Full Time Support Worker at Barry House (x2) & Metro Turning Point (x1)

Hiring two Full Time Support Workers at Barry House and one Full Time Support Worker at Metro Turning Point.

At Shelter Nova Scotia we provide places to stay and services to promote stability for marginalized individuals. You will contribute to a community without judgement with spaces and places for people to belong.

About the Facility

Barry House is a 17-bed emergency shelter serving individuals who identify as female or are gender diverse. Guests are 16 years of age and older. They could be people living with mental health concerns, disabilities, unemployment or under-employment, struggling with substance misuse, post traumatic stress, abandonment, rejection and poverty.

Metro Turning Point is a harm reduction, 30-bed emergency shelter for individuals who identify as male. For those who stay with us, we provide a locker, 2-3 meals daily, access to a refrigerator, phone and laundry, personal care & comfort items, and assistance in securing independent housing.

Requirements

· Successful candidate must have post-secondary experience

· Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required

· Must have Standard First Aid/CPR Level "C" or be willing to acquire within the first 6 months of employment.

Hours of Work

72 to 96 hours biweekly. Working 12-hour shifts on a scheduled rotation including days, nights, and weekends. Salary will be averaged to 84 hours biweekly. This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary

$23.37 - 23.67 per hour (as per Collective Agreement)

Benefits

• 2 weeks' vacation

• 8 paid personal days

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Upon completion of probation

• 2% RRSP Match

• Health & Dental

Application Deadline: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Start Date: ASAP

Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences. We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.

Job Description: Support Worker Full Time

Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not for profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.

Summary: Responsible to the Director of Homelessness and Housing and reporting to the House Manager and/or Shift Supervisor, the Support Worker is responsible for the operation of the facility to standard while on duty per the Operational Policies and Procedures, the Human Resources Manual as well as applicable legislation. Demonstrating a commitment to ethical behavior that promotes quality guest service and professional interactions with colleagues, guests and community partners means you will be a good representative of Shelter Nova Scotia at all times while ensuring that Shelter Nova Scotia's mission, vision and values are understood and modeled.

Responsibilities

Guest Service Delivery

· Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty

· Identify and advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate;

· Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income assistance)

· Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with guests, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes;

· Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness

· Accurately and professionally document notes relating to guest interactions and keep other team members up to date on guest issues;

· Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required

· Maintains guest privacy by sharing information only on a need to know basis. Protects the confidential information of the guests, residents and tenants;

· Addresses and resolves conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures

· Engage regularly and respectfully with guests and respond to queries and requests in a timely respectful manner;

· Participate in meal preparation, presentation and clean up

Facility Operation

· Receive and direct proper storage of deliveries and donations

· Review shift checklists and ensure assigned tasks are completed

· Maintain the daily operation of the facility including building security

· Utilize the facility camera system to assist with the daily operation of the facility

· Exterior grounds maintenance: complete tasks assigned to you that contribute to a clean environment and report any required repairs as recognized

· Interior facility maintenance: Daily cleaning and minor maintaining of facility, bedding setup, laundry, garbage removal and recycling

· Ensure that the office and common areas are tidy and free from clutter and food is safely stored or discarded prior to the end of each shift;

Action Planning

· Demonstrates appropriate interviewing, active listening and supportive skills with a thorough knowledge of community resources

· Conduct intakes, assessments and interviews

· Engage with guests to co-construct housing plans and to assist guests in establishing goals

· Identify resources available to support housing plans

· Provide ongoing assessment of housing plans and redesign plans as necessary

· Encourage the development and enhancement of life skills including money management

Admin

· Completion of accurate and timely documentation as per Policies and Procedures

· Maintain accurate and up to date HIFIS database according to guidelines provided

· Maintain an accurate filing system

· Assist with development of resource material for guest and public education

· Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and awareness when handling bus tickets, gift cards and petty cash

· Monitor and document guest progress

Occupational Health and Safety

· Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same

· Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.

· Responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required

· Reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions

Other

· Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior

· Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer

· Perform other related duties as assigned

Working Conditions

· Perform the On Call function as required

· Continuous operation (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) requires incumbents to regularly work rotating 12 hour shifts that include days, nights, and weekends.

Hazards

· Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids) sharps (e.g. needles) chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)

· Hazards associated with working in physical contact with guests with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases.

· Guests may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed);

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

· Working with guest group often leads to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve;

· High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity;

· Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands;

Technical Competencies

· Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required

· Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level "C"; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification

· Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check

· Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook

· Experience with interviewing, counseling, and intervention techniques is considered an asset

· Knowledge of mental health and addictions an asset