff, ODSP Application Assistants, Social Support workers.Support the Program Manager in the administration and operational responsibilities of the organization as required.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Post-secondary education in the social sciences, social work or equivalent experience and education.Experience and passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs considered assetsExperience supporting people living with homelessness, mental health and addiction challengesExperience in overdose response is an assetKnowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawalA client-centered and non-judgmental approach.A demonstrated flexible approach with the ability to problem solve.Understanding issues related to poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness and a strong motivation to support people to achieve their potential.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to maintain professionalism in stressful situations.Ability to work in a demanding and busy environment.Experience working with people from marginalized communities and diverse populations.Experience working with people who have experienced homelessness.Excellent knowledge of community resources and social services in Ottawa.Harm reduction training such as Naloxone and safe needle handling/disposal.Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training.First Aid, CPR, AED training.Bilingualism, English/French, is preferred and additional languages would be an asset.Moderate computer skills (ie: basic use of MS office).Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check is required

Work Schedule

This is a Casual/Relief position with a requirement of availability on evenings and during weekends.

Submitting your application

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While all applications will be gratefully received, only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa reserves the right to contact individuals and to arrange for interviews at any time.

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please advise during the search process if you require accommodation by contacting us at

AI will be used to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.

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