Shelter Worker (Casual)

The Salvation Army in Canada; Richmond; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Richmond House Emergency Shelter in Richmond, BC is seeking a dedicated Shelter Attendant to monitor guest activities, assist with intake, and enforce policies. You will help maintain a safe, orderly environment while supporting guests through basic needs and program participation.

Responsibilities include meal service, coordinating with Case Workers, recording incidents, and facilitating activities.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services or related field or combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience working with the homeless and related issues.
• Training in Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) and crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Maintain logs and incident reports with accurate documentation.
• Ensure guest safety, bed checks, and room searches; enforce limits.
• Prepare and serve breakfast; set up coffee bar; assist with meals.
• Collaborate with Case Workers to support guests’ plans.
• Engage guests in activities and coordinate with external agencies as needed.
• Attend staff meetings and maintain confidentiality.

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Services or related field

2+ years homelessness/mental health experience

VAT crisis intervention training

First Aid & CPR certification

Background check clearance

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:

Location: Richmond House

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

- Monitors the activities of the guests; may include providing safe storage and recording of prescribed medications, doing basic in-take and complete paperwork, orientation of new guests, ensures ongoing enforcement of policies, which may include enforcing restrictions.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Adheres to the policies and standards of The Salvation Army as established in policy and program manuals, Health & Safety Guidelines, job descriptions, written memos, and verbal agreements.
• Maintain the cleanliness and order of the shelter while on duty.
• Carry out inspection/security checks of property and grounds in accordance with policies and procedures
• Carry out inspection of neighboring properties and remove any drug or alcohol paraphernalia using safe procedures, in accordance to our Good Neighbour Policy and
• Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks appropriately and completes incident reports
• Responsible for the care and safety of guests in the Shelter, as well as the premises itself, including doing bed checks, room/personal searches. Establish clear, simple, and consistent limits for the guests. Encourage and facilitate the participation of guests to create a safe, positive atmosphere.
• Prepares and serves breakfast for guests, sets up coffee bar, may prepare or provide simple meals for guests
• Work with Case Workers to assist guests in working through their case plans as appropriate, providing personal, practical, and moral support to guests and feedback to Case Workers
• Engage with guests by providing activities as appropriate, i.e. Sports, crafts, games
• Liaises with referral sources and other external agencies as needed (e.g., , Ministry of Social Development-Income Assistance office, RCMP, BC Housing, etc.
• Attend staff and any other meetings called or directed to by the supervisor.
• May serve as Receptionist for Shelter
• Maintain professional growth through attending workshops, courses and by reviewing current information/resources. Attend any training courses, workshops as directed by the supervisor.
• Forster and nurture a positive professional team environment at all times.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all knowledge of and information about guests
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include, but not limited to: general admin duties (making calls, sending emails, photocopying, scanning documents, resourcing resources for clients, updating folders at front desk, making posters, assisting with maintaining staff bulletin board, assist in facilitating workshops and groups)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to adhere to the Mission Statement of The Salvation Army Richmond House Emergency Shelter.
• Post-secondary education in Social Services or a related field, or combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of previous experience and/or training working with the homeless and have a good working knowledge of homelessness, mental health and addiction issues
• Training in Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT)
• Training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution and mediation skills is essential.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the homeless and individuals with substance abuse and concurrent problems, including mental health concerns.
• Must have First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain Criminal Record Check in accordance with Criminal Records Review Program.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Commitment to a problem‑solving approach.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify sensitive issues and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must be sensitive to and respectful of cultural and lifestyle diversity.

The incumbent works in generally agreeable conditions, with the following exceptions:

• Dealing with angry people
• Verbal abuse
• Multi‑tasking

The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health and safety rules):

• Universal Precautions
• Immunization for Hepatitis B
• Vaccination against Tuberculosis

Compensation: The target hiring range for this position is $24.70 to $24.95 with a maximum of $25.20. 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.