Shelter Support Worker (Casual)

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory in Abbotsford is seeking a Shelter Support Worker to maintain a safe environment for guests and visitors. You will support crisis intervention and work under supervision in a community shelter setting.

Required include a Grade 12 diploma, 1 year in social services, CPR/First Aid, and trauma-informed care knowledge. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and English fluency are essential; willingness to obtain additional certifications is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Completed grade 12 high school diploma.
• 1 year experience in the Social Services field.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• CPR First Aid certification.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and secure environment for guests and visitors.
• Read HIFIS and staff-to-staff notes at the start of each shift.
• Record day-to-day happenings and maintain logbooks.
• Liaise with referral sources and external agencies as needed.
• Handle admission, orientation and policy enforcement for guests.
• Assist with meal prep, service and related kitchen duties.
• Perform cleaning and janitorial tasks as required.
• Monitor guests and provide support while ensuring safety.

Skills

Communication

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Customer service

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary diploma 1–2 years

CPR/First Aid

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

Job Description:

The Shelter Support Worker provides a safe and secure environment for guests and visitors. The Incumbent may provide emotional support and crisis intervention and is responsible for the smooth operation of the facilities during their shift.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serves as The Salvation Army’s representative to Shelter Guests and Visitors
• Reads HIFIS and Staff to Staff notes at the beginning of each shift
• Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks and completes occurrence reports
• May liaise with referral sources and other external agencies as needed (e.g. welfare, police, parole, urgent situations)
• Handles the admission, orientation and evaluation of guests’ understanding of rules; ensures ongoing enforcement of policies, which may include guest discipline
• May serve as Receptionist for Shelter, answering phones promptly and as necessary
• Follows proper intake procedures for new guests
• Monitors the activities of the guests/residents and maintains availability for personal, practical and morale support; may include providing safe storage and recording of prescribed medications
• May assist with meal prep, clean-up and serving, including checking food temperatures
• Assists in completing kitchen and janitorial inventory and reports information to Head Cook and Community Ministries Supervisor.
• Participates in scheduled job-related training as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• May call in employees as required to fill in for last-minute employee absences.
• Gives input into orientating, training and evaluating staff.
• Oversees the coffee service schedule.
• Completes cleaning duties as assigned.
• Provides appropriate assistance to guests when required.
• Communicates guest food allergy and dietary restriction information to Head Cook and Community Ministries Supervisor.
• Treats all residents with respect and dignity at all times.

Health, Safety & Environmental

• May carry out inspection/security checks of property and grounds in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Complies with all safety procedures.
• Ensures proper lifting, twisting and reaching techniques are used during job performance.
• Checks intercom and monitor before answering the door. Answers the door with proper precautions.
• Responsible to sign-in and out the appropriate set of keys, ensuring the safety and security of the facility.
• Regularly checks that the working partner’ is feeling well. .

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal: staff members, management team, clients.

External: community association and representatives, general public, police, agencies.

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY** :**

• Reports directly to the Community Ministries Supervisor.
• No direct reports for this position.
• May show others how to perform certain procedures.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Minimal material responsibility.
• Responsible for the safekeeping of materials and equipment for own use.
• Does not process any financial transactions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

A large part of the job involves working in a public sector; therefore, courtesy and confidentiality are imperative. The incumbent, similar to other employees, is to show respect and dignity to fellow employees, clients, and members of the public as well as is expected to abstain from using profane language while in the facility or representing The Salvation Army as an employee.

If the incumbent is aware of confidential information as part of their work, they are not permitted to discuss this information with anyone other than those to whom they report to in their position. Divulging any information is grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

The employee may at times be subject to hazardous or disagreeable conditions in the performance of their duties such as:

• Dealing with angry and highly emotional residents and their families.
• May encounter verbal abuse.
• May involve bending, stretching, reaching, and climbing.
• Minimal opportunities for rest breaks may occur during the shift.
• May involve sitting, standing, walking for long periods of time.
• Work schedule affecting lifestyle
• Dirt/dust/ temperature variations
• Requirement to lift up to 30 pounds.

The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of minor harm, injury or illnesses due to:

• Physical attacks by others (i.e. violent/aggressive guests)
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Exposure to pests/vermin
• Emergency response situations (fire, bomb threat, etc.)
• Other potentially dangerous situations
• Exposure to companion animals and their effects
• The Incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health and safety rules):
• Universal Precautions
• Follow procedures established by policy and legislation

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent
• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct**.**

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completed grade 12 high school diploma.
• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college diploma program of 1-2 academic years in a related field (e.g., Social Service Work, Mental Health & Addictions, etc.) is a strong asset.
• CPR First Aid ©.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate or willingness to obtain.

Note: an alternative level of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum one year experience in the Social Services field.
• Proved knowledge of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention is an asset.
• Experience on customer service/care is an asset.
• Comfortable using Microsoft/computer programs.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Adhere to standards consistent with the mission and values of The Salvation Army and Crossroads.
• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to read and follow the Policies and Procedure Manual and employee handbook.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner.
• The performance of the job requires a moderate amount of computer work and walking around the premises.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs with no assistance from others or up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• The performance of the job requires attentive listening (empathy to guests/volunteers/co-workers) and the ability to give directions.
• Requires monitoring of the environment, security cameras and attentiveness when interacting with guests.
• Physical ability to perform tasks.
• Ability to work with respect and dignity with clients.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as a positive team member.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 with a maximum of $30.13.

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.

Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.