Resident Support Worker - Weekend / Bi Weekly - Jobs in Halifax, NS

Job Description

Position Title: Resident Support Staff - Part-Time (Weekends)Employer : Out of the Cold Community Association (OTC)Location: 7 Church St., Dartmouth5580 Cogswell St., HalifaxStart Date: IMMEDIATELYReports to: the Program ManagerIn an effort to promote equity in our workplace and to better respond to the needs of the people we serve, priority for filling thIS position will be given to people who are Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian/Person of African Descent or a Person of Colour. We ask applicants to self-identify and share any marginalized experiences they wish to share in their application. If you are applying for this job please identify how you fit the criteria.Program: 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 supportThe 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.The Resident Support Staff (Casual) is responsible for providing services that are high quality, consistent, and in accordance with OTC’s policies and values. All Staff are responsible for supporting individuals in meeting their basic needs, maintaining their stay and ensuring that Public Health recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic are being followed.Key Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Program Manager and/or Executive Director, the Resident Support Worker - Weekends is responsible for: 1 . Actively engaging in supporting residents and in the oversight and implementation of the supported housing program in alignment with the policies and values of OTC2. Daytime staff take the lead role in designing, implementing and evaluating recreational programming in collaboration with current residents, reflective of resident’s identified needs and interests with the goal of improving quality of life.3.Overnight staff take the lead in the provision of 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 Staff (Part-time) is responsible for providing services that are high quality, consistent, and in accordance with OTC’s policies and values. All Staff are responsible for supporting individuals in meeting their basic needs, maintaining their stay and ensuring that Public Health recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic are being followed.The Resident Support Worker - Weekends1. Actively engages in supporting residents and in the oversight and implementation ofsite 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 weekend.

• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with individuals living and working at the 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 practises 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 is organized, as complete as possible, and in a secured location that is accessible to appropriate staff.

• Participates in 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 and admission to the program. Primary facilitator of exit interviews with residents who self discharge and/or are discharged from the program. Documents feedback using provided documents.

• Collaborates with the staff team 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 night time hours.

2. Daytime staff take the lead role in designing, implementing and evaluating recreational programming in collaboration with current residents, reflective of resident’s identified needs and interests with the goal of improving quality of life.

• Consults with residents and the staff team to design, implement and evaluate recreational programming for residents. Responsible for facilitation of group programming for residents, on Saturday and Sunday, during daytime hours.

• Responsible for organization of materials, space used, clean up, program evaluation and any required follow-up with residents. Creates an accessible program plan for casual staff and organizes program materials for use by others in case of absence.

• Participates in both individual and group evaluations to ensure programming quality and the support of residents’ self identified needs and goals.

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

• Liaises and builds relationships with outside agencies and potential supports, to strengthen learning and resource opportunities for residents and staff. Consults with the Program Manager, Executive Director and the staff team to avoid duplication in this work.

• Provides relevant feedback by email to staff facilitating the bi-weekly communal living meetings and bi-weekly resident meetings. Facilitates additional meetings with relevant staff and individuals as deemed necessary to resolve and/or mitigate conflict.

• Researches, identifies and applies to appropriate grants and small funding opportunities related to the Village recreational programming in collaboration with the Partnership Development Coordinator.

• 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.

3. Overnight staff take the lead in the provision of 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 Executive Director, Program Manager and the staff team (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 and in collaboration with the Partnership Development Coordinator.

• 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 creations of public education/social advocacy materials and tools to support the mission and mandate of OTC.

• 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 Partnership Development Coordinator.

• 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 practise 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.
• Provide Criminal Background and Vulnerable Sector Checks. If you have concerns about anything that may appear on your background checks, please reach out to discuss. We do not want this to be a barrier to your application.

Must have the following or be willing to acquire

• Standard First Aid/CPR Level C
• De-escalation Training
• Harm Reduction / Naloxone Training

Physical Requirements:

• This is an awake position meaning staff are required to stay awake for their full shift, including overnight. Sleeping on shift is grounds for immediate termination.*

• 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.Pay: $ 22.00 / hr Bi-weekly.Work Term: PermanentSchedule:

• 24 hours /week Saturday & Sunday 8 am - 8 pm 8 pm - 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
• Paid Vacation
• Health Insurance

This position is part of the SEIU Local 2 Collective Bargaining Unit. Bargaining unit employees are given first consideration. All other applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified internal candidates. You will only be contacted if selected for an interview.Out of the Cold is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applicants to self-identify in their cover letter as Indigenous, Black, African Nova Scotian, Person of Colour, Person with a Disability or 2SLGBTQ.Job Types: Part-time, PermanentSalary: $22.00 per hourBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every Weekend
• Night shift
• Weekends only

COVID-19 considerations:Yes. As noted in the job description and detailed in the OTC Covid-19 Operational Plan.Application question(s):

• Please be sure to include a Cover Letter along with your Resume, that helps us understand why you are the perfect fit for us!
• In an effort to promote equity in our workplace and to better respond to the needs of the people we serve, priority for filling this position will be given to people who are Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian/Person of African Descent or a Person of Colour. We ask applicants to self-identify and share any marginalized experiences they wish to share in their application. If you are applying for this job please identify how you fit the criteria.

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (required)
• Overnight Shift (required)
• Night Shift (required)

Job Type: Part-timePart-time hours: 12 - 24 per weekSalary: $22.00 per hourBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every Weekend
• Night shift
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: One locationQuick Apply

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