Onsite Support Worker

Clear Destination Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Clear Destination Inc. is seeking an Onsite Support Worker for our 24-hour program. The role covers days, evenings, overnights and weekends, reporting to the Program Manager.

The worker will provide supportive counseling, group programming, crisis intervention and life-skills coaching to clients and tenants. The position is part-time, Saturday and Sunday shifts, and will require working in environments with challenging conditions, including exposure to odors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in related discipline.
• Three years of experience with substance use health and mental health clients.
• Two years in residential or supportive housing is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide group support and facilitate group programming.
• Provide supportive counseling and problem-solving to clients/tenants.
• Provide crisis intervention support including overdose response.
• Document as needed in logs and maintain up-to-date client files.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development sessions.

Skills

Empathy

Group intervention

Strengths-based approach

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Time management

Communication skills

Record keeping

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent

Three years of experience in substance use/mental health

Two years of experience in residential or supportive housing (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email/Internet

Job description

Job Title:

Onsite Support Worker

Number of Position(s):

1

Job Type:

Part-Time, Saturdays and Sundays, Days, Unionized position

Language Requirement:

English required.

Reports to:

Program Manager

Job Summary:

The Onsite Support Worker is responsible for providing support to the clients/ tenants of the 24-hour program. The responsibilities include providing supportive counseling, group programming, crisis intervention and assisting clients with life skills acquisition, as required. Onsite Support Workers may cover a variety of shifts including days, evenings, overnights and weekends. The position reports to the Program Manager.

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to challenging conditions, including unpleasant situations and odors. The Onsite Support Worker will provide support services to acute and complex clients, including those involved in active substance use.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent educational background in a related discipline
• Three (3) years of experience working with clients in the areas of substance use health and mental health
• Two (2) years of experience working in a residential or supportive housing setting, an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Group support

• Establish a supportive, respectful relationship with clients/ tenants
• Provide group intervention, advocacy and mediation when necessary
• Facilitate group programming
• Resolve disputes that may arise between clients/ tenants
• Support the implementation of recreational events and meaningful activities

Provide Program support

• Provide supportive counseling and problem-solving to clients/ tenants when necessary
• Support new clients/ tenants in their integration to the program
• Foster a sense of community and connection within the Program
• Provide crisis intervention support including overdose response
• Support clients in establishing healthy sleep patterns
• Support clients/ tenants in following the rules and expectations of the Program
• Support clients/ tenants in acquiring basic life skills -personal hygiene, laundry etc.
• Support clients/ tenants in general domains of life: basic needs, physical and mental health, housing, financial, social, spiritual, legal, educational and vocational
• Work collaboratively with community partners and support the referral of clients/ tenants to external agencies as needed

Support on-call

• Provide on-call support while on duty
• Debrief with day staff and supervisor, as needed

Other

• Document as needed in the log book, incident reports, etc.
• Ensure documentation is up to date in the client's file
• Review client files on a regular basis -be familiar with client's overall goals and their current progress
• Participate in staff meetings
• Participate in professional development sessions
• Adhere to program protocols and procedures including health and safety
• Other related duties as determined by the Manager

SUITABILITY

• Displays a professional approach to the work along with the values and attitudes t that is in keeping with the helping professions (i.e., sensitivity, respect, understanding, sincerity, genuineness, perseverance, patience, compassion, positive outlook, non-judgmental attitude, acceptance, tolerance etc.)
• client-centered, caring, supportive and reliable
• sound judgment and common sense in decision making and problem solving; critical thinking, intelligence
• demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility and independence
• sense of humor
• commitment to work and life-long learning

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use health and treatment modalities
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals living with mental health, substance use health and those experiencing chronic homelessness
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Tribunal processes
• knowledge of group dynamics theory and practice
• knowledge of concurrent disorders theory
• knowledge of ethical standards relevant to social service work (confidentiality, boundaries etc)
• knowledge of social problems associated with psychiatric disabilities (poverty, stigma, labeling, homelessness, oppression, addiction etc)
• knowledge of mental health legislation
• knowledge of community crises services
• knowledge of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, effects of food and substances, all pertaining to establishing normal sleep patterns

SKILLS

• connecting skills; empathy, active listening
• group intervention skills, including the ability to use mediation, conflict resolution, problem solving skills at a group level
• ability to relate to clients suing a strengths based, client-centered approach
• ability to work both in a team and independently
• interpersonal skills; ability to work closely with supervisor, colleagues and a diversity of clients
• conflict resolution skills
• professional boundaries
• life skills teaching
• crisis intervention, suicide prevention and intervention skills
• stress management skills
• counseling skills
• ability to manage time and resources effectively, punctuality
• communication skills (oral, written)
• record keeping skills, documentation
• Computer Skills (word processing, e-mail, internet)