Community Shelter Worker

About the Job:

Reporting to the Community Shelter Supervisor, a Community Shelter Worker is responsible for providing front line support to families (youth, family, single adult or couple). 

The individual’s main responsibilities are to provide and support clients through housing strategies. Provide shelter support, provide shelter services and create housing search opportunities and engage in housing focused conversations through motivational interviewing. 

General Duties and Responsibilities: 

• General responsibilities including shelter welcome packages and welcome files
• Providing support to clients who are facing challenges including Poverty, homelessness
• Have intentional housing conversations with those in the shelter during the first two weeks
• Provide passive housing search materials to those that have been in the shelter two weeks or less
• Create Individualized Housing Plans with those that have exceeded two weeks in shelter and are receiving more staff attention to operationalize their housing plan
• Circulate throughout the facility and engage with any of those that have stayed in the shelter, using motivational interviewing and opportunities to engage in housing focused conversations
• Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing program
• These staff play a critical role in connecting longer-term shelter guests to Coordinated Entry
• These staff also play a critical role in getting those shelter guests that are eligible for Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing ‘document ready’ so that they are imminently house-able should a vacancy become available in a housing program in the community
• Other assessments as required (i.e. mental health status exams, wellness checks, etc.)
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated

Qualifications: 

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
• 1+ years Supporting the homeless population
• Knowledge of tenant population, diversity issues, anti-discrimination practices, and systemic reasons for homelessness
• Strong knowledge of Housing First Principles
• Experience working with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Ability to apply principles of housing first principles approach in day to day work and interactions with clients
• Strong communication skills, assessment, risk management and crisis de-escalation
• Proficient in MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI
• Vulnerable Screening Level 3

Reporting Function: 

The Community Shelter Worker will report to the Community Shelter Supervisor. They will not have any management/supervisory responsibility. They will work with clients and internal staff at all levels within the organization.  

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 

• Day Shift Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm,  but may vary depending on client needs 
• Able to work well with internal and external clients
• Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Computer screen use (multiple screens if applicable) for prolonged periods of time
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Travel by vehicle to community sites for client support as required

 Ship Values: 

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional