Program Worker

VRS Communities Society; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast Client Support Society in Vancouver is seeking a Program Worker to support clients of the Veterans Housing and Support Program within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented framework. You will assist with life skills, goal achievement, and access to services to promote successful reintegration.

The role focuses on individual development plans, coordination with service providers, and maintaining confidential records, under the supervision of the Program Manager.

Qualifications

• Formal post-secondary program in social work or equivalent.
• Training in addictions or mental health recovery is required.
• Current first aid/CPR certification is essential.
• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or willingness to be trained.
• Experience with PTSD, trauma, and addictions populations is preferred.
• Knowledge of WHMIS, food safety and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct orientation and review facility rules, rights and responsibilities.
• Develop and monitor IDPs with clients and follow up regularly.
• Perform initial needs assessments within 10 days of arrival.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching and skill-building opportunities.
• Coordinate with community service providers and resources.
• Maintain confidential case notes and client progress records.
• Assist with intake and departure processes.
• Respond to emergencies and crises as needed.
• Support program operations and participate in team meetings.

Skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Analytical problem-solving

Confidentiality & ethics

Education

Post-secondary social work program (2 years)

Addictions or Mental Health recovery training

First Aid/CPR certification

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification

Trauma-Informed practice knowledge

WHMIS

FoodSafe Level 1 certification

Universal precautions

Computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Fluent English

Criminal Record Review Act clearance

Job description

• Conduct orientation with clients and review the facility rules, clients’ rights and responsibilities, grievance/complaint.
• Work with assigned clients in completing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and, following up with clients at regular intervals to assess, monitor, and adjust IDP as may be required.
• Conduct an initial needs assessment of the client within 10 days of arrival to the facility and schedule the initial room inspection.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching and support to clients, and help create opportunities for practicing skills that will enable clients to achieve their personal goals.
• Develop effective working relations and cooperate with other service providers in the community throughout the entire case management process.
• Establish and refer clients to appropriate medical and mental health services, education/job training programs, legal and advocacy services and other community resources as needed.
• Ensure the eventual completion of the goals and prepare an appropriate exit plan
• Research and develop knowledge of issues that relate to clients. Development of resource information as relevant for clients.
• Maintain contact with the community agencies and other service providers to coordinate activities and available resources for the benefit of the Centre and the residents.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesCasework

• Conduct orientation with clients and review the facility rules, clients’ rights and responsibilities, grievance/complaint.
• Work with assigned clients in completing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and, following up with clients at regular intervals to assess, monitor, and adjust IDP as may be required.
• Conduct an initial needs assessment of the client within 10 days of arrival to the facility and schedule the initial room inspection.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching and support to clients, and help create opportunities for practicing skills that will enable clients to achieve their personal goals.
• Develop effective working relations and cooperate with other service providers in the community throughout the entire case management process.
• Establish and refer clients to appropriate medical and mental health services, education/job training programs, legal and advocacy services and other community resources as needed.
• Ensure the eventual completion of the goals and prepare an appropriate exit plan
• Research and develop knowledge of issues that relate to clients. Development of resource information as relevant for clients.
• Maintain contact with the community agencies and other service providers to coordinate activities and available resources for the benefit of the Centre and the residents.

Admin/Community Support

• Facilitate and co-facilitate psycho-educational, experiential groups
• Delivery of an abstinence-focused, relapse prevention program offering individual and group educational sessions to support client’s sobriety.
• Supervise/monitor actions and interactions of clients during assigned shift.
• Respond to all client’s inquiries within the framework of Centre Policies & Procedures.
• Answer telephone and refer calls to the appropriate person(s).
• Admit visitors to the facility according to guidelines.
• Participate with clients in scheduled instructional, spiritual, or social activities as required.
• Participate in scheduled staff and case management meetings as required and provide input and information on assigned Client progress.
• Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate files/ case notes and statistical records.
• Assist with the intake process and departure process of clients.
• Initial response to emergencies such as fire alarm, or other situations.
• Respond and assist clients at times of physical/mental/emotional crises.
• Specifics of administrative duties will vary with the different shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Qualifications, And Certifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in social work or similar fields
• Training/Certification in Addictions and/or Mental Health recovery
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR
• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, or willingness to be trained.
• Experience with, and knowledge of PTSD, trauma, and addictions populations
• WHMIS
• Certification in FOODSAFE Level 1
• Universal precautions
• Computer skills and training in Word, Outlook & Excel
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Criminal Record Review Act clearance to work with vulnerable adults

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of two (2) years of working with individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in a residential setting is preferred but applicable experience will also be considered.
• Experience and knowledge of working within multiple frameworks and theoretical models of practice, program development and delivery, and working with individuals with complex mental health, PTSD and in addiction recovery needs.
• Knowledge of program population complexities.
• Knowledge and working experience of Trauma- Informed practice.

Skills And Capabilities (examples Provided Below)

• Organized with good attention to detail.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to de-escalate individuals in stressful situations

West Coast Client Support Society (WCCSS) is looking for Program Worker's who will support The Veterans Housing and Support Program. Reporting directly to the Program Manager, the Program Worker will work within a trauma-informed, client-centered, and recovery-oriented framework to support clients of WCCSS in all aspects of personal development and growth. This includes life skills and relevant social and spiritual activities, empowering clients to reach their full potential and overcome obstacles hindering their successful reintegration into the community.