Resident Support Worker - Overnight - Jobs in Halifax, NS

Job Description

Position Title: Resident Support Worker (Full-tIme - Overnight)Employer : Out of the Cold Community Association (OTC)Location: 2 - 5580 Cogswell St., Halifax or 2 - 7 Church St., DartmouthStart Date: ImmediatelyReports to: the Program ManagerNumber of Positons: 4Program: The Permanent Supported Housing sites at 7 Church St in Dartmouth and 5580 Cogswell St in Halifax, are housing projects facilitated by Out of the Cold Community Association. These programs support individuals and couples who have been chronically unhoused and who experience high barriers to maintaining independent housing. Both programs offer single-room housing placements along with individualized case management and resident programming, in a low-barrier, harm-reduction focussed setting. This housing is a welcoming and intentional space that fosters a sense of home and community while still focussing on the unique, self-identified needs of the individuals we support.The 7 Church St. site in Dartmouth is equipped to support 25 residents who experience high barriers to maintaining their housing, with programming facilitated by professional support staff, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.The 5580 Cogswell St. site in Halifax is equipped to support 38 residents who experience high barriers to maintaining their housing, with programming facilitated by professional support staff, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Population Served: OTC Community Association provides low barrier, people-centered support rooted in anti-oppressive & harm reduction practices. We support individuals (16+) and couples of all genders who are unhoused or precariously housed and who experience a variety of barriers to housing including poverty, criminalization, racism, homophobia, transphobia, food insecurity, inadequate access to physical & mental health supports, alcohol & substance use challenges and varying levels of ability and life skills.Key Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Resident Support Worker (Full-time) is responsible for: 1 .Actively engaging in supporting residents and in the oversight and implementation of the Village programming in alignment with the policies and values of OTC.2. Providing program support through the development of intentional community relationships as well as through research, creation and/or acquisition of materials and resources necessary for the delivery of high-quality programming.The Resident Support Worker (Full Time) is responsible for providing services that are high quality, consistent, and in alignment with OTC’s policies and values. All Staff are responsible for supporting individuals in meeting their basic needs, maintaining their stay within a harm reduction focussed environment and ensuring that Public Health recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic are being followed.The Resident Support Worker (Full-time)1. Actively engages in supporting residents and in the oversight and implementation of the Alderney Landing site programming, in alignment with the policies and values of OTC.

• Supports the creation and maintenance of a low barrier, anti-oppressive, harm reduction focussed environment during the overnight hours.

• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with individuals living and working at the Alderney Landing site. Maintains healthy boundaries with both residents and colleagues.

• Ensures that all interactions are carried out in a culturally responsive, safe, dignified, and unobtrusive manner

• Provides support to individuals during periods of dysregulation, while in crisis and while under the influence of alcohol or substances. Supports de-escalation and the ongoing process of the development of residents own conflict resolution strategies and skills. Supports resident debriefing as needed.

• Supports residents in maintaining their housing and in upholding their responsibilities as collectively agreed upon for the space. Upholds staff responsibilities to residents as collectively agreed upon for the space.

• Adheres to the protocols and practices as outlined in the most up-to-date OTC document COVID Protocols and supports residents, guests, volunteers and colleagues in doing so as well.

• Ensures that support is confidential and that information is not shared unnecessarily or without the individual’s informed consent. All paperwork relevant to confidentiality are organized, as complete as possible, and in a secured location that is accessible to appropriate staff.

• Participates in the maintenance of resident and program documentation, as well as clear written and verbal communication of pertinent information to the staff team, Program Manager and Executive Director as required. Is current in their understanding of all relevant resident and program information as communicated by the staff team, Program Manager and Executive Director.

• Engages in a supportive role in the process of resident selection, admission and exit interviews for the program

• Collaborates with the staff team and/or residents, to prepare rooms for new residents. This includes packing up, labeling and storing any belongings left behind by former residents, cleaning and sanitizing bed space following COVID protocols, remaking bed, sweeping and mopping bedspace for new residents. This may include more intensive labour such as painting or minor repairs.

• Responds to requests for support and referrals from individuals from the community at the door, on the phone and online. Documents all requests for service and the support provided.

• Maintains accurate records, updating individuals information and pertinent communication notes

• Maintain statistical information. Updates individual’s information in OTC’s electronic database & HIFIS as required.

• Engages in the maintenance of a clean and healthy living and working environment in collaboration with the Household Coordinator and members of the staff team. Completes laundry and other specific household tasks found on the Resident Support Staff Checklist.

• Informs Household Coordinator and/or Executive Director of any issues with the building. Provides a written report for submission for the OH&S meeting as required.

• Participates in meal prep for next days meals as needed, under the direction of the Household Coordinator.

• Monitors the space for security and safety. Conducts regular checks of all fire exits, common spaces, sleeping spaces and outdoor spaces. Operates the security system and monitors entrances and exits from the building during the overnight.

• Works diligently within the staff team to foster positive relationships within the Village and wider communities while supporting residents in doing the same. Takes special care to support residents in respecting the neighbours need for quiet outside during nighttime hours.

2. Provides program support through the development of intentional community relationships as well as through research, creation and/or acquisition of materials and resources necessary for the delivery of high-quality programming.

• Supports priorities as identified in collaboration with residents, the staff team, Program Manager and Executive Director (ie immediate, short and long term).

• Ensures there is an updated and accessible shift check-list for casual staff responsibilities in your absence.

• Responsible for creating program materials/tools, in consultation and collaboration with the staff team. This may include training materials, social media materials, posters, fliers, pamphlets, thank you notes and other paperwork as needed.

• Corresponds by email to request information from other organizations and individuals in order to create and maintain community agency information files and displays to support the identified needs of residents and staff team.

