Guest Support (Relief)

The Gathering Place/Mercy House

Day-Shift, and/or Night-Shift

About Us

Our mission is to create and sustain an inclusive safe and compassionate community where people who are underserved, at risk or in need, receive nourishment, health and social support, housing, and respite from discrimination, loneliness, and exclusion.

Our vision: Kindness wanted, kindness shared, a community where kindness flows in abundance.

The Position

The Guest Support Worker is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and often the guests' first point of contact. This position offers support to individuals who are homeless or precariously housed and often dealing with mental health, physical health and/or addiction issues. The employees in these positions must build strong relationships with the Guests, assist Guests in accessing services, and use de-escalation skills as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure the basic needs of the Guests are met.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with the Guests, while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.
• Ability to work closely with team members and medical professionals.
• Participate effectively as a part of a larger, multi-disciplinary, primary health care team.
• Deliver and provide services to Guests in a safe and effective manner. Applying organizational policies and processes pertaining to Guest and workplace safety is critical.
• On-call shift structure. Must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, evenings, and/or weekends (schedule can be discussed).
  • Night Shifts for Shelter and Mercy House: 8PM-8AM (12-hour shifts).
  • Day Shifts for Mercy House: 8AM-8PM (12-hour shifts).
  • Day Shifts for the Main Building: 8-hour shifts between the operational hours of 730AM-830PM.

Key Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
  • A degree or diploma in health or social services.
  • Relevant working experience (i.e., in a shelter or residential setting, and/or a supportive environment) is considered an asset. Equivalences will be considered.
• Skills:
  • Knowledge of available and relevant community resources for marginalized persons and populations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships with marginalized persons and populations.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of harm reduction, trauma informed care, and individualized, client-led care and programming.
  • Sound judgement, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the effective use of boundaries is required.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Posses a strong understanding and sensitivity to diversity issues.
  • Strong desire to help the most vulnerable in our society, and proven demonstration of this motivation through work, studies, and/or volunteer experience.
  • Ability to provide a clear Record of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check (within six months) is required.

What You Can Expect:

A competitive salary, with the opportunity to transition into part-time and full-time roles as they become available.

Preference will be given to internal applicants for any part-time and full-time vacancies, if the basic qualifications for the role are met by the applicant.

Closing Date: Open until filled.