Frontline Worker

The Salvation Army in Canada; Barrie; On-site; CAD 1,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a dedicated individual to support clients in emergency housing. The role involves facilitating intake, ensuring safety, and providing ongoing support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Ideal candidates will have a background in social services and strong interpersonal skills. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while working in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience working with homeless populations.
• Knowledge of addictions and mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate intake for clients and provide support.
• Conduct intake processes and oversee safety during meals.
• Respond to immediate needs and provide crisis intervention.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Interpersonal

Time Management

Flexibility

Education

College diploma in Social Services

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a worldwide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. We support individuals experiencing unemployment, addiction, and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs, living out our mission, vision, and values of hope, service, dignity, and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life—there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs, and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Accountabilities:

Program

• Facilitate intake for clients by gathering required information, providing requested information, and orienting clients to facility Emergency Housing guidelines, schedules, and all available services.
• Conduct full intake processes using the HIFIS system and complete the VI-SPDAT needs assessment tool.
• Oversee safety during all meals.
• Serve as the main point of contact for residents/clients during your shift, responsible for their care, support, and safety.
• Assist clients with system navigation, provide encouragement, and connect them to supports that will help stabilize their housing.
• Provide referrals to various supports, including resources, recreation, counseling, and advocacy services within their community.
• Respond to immediate needs, provide supports, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
• Distribute medication to residential clients upon request and monitor as required.
• Maintain surveillance of security monitors, conduct regular rounds, and perform washroom and perimeter checks, communicating regularly with staff from other program areas.
• Perform regular room checks to ensure resident and facility safety.
• Provide ongoing daily support, assistance, and encouragement to break cycles of poverty and homelessness.
• Update weekly chore lists and ensure residents are on a rotational chore schedule.
• Accurately record information in logbooks.
• Ensure kitchen, laundry, client towels, and soiled linens are cleaned nightly, including folding and storage.
• Wash bed linens weekly, including folding and storage.
• Serve and clean up from evening snacks (day shift).
• Maintain cleanliness of the shelter work area according to Health & Safety standards.
• Prepare shelter bed linens weekly for laundry and ensure beds are made in the dorms.
• Secure clients' possessions left in our care.
• Organize storage of client belongings, storing items in clear plastic bags after discharge.
• Ensure chairs are set in the dining room before 7:00 am.
• Keep Bayside Mission entrances, sidewalks, and alleys clear of snow by shoveling and salting as needed (night shift).
• Conduct exit interviews with clients and document discharge information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Supervisor and/or Director of Programs.

Service Responsibilities

• Promote positive, supportive attitudes towards individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Participate in and promote programs and activities that empower clients to achieve their goals.
• Develop effective relationships and partnerships with community members, other departments, agencies, and co-workers.

Critical Relationship Management

Governance

None

Internal

• Management team
• Volunteers
• Clients and residents
• Bayside Mission Centre staff
• Caseworkers

External

• Community partners
• Donors

Managerial/Technical Leadership Responsibility

• Reports directly to: Shelter Supervisor

Working Conditions

• Staff work 8-hour shifts on a rotational basis.
• May deal with angry and abusive clients.
• May encounter verbal abuse.
• May be required to handle medical emergencies such as overdoses.

The above responsibilities must be performed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values, maintaining professionalism and upholding our code of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications

Education, Qualifications, and Certifications:

• College diploma in Social Services or equivalent experience.
• Completion or willingness to obtain Non-Violence Crisis Intervention Training.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience working with homeless populations.
• Knowledge of addictions and mental health issues.
• Strong understanding of community resources.
• Commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and equity principles.

Skills and Capabilities

• Support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
• Ability to lift over 20 pounds.
• Flexibility to work various shifts.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Positive attitude and team-oriented approach.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and provide vulnerable sector screening.

Compensation

The salary range is $18.99 to $23.73, with a maximum of $28.48, based on experience, skills, and qualifications. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.