Shelter Services Support Worker (Casual)

Main Street Project; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community health center in Winnipeg is seeking a Shelter Services Support Worker. This role involves providing compassionate support to community members accessing various programs within a harm reduction framework. The ideal candidate will have experience in human services and skills in crisis management. Benefits include competitive wages and health & dental coverage.

Benefits

Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector

Health & Dental Benefits

Pension Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Paid Sick and Family days

Shift Premiums

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use issues.
• Ability to apply harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive philosophies.
• Proficiency in de-escalation and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for community members accessing MSP's programs.
• Develop and assist participant-centered care plans.
• Ensure community members understand program area processes.

Skills

Collaboration

Crisis Management

Problem Solving

Verbal Communication

Service Excellence

Education

Current CPR certification

Mental Health First Aid certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shelter Services Support Worker (Casual)

Overview

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues, and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972 MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg’s most marginalized residents including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

MSP values an inclusive workplace and is committed to diversity, truth & reconciliation, decolonization and anti-oppression. The team is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Job Summary

MSP operates a low-barrier housing-first emergency shelter offering a 120-bed facility and drop-in space with a harm reduction focus, open 365 days a year. Services are free to use and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Low barrier means abstinence or sobriety is not required to receive services. The drop-in offers food, beverages, a safe place to use the bathroom and/or take a shower, a safe place during extreme weather, the only daytime safe sleeping space for folks who sleep during the day, access to clothing, harm reduction supplies, and ongoing support for pathways towards permanent housing.

In accordance with MSP’s mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Withdrawal Management Support Worker functions as a member of a team providing services designed to assist and support all who enter the program with respect, dignity and the goals of the participant always in mind. The Support Worker upholds MSP’s core values of harm reduction, choice, equity and diversity, and encourages individuals in capacity building. They work with participants to promote self-awareness, self-worth and increased independence without judgment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and resources without judgment for community members accessing MSP’s programs and services
• Embodies MSP’s values in day-to-day work and interactions
• Assist community members in planning, problem-solving and addressing immediate needs
• Assist in participant-centred care plans
• Provide individual support as required for case management
• Understand and uphold community member rights and shelter code of conduct
• Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations
• Respond to emergency situations, assess, intervene and document critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols
• Monitor the physical safety of community members to ensure they receive medical attention when required
• Inform community members of internal and external resources, services and programs; advocate for access to services when needed
• Assist community members in connecting to resources, including seeking out and providing information, filing out application forms and submitting appropriately
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records according to MSP policies and protocols
• Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
• Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following established cleaning duties
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in a professional manner
• Manage community member intake professionally and according to MSP policies and protocols
• Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food handling guidelines
• Provide clothing, hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with MSP values
• Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
• Oversee and facilitate laundry services
• Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy, procedures and training
• Support community members with diversion from shelter
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with MSP policy and legislation
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement

Qualifications

• Experience working in the field of human services, preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
• Experience working in an emergency shelter or in an outreach capacity is an asset
• Ability to work with a community member-centered care philosophy
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive and Housing First philosophies in day-to-day support
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived experience: knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice and UNDRIP
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants of health
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields is an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviors or experiencing crisis
• De-escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to assess, manage and work in a crisis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online databases
• Current CPR, Basic First Aid and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including being on your feet for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, push/pull, crouching)
• Exposure to biohazards including, but not limited to, blood, bodily fluids and syringes
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues
• Ability to provide support in high-intensity incidents including medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environments where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place, including smudging
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check

Values & Competencies

• Ability to embody MSP’s Core Values: Reducing Harm, Truth and Reconciliation, Anti-Oppression, Trauma-Informed

Main Skills & Competencies

• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Crisis Management
• Decision Making
• Verbal Communication
• Service Excellence
• Accountability

Main Street Project offers

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application deadline: Open until filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves; preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

Key Skills

Nursing Home Experience, Developmental Disabilities Experience, Direct Support, Computer Operation, Caregiving, Case Management, Special Needs, Training & Development, Child Protective Services, Experience with Children, Word Processing, Addiction Counseling

Employment Type : Gig

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1