Responder, Psychosocial Support (PSS) - Jobs in Atlantic, NS

Job Description

Title: Responder, Psychosocial Support (PSS)Location: Atlantic ProvincesEmployment status: CasualHourly rate: $21.88/hourThe Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – one of the most inspirational not-for-profit organizations on this planet and an awardee on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers 2022 - is seeking a Responder, Psychosocial Support (PSS) to join its team.We are guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.Starting with the hiring process, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.The Emergency Management Psychosocial Support (PSS) Responder will work under the direction of the Site Manager or PSS Officer, as part of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and within the operational mandate of the Canadian Red Cross. The PSS Responder will collaborate with other responders to provide PSS services to beneficiaries in a safe and supportive environment and adapt when assignments change due to shifts in operational needs and priorities.In this role, you will:Responsibility 1 –Provide basic psychosocial support and protection activities

• Support appropriate PSS activities supporting diverse populations according to the Service Plan and the Safe and Supportive Environments Guidelines;
• Provide support to the operation on beneficiary protection issues;
• Assist in the set-up, running and/or stand down of the PSS service or activities within a reception and information centre, shelter site, recovery centre and/or commercial lodging operation;
• Support complex cases through consultation and co-case management with ERT responders, provide emotional support and ensure appropriate referrals are made;
• Support the implementation of outreach activities (e.g. community-awareness raising sessions, information-mobilization and establishment of support groups) ;
• Inform PSS Officer or Site Manager on any emerging needs that are observed within the beneficiary population, including psychosocial issues
• Ensure information about supports and services in community is readily available to provide referrals to beneficiaries ;
• Complete necessary documentation and record keeping procedures according to CRC standards ;
• Participate in and contribute to planned internal briefings/debriefings and meetings as requested through in-person, virtual and other means of participation;

Responsibility 2 – Advocate for beneficiaries

• Advocate for beneficiaries to PSS Officer or Site Manager in matters of mental health and psychosocial support;
• Assist in ensuring that appropriate accountability to beneficiaries processes are in place and managing beneficiary escalations and complaints
• Ensure appropriate follow-up on beneficiary issues through access to databases used in response, such as EMIS

What we are looking for:

• A degree or diploma in health, social service or other relevant discipline; 1-3 years experience in customer service, community engagement, social services or other relevant sector; or a suitable combination of education and experience
• Must possess training in Psychological First Aid or willingness to complete
• Background in psychosocial work, nursing, teaching, social work, youth engagement and public health is considered a strong asset.
• Training in protection or violence prevention is a strong asset
• Previous deployment experience in a large-scale operation is a strong asset.
• Experience in living or working in a cultural context other than their own is an asset
• Experience in an emergency environment, and/or knowledge of Red Cross role in disaster response, relief and recovery, an asset.
• Experience working with children (0-15) and youth (15-25), an asset
• Languages - Responders must be able to deliver services as appropriate in English or French; Fluency/working knowledge in an additional language is considered a strong asset.
• Customer Service Skills – provide comfort and care, patience in dealing with upset clients, active listening to understanding needs, finding a solution and good communication so client understands services available and how to obtain them
• Communication skills - verbal and non-verbal cues, active listening, clearly able to explain self and confirm understanding from beneficiaries
• Flexibility - Adapt rapidly to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well within a team - share information, be helpful, respectful, approachable, build strong relationships
• Dependable - Timely, takes initiative and ownership of work, completes tasks without being asked or with little supervision
• Remains calm during a crisis - Don’t allow emotions to get in the way, don’t take things personal, stay positive, respond decisively
• Public speaking - Communicate information to an audience in an effective manner in a presentation or facilitation context
• Cultural competency - to function effectively and respectfully within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors and needs presented by beneficiaries and their communities

Working conditions:

• Potential for responding in disaster areas, as well as difficult and unstable conditions (environmental, physical, social, etc.) and uncomfortable conditions (noise, odors, smoke, humidity, vulnerable beneficiaries). These stressful rapidly changing environments with limited information to make decisions have the potential to affect the physical and psychological state of the responders on site.
• The majority of the response work is performed in an adapted response environment which is moderately clean and comfortable. The majority of preparedness work is performed in an office environment which is mostly clean and comfortable
• Able to work non-traditional hours (daytime, evenings and weekends), be on-call and respond to emergency/disaster related requests
• Ability to respond in local community and outside of their community. In exceptional circumstances, SWB Responders may be asked to deploy to a large-scale response in Canada, as required and available, anywhere from 3 to 21 days.
• If working in a response site, health and safety considerations will be outlined prior to the assignment.
• If driving for society business; a valid drivers license is required with a satisfactory drivers’ abstract if driving the Society’s vehicles.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position and operation (the CRC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

This position is open until filled, however qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Qualified applicants who apply after the selection process has started, may be held for a second review if needed OR reviewed for alternative roles. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply and thank you in advance.If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please notify us as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.Quick Apply

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