Support Worker, Supportive Housing

HOURS: Overnight: 8:30pm - 8:30am (1 hour unpaid break), 4 on 4 off

REPORTS TO: Program Manager 

"Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created and, through healing, health restored." 

Reporting to the Supportive Housing Program Manager, the Supportive Housing Support Worker collaborates with other team members at wâpanAcâhcahk – Morningstar Homes, Boyle Street's Supportive Housing program at the Terrace Heights Housing Complex. wâpanAcâhcahk has 47 self-contained units designed to support those with complex needs who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Morningstar Homes is guided by our housing philosophy: we believe that everyone deserves a full measure of dignity and respect, meaning that we meet people where they are and assist them in achieving their goals rather than imposing conditions.

Support Workers are recovery focused, providing support that leads residents to healthy and connected lives. They work in collaboration with the resident, internal and external stakeholders in completing care plans that are person-centered, provide choice, and are flexible and adaptive to meet residents by using strength-based approaches. 

"We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want – a constant and consistent caring force" 

Position Responsibilities 

• Builds relationships and provides services to people living at Terrace Heights with the goal of nurturing life-skills and long-term goals. 
• Implement strategies that support residents in meeting the goals laid out in their care plans.   
• Provide a safe and dignified living environment for individuals moving into Terrace Heights.   
• Assess barriers and needs to assist, support, and advocate on behalf of the residents.   
• Maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders through various means of communication.   
• De-escalate conflicts and respond to crisis situations including emergency and overdose response.   
• Assist with daily living skills including unit cleanliness and organization, meals, hygiene management, pest management etc.   
• Coordinate referrals to other support services including Alberta Supports, Homecare, Cultural programming, etc. 
• Work collaboratively with external service providers including but not limited to: Housing First teams, Homecare, AHS, EPS, and other community supports. 
• Maintain detailed case notes, regular assessment, documentation, and files to track outcomes in Microsoft Office applications and Efforts To Outcomes (ETO).   
• All other duties as outlined by program manager. 
• BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking etc. 

Qualifications 

• Post-Secondary Degree in Human Services or Social Work and/or relevant work experience
• Experience working with adult populations who have experienced homelessness, mental illnesses, and substance use is an asset. 
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, harm reduction principles, motivational interviewing skills and cognitive behavioral techniques.
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills that can be applied to the use of Microsoft office applications 
• Able to form a judgment-free space for all individuals, with emphasis on implementing a trauma-informed and harm-reduction philosophy
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of poverty related issues, trends and services particularly within, but not limited to the urban aboriginal population is essential. 
• Mental resiliency and an aptitude for problem solving will be beneficial when working in a stressful environment with challenges and risks. 
• Aptitude for humanitarianism and compassion that can be transferred to build rapport with tenants 
• Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course 
• Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years) 
• Child and Youth Intervention Check completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years) 
• Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous culture and ceremonies is considered an asset. 

Why Work for Boyle? 

• All work done positively impacts the community and its members 
• Access to Lumino Health, including Stress & Wellness support 
• Employee activities and events throughout the year
• Various training initiatives, and development opportunities 

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our community members.  

Clients, staff, and partners are vital members of the Boyle Street team, so we place emphasis on making sure that we address each other correctly by using preferred pronouns. We invite you to let us know how to properly refer to you and your pronouns as you explore finding a professional home with us.  

Boyle Street Community Services aims to foster a work environment that is rich with Indigenous culture, teachings, ceremonies, and activities- as a reflection of the communities we serve and the land we reside upon.  

Boyle Street Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Boyle Street Community Services welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.