Shelter Support Worker (SSW)

Atlantic Community Shelters Society

SHELTER SUPPORT WORKER

(Part Time, Full Time, Casual)

About Atlantic Community Shelter Society

Atlantic Community Shelters Society (ACSS) is a not for profit organization funded by the Department of Community Services and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. ACSS will specifically cater to seniors who are experiencing homelessness. Temporary pallet housing solutions will be offered to individuals to provide protection, safety and security. This approach allows the basic needs of individuals to be met while more permanent housing solution opportunities are identified. Every person living at ACSS will have individual plans to identify their unique challenges and needs and a solution-oriented approach to overcome the barriers that prevent them from securing permanent housing.

Job Purpose

The Shelter Support Worker (SSW) will report directly to the Shelter Supervisor and will work within a collaborative team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide supports, services and address basic care needs of the participants of ACSS. The SSW will work individually with participants to address their individual concerns such as addictions and mental health and will be required to engage in 1-1 crisis counselling as required. The participants of ACSS will have their daily overall health and safety monitored while the SSW will be actively working in an open shelter working environment without a dedicated office space.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support, supervision, basic care and assistance to homeless seniors who may be facing multiple barriers, mental health challenges and/or addictions
• Build a positive and meaningful rapport with participants while maintaining professional boundaries
• Engage in counselling and 1-1 crisis management as required
• Regularly monitor shelter guests, ensuring their right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality
• Monitor and assist with meal and snack set up as prepared by Shelter Cook
• Assist with new intakes such as providing tours, introduction to policies and procedures, pallet shelter and answering participant questions
• Organizing storage units, light housekeeping and assisting with laundry as required
• Work collaboratively with all staff, management and shelter participants in a non-discriminatory manner
• Ensure ACSS is a safe, secure, clean and comfortable environment for all staff, participants and volunteers
• Accurately record day to day happenings using appropriate methods, maintain data and incident reporting systems
• Co-ordinates participant supports, performs pallet checks and personal searches
• Acts as a positive role model for all
• Acts as an advocate for participants while always maintaining confidentiality
• Propose and assist in the development of programming, education and activities that cater to the participants needs
• Attend all meetings and care plans as required
• Ensure shelter supplies are maintained
• Adapt to the complex needs and changing dynamics of a new Shelter and be able to adapt duties and tasks quickly to address any gaps

Candidate Profile

Requirements:

High School Diploma (or equivalent), required

First Aid/CPR Certificate, an asset

Food Handler's, an asset

WHMIS, an asset

Other Certifications will be considered an asset

Experience working in the mental health field considered an asset

Experience working with a geriatric population considered an asset

Must provide a clear Criminal Background Check

Other:

Strong English language skills; both oral and written

Willingness to support volunteer and student placements by modelling professional behavior

High degree of compassion, resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability

Strong sense of team ethics, dedication and professionalism

Personable and creative. Enjoys company of others and conversing

Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competence

Ability to work with vulnerable people who are facing many challenges

Salary: $22/hour
Job location: HRM; Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Halifax locations
Work schedule: Rotational Work. Evening and/or Weekend work required
How to ApplyContact: Chelsy Flemming, Director of Human Resources
[email protected]