Full Time Support Worker Shelter Services

Shelter Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Halifax is seeking a Full-Time Support Worker to assist marginalized individuals with a focus on guest service, advocacy, and facility operations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Social Sciences and relevant certifications. Responsibilities include maintaining a safe environment, performing first aid, and effective documentation. The role demands emotional acuity and the ability to cope with a fast-paced, challenging environment.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary experience is required.
• Certification in Standard First Aid / CPR Level C required.
• Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Identify and advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required.
• Maintain daily operations and building security.

Skills

Ability to remain awake, alert and vigilant

Knowledge of community resources

Conflict resolution skills

Active listening skills

Fiscal responsibility

Education

Degree in Social Sciences or relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Full Time Support Worker

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

$24.07 – 24.38 per hour (as per Collective Agreement)

Deadline to apply

Tuesday October 28th at 8:00 am

Job Description

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 and applicable legislation. The role promotes ethical behavior that enhances guest service and professional interactions with colleagues, guests and community partners. You will be a good representative of Shelter Nova Scotia at all times while ensuring our 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). Develop, maintain and strengthen 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. Maintain guest privacy by sharing information only on a need‑to‑know basis and protecting confidential information of guests, residents and tenants. Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner per established policies and procedures. Engage 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 and utilization of the facility camera system. Exterior grounds maintenance: complete tasks assigned to maintain a clean environment and report any required repairs. Interior facility maintenance: daily cleaning, minor maintenance of bedding, laundry and garbage removal. Ensure 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: Demonstrate 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 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.

Administrative: Completion of accurate and timely documentation as per policies and procedures. Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date HIS database according to guidelines. Maintain an accurate filing system. Assist with development of resource material for guests 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 them. Comply with employee responsibilities outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperate with occupational health and safety initiatives. Apply safe work procedures, use personal protective equipment as required, report illness or injury immediately, and report unsafe acts and 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 hrs per day, 7 days per week) requires 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. Hazards associated with working in physical contact with guests, potential exposure to body fluids and infectious materials. Guests may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues.

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

Working with the guest group often leads to ambiguous situations that are stressful for employees, management and guests. Requires high stress environment, sensitivity, confidentiality and significant visual and mental acuity. 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 in human services, social services or healthcare. Certification in 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: Word, Excel, Outlook. Experience with interviewing, counseling and intervention techniques is an asset. Knowledge of mental health and addictions an asset.

Key Skills

Abinitio, Administration And Accounting, Android, Bid Management, Inventory Management, Embedded C.

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Experience

Years required: 1

Vacancy

1

Monthly Salary

24 – 24