Shelter Support Worker

The Salvation Army in Canada; London; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a Shelter Support role to help maintain a safe, clean environment for clients, with intake, crisis intervention, and harm reduction.

You will work under Shelter Supervisors or Managers, perform administrative duties, and connect clients with services while fostering dignity and respect.

The job emphasizes OH&S compliance, compassion, and teamwork in a community-focused setting across Ontario.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 plus up to six months of specialized courses.
• First Aid + CPR and Food Safe certification.
• Good computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety and security of clients and the facility.
• Conduct client intake interviews, assess program suitability, admissions & discharges, and referrals.
• Offer emotional support and crisis referrals to clients in need.

Skills

Good communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

OH&S safety

Education

Grade 12

First Aid + CPR

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 world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live 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.

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 world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live 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.

Shower Program

Monday- Friday 8a-12p

Position Purpose Summary

This role is responsible for supporting safe and clean environment for clients through active monitoring, intake and administrative support, crisis intervention, and harm reduction practices. This role also collaborates with team members to promote client well-being and effective program delivery. The role contributes to the broader mission and values of The Salvation Army, upholding standards of service that reflect its spiritual and social commitment to the community.

Accountabilities

• Monitor and maintain the safety and security of clients and the facility, including building access, client screening, and responding to emergencies.
• Conduct client intake interviews, assess program suitability, facilitate admissions and discharges, and provide referrals to internal and external services as directed by the supervisor.
• Offer emotional support and advocacy to clients in crisis, addressing immediate needs and connecting them with appropriate case workers or community resources.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including bed lists, daily logs, incident reports, memoranda, and entries in the HIFIS database.
• Encourage and support clients in adopting positive lifestyle choices within their existing environment by promoting harm reduction, personal hygiene, social engagement, dignity, and personal responsibility, while distributing health and safety materials and fostering participation in recreational and community activities.
• Perform light cleaning and maintenance duties to ensure a sanitary and welcoming environment, including client areas, common spaces, and washrooms.
• Collaborate with team members to foster a safe and supportive atmosphere by sharing information, addressing issues promptly, and contributing to a respectful workplace and representing the Salvation Army in a respectful and professional way.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Critical Relationship Management

Internal: Ministry Unit leadership, staff, and volunteers.

External: Contractors, vendors, guests/clients of ministry unit.

Managerial Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Shelter Supervisors or Shelter Manager

Financial And Materials Management

• Expected to exercise good judgment in the use of organizational and personal resources.
• May be responsible for maintaining and tracking inventories of cleaning supplies.
• May hold material responsibility for the proper care and maintenance of cleaning tools and equipment and use of cleaners.

Working Conditions

• Work duties are mostly performed indoors.
• The performance of the role requires a frequent amount of standing; moderate amounts of lifting, carrying, and walking.
• Physical effort needed in basic cleaning; care is required in the use of chemicals and cleaners.
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift, carry or pull/push objects up to 30 lbs are usually required.
• The work environment is generally positive; however, the incumbent may occasionally interact with individuals displaying challenging behaviours.

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Completion of Grade 12 plus specialized courses of up to six (6) months is a minimum requirement for this role.
• Completion of First Aid + CRP and Food Safe.
• Good computer skills.

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

• Three months of related experience is a minimum requirement for this role.
• General familiarity with cleaning procedures in an organizational setting.
• Experience working with a diverse population.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in working with people with mental health and addictions issues.
• An alternative level or combination of education and experience may be acceptable.

Skills And Capabilities

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions accurately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift, carry or pull/push objects up to 30 lbs.
• Disciplined and adaptable, with a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with good problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated patience, understanding, and professionalism in all interactions.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics, with a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

Disclaimer

This job profile is a generic, territory-wide representation of the job class and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace or supersede the official job description as defined in the applicable collective agreement. For specific duties, responsibilities, and terms of employment, please refer to the collectively bargained job description.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $21.65 to $22.80 with a maximum of $23.95.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.