• Designs and maintains a community board. Corresponds by email to request information from other organizations and individuals for upcoming events and updates postings on the community events board. Solicits feedback from staff team to ensure relevancy.

• Creates and maintains a house resource library as well as guidelines for access and a system to track books and resources loaned out. Creates and nurtures direct connections to authors, publishers, zine libraries, public libraries and community groups to solicit donations for the library.

• Collaborates with the Partnership Development Coordinator by email to connect appropriate volunteers with applicable skills to enhance resident programming and meet individual resident’s identified needs.

• Participates in the creation of public education/social advocacy materials and tools to support the mission and mandate of OTC in collaboration with the Partnership Development Coordinator.

• Engages with social justice advocacy, research and public education aligned with the mission and vision of OTC.

• Sets short and long-term social advocacy / public education goals that reinforce OTC’s mission and philosophies.

• Contact agencies engaged in similar work to get a better understanding of their projects.

• Consult with the staff team to determine whether assisting with an existing project or setting a new goal is in keeping with the vision.

• Prepare monthly updates to track progress, request feed-back and reevaluate goals.

• Researches, identifies and applies to appropriate grants and small funding opportunities related to the Village programs and services in collaboration with the staff team.

• Ensures that all out-going official communication is reviewed and approved by the Program Manager, Executive Director or Partnership Development Coordinator before being sent out.

Other Responsibilities:

• Participates in on-going personal and professional development which may include presenting to or providing training to colleagues, especially pertaining to best practice in harm reduction, low barrier spaces and any of the barriers experienced by the individuals we support.

• Assists in the organization and preparation of household and program events as needed

• Supports staff team with the preparation of monthly program reports as needed. Prepares stats and reports as required.

• Engages in social justice advocacy, research and public education aligned with the mission and vision of OTC

• Contributes to the weekly staff meeting through a written weekly update via the Google Drive. Engages in person in the house/staff meetings as sleep schedule allows.

• Is involved in committees as necessary

• Participate in the on-call rotation

• Other duties as necessary and/or as assigned by the Program Manager or Executive Director

Qualifications:

• University Degree or Community College Diploma in the Social Services field OR combination of relevant education and experience acceptable to OTC.

• Relevant experience working with individuals experiencing poverty, criminalization, racialization, food and housing insecurity, substance and alcohol use, mental health challenges and a demonstrated understanding of the associated barriers and challenges of those who are precariously housed or unhoused.

• Ability to connect to individuals and engage in ways that are relevant to them while attentively listening to and responding to identified needs

• Ability to build authentic relationships with individuals from racially and socioeconomically diverse communities.

• Demonstrated commitment and ability to use low barrier, people-centered support rooted in anti-oppressive & harm reduction practices. Be both comfortable and familiar with harm reduction principles and practice.

• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflict & mediate disputes in a non-confrontational and unbiased manner.

• Demonstrated understanding and engagement of healthy boundaries with individuals and within the context of work

• Knowledge of community resources, programs and services

• Ability to work independently, as a member of a team and under pressure.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability. Demonstrated initiative in starting and completing tasks.

• Effective written, verbal, interpersonal communication and computer skills.

• Must provide Criminal Background and Vulnerable Sector Checks. If you are concerned that this may negatively impact your application, please reach out to discuss this with us.

Must have the following or be willing to acquire

• Standard First Aid/CPR Level C
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or comparable De-escalation Training
• Harm Reduction / Naloxone Training

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Can safely carry out the duties of the position including being able to lift heavy shelter supplies and physically support individuals with their belongings when needed.
• Must be able to access and navigate different areas of the shelter including stairs and storage areas.

COVID-19 Protocols & Procedures: COVID-19 Protocols & Procedures: To support the health and safety of all people living and working in our community, we began implementing preventative health protocols and policies in March 2020. As of March 1st, 2022, OTC Community Association has made the decision to prioritize community care and will continue to adhere to our masking protocols and other COVID-19 preventative measures. Staff, volunteers and visitors are required to self-screen before each shift. Folks who are sick are encouraged to stay home. All full-time and permanent part-time staff are entitled to paid sick days, as per our collective agreement. Residents are screened with the support of staff, as needed, following NSHA’s current COVID screening guidelines. Rapid self-tests and support to take them are available to residents on-site, on-demand, 24/7. All staff are encouraged to self-test while at work, twice per week. All residents must wear masks at all times while accessing the communal spaces, except when actively eating/drinking. Residents are not required to wear masks while in their own rooms or homes unless a staff person is required to support them in that space for an extended period of time. Staff, volunteers and visitors are required to wear masks at all times while on-site or while working off-site in the community, unless actively eating/drinking. For a current copy of OTC’s COVID-19 Operational Plan please contact the Executive Director.The rate of pay for this position is $22 per hour, paid bi-weekly in accordance with OTC’s payroll schedule. This is a Monday to Friday position. Overtime must be pre-approved by the Program Manager or Executive Director.Pay: $ 22.00 / hr Bi-weekly.Work Term: PermanentSchedule:

• 40 hours /week Monday - Friday 12 am - 8 am
• Potential for Overtime (must be pre-approved by Executive Director)

Benefits that you are deemed to qualify for as agreed upon per the Collective Agreement

• Paid sick days for injury or illness that prevents you from working, prorated to reflect the length of your term (after your 3 month period of probation)
• Paid Vacation
• Health Insurance

This position is part of the SEIU Local 2 Collective Bargaining Unit.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentSalary: $22.00 per hourBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift

Job Type: PermanentSalary: $22.00 per hourBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Night shift
• No weekends

Work Location: One locationQuick Apply

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