Shelter Support Worker - Jobs in Kentville, NS

Job Description

SHELTER SUPPORT WORKERThe Shelter Support Worker reports directly to the Shelter Coordinator and Programming Coordinator.JOB DESCRIPTIONThe shelter support worker, as a member of the Shelter team, will deliver and supervise the Shelter Diversion Program of Open Arms Resource Centre Society. The Shelter Diversion Program is a 24/7 service delivery model, which provides shelter, material supports, food supports, and housing securement support. The Program is a relational, supportive, community-based Program. The Program is designed to support individuals facing homelessness in a variety of ways including social, emotional, educational, navigational, and occupational support. This role has foundations in advocacy and an understanding of the intersections of oppression and their roles in the development, maintenance, and recurrence of homelessness. The candidate will support the Program outcomes and adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined by Open Arms and the Shelter Diversion Program. The Shelter Support Worker will fundamentally model a belief and lifestyle in keeping with the vision and values of Open Arms Resource Centre Society. There will be a key element of community collaboration and case management cooperation. Supporting individuals to become securely housed is the key goal of the Shelter Support Worker, along with ensuring the operation of the Shelter Diversion Centre and navigating interpersonal interactions.Responsibilities:The Shelter Support Worker will provide support to vulnerable adults in the following core service areas: Shelter provision, outreach, healthy relationships, personal and life skill development, concrete support and services, family connections, community connections, community support procurement, and action plan development and implementation support.SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE: Case ManagementAssist clients in contacting, navigating, and obtaining income security resources such as Income Assistance, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, Disability Benefits, and/or employment.

• Assist clients in contacting, navigating, and obtaining secure housing. This may include contacting landlords/housing resources, filling out applications, attending viewings, securing moving services, and/or securing (not providing) ongoing housing supports.

• Assisting clients in navigating a variety of life circumstances including (not limited to): Acute crisis, legal, correctional, medical, interpersonal/family conflict, child and family care, child protection, overdue bills, food support, and domestic violence. Clients come from a variety of backgrounds and the Shelter Support Worker, along with the Shelter Diversion Team, should be prepared to safely take on challenging client needs.

• The Shelter Support Worker will work directly with Child Protective Services and The Portal Outreach Association upon the arrival of a minor to the Shelter Diversion Centre.

• Make referrals to other formal and informal supports.

• Efficiently document case management interactions.

• Provide client focused supportive counselling.

Program Operation

• Support shelter guests in obtaining concrete material supports within the Shelter Diversion space. This includes food, clothing, personal care supplies, and/or harm reduction supplies.

• The Shelter Diversion Worker is responsible for ensuring that all guests follow the rules outlined to them upon arrival and intake. The Shelter Diversion Worker must adhere to the rules and policies of Open Arms Resource Centre Society at all times.

• The Shelter Diversion Worker is responsible for monitoring and intervening in crisis situations with and between clients. The candidate must safely navigate crisis situations and intervene according to Open Arms Resource Centre Society Policy.

• The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for ensuring a clean and sanitized shelter environment. The candidate must complete tasks and ensure clients complete the cleaning tasks required for their stay.

• The Shelter Support Worker must provide ongoing informal support for clients. This includes informal counselling, emotional support, situational resource advocacy, and/or having hard conversations (personal care, inappropriate behavior, rule breaks, client relationships etc.)

Other

• Maintaining a consistent work schedule, attending all scheduled shifts unless incapable.

• Participating in regular, weekly supervision, informal debriefs, and client case conferences.

• Reporting on a regular basis to the Shelter Coordinator and Housing Support Manager regarding issues of need/concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to the appropriate superior.

• Follow appropriate policies and procedures of Open Arms Resource Centre Society. Ensure that the Program operates in line with the mission, vision, and values of the Program. Ensure all activities comply with applicable standards and laws.

• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in social sciences (Community Development/Studies, Psychology, Human/Social Services, Social Work, etc.)

• The best candidate will have experience in the direct delivery of homelessness services with vulnerable populations, direct experience with managing difficult situations with clients, must be able to work under stressful conditions with limited supervision.

• The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and be willing to sign the guidelines and conduct agreement.

• A grasp on their own personal story and experience, having worked with their own trauma, addictions, or emotional challenges as related to working with vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.

• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness, trauma, family, community, social and historical factors, and their intersecting impact on the experience, continuation, and repetition of homelessness.

• Knowledge and experience in motivational interviewing, mentoring, supportive counselling, and moderating conflict and client crisis.

• Knowledge, understanding, and experience in working with culturally and socially diverse clients.

• Demonstration and experience in working from a strengths-based and relationship-based perspective.

• Willingness, flexibility to work in a variety of environments as needed.

• Demonstrates passion for working with those experiencing homelessness, specifically in supporting clients who face multiple and complex barriers to becoming housed, and from a trauma informed perspective.

Job Type: Full-timeSalary: $18.00-$21.00 per hourBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kentville, NS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application deadline: 2022-10-04Expected start date: 2022-10-10Quick Apply

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