Personal Support Worker jobs in Canada

Job Type: Permanent Part Time – Saturday & Sunday, 3pm-11pm

Pay: $24.95

As an Addiction Support Worker, you are front-line, working as part of a team, interacting directly with our clients in our shelter, the majority of whom are homeless and under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The primary responsibility is to ensure that clients' needs are assessed and met appropriately while clients are visiting our shelter. Your responsibilities would include:

• Completing admissions and discharges of individuals, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Treats clients with respect and dignity, interacting with them in a caring, non-judgmental manner
• Monitors clients' safety and well-being, ensuring their withdrawal symptoms are being monitored appropriately, and getting support when needed
• Provide one-on-one support to clients who need extra care and attention, including assisting with showering
• Monitor the outside of the building, conduct rounds and pick up/ sweep up garbage around the building; with team assistance, assist clients sleeping near the building inside or find a safe place for them
• Monitor the line-ups, assess highly intoxicated clients and bring them into shelter first, physically assisting them if needed
• Attend to crisis situations (e.g. seizures, disagreements, overdoses) both inside and outside, focusing on defusing situations before they escalate
• Interacts with other addiction agencies and community members, community services including police and EMS
• Role model Alpha House’s values and be a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
• Completes daily and nightly chores, including cleaning and laundry
• Follows established protocols to ensure bodily fluids are properly cleaned up and areas disinfected
• Provides clients with information regarding treatment options, and makes referrals as required
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards (MSDS, OH&S, WHMIS, etc.), including assisting in maintaining cleanliness of the building inside and out
• Supports other programs in the agency as needed by working a shift in PSH, Outreach or Detox/Stabilization

We are looking for an Addiction Support Worker to join our Shelter program. The ideal candidate would have the following:

• A minimum two-year program related to Human Services, from a Public Post-Secondary Educational Institution, or in progress towards one
• Front line experience working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with people who are socially disadvantaged
• An understanding of addictions including withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma-informed care, crisis management and crisis counseling, and impact of mental health issues
• Must be tolerant, non-judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy towards the homeless and those struggling with addictions and/or mental health
• Proven crisis management, problem solving skills, rapport-building and advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate with respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain confidentiality of clients
• A well-developed sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution, de-escalation and people management skills
• Team player with strong written and oral English communication skills
• Have ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike including a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook

• Must have a Class 5 non-GDL license
• Must have, or be in-progress to complete, a two-year diploma program or Bachelor’s degree from a Public Post-Secondary Institution and/or Indigenous individuals with four years of facilitating traditional ceremony experience
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position
• Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa
• Able to complete FOIP & "It’s your Move" training, or equivalent Patient Lift training

Alpha House is dedicated to providing safe, caring, and respectful environments for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve, offering comprehensive support and resources to help individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

• Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations
• Personal Development and training opportunities
• Gain experience working at a non-profit

If this role sounds like something you are interested in, we urge you to apply!