Casual Shelter Worker

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Vancouver, BC

1d•CA$27 - CA$28•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Shelter Operations Manager, the Shelter Worker is responsible for the intake/discharge, communication, observation and monitoring of clients and routine duties of the shelter. The Shelter Worker may liaise with the Shelters Case Workers to carry out a variety of duties related to supporting clients while at the emergency shelter. This position is team oriented. All shifts are “awake” shifts.

Requirements

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.
Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Criminal Record Review Program clearance is required for all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light.
High School, plus specialized courses of up to six (6) months.
Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained)
Minimum three (3) months of experience working with the homeless, including experience with frontline work in a social services setting.
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
Must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the homeless and individuals with substance abuse and concurrent problems, including mental health concerns.
Basic to Intermediate computer skills, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Additional language skills are an asset

Responsibilities

Monitors and ensures the safety of clients and the facility by performing duties such as answering telephone calls, screening clients, admission/discharge of clients and securing the building.
Interviews clients, gathers background information, determines their suitability for the program, and makes referrals to other programs and services as required.
Provides advocacy and emotional support to clients in crisis by performing duties such as monitoring client’s physical needs, referring clients to outside agencies / or a Harbour Light Case Worker.
Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as bed lists, daily logs, incident reports & memoranda.
Makes entries and maintains HIFIS database.
Encourages and supports individuals to make healthy choices and practices through methods such as exchanging needles and provision of health and safety materials such as condoms and to take part in recreational and/or social activities.
Performs a variety of cleaning and maintenance duties such as (but not limited to): inspection and general upkeep of assigned areas (including regular checks of washrooms, laundry room and common areas); disinfecting of mattresses on client discharge; and general cleaning for health and safety reasons, such as use of spill kit, attending to wet floors and other duties required when housekeeping is not on site.
Participates as a team member with other staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by performing duties such as responding to emergency issues and supporting others through methods such as sharing knowledge and information.
Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks and completes incident reports.
Uses trauma-informed practice and harm reduction principles to guide services to clients and behavior-based criteria for access to shelter.