Social Support Worker (Casual)

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Our teams are the heart of our mission, working alongside participants to meet their basic needs, achieve personal goals, and build a stronger community. Whether it’s preparing food, organizing activities, lending a listening ear, or hitting the streets for outreach, you’ll be making an impact every single day. Belong Ottawa, a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, offers support to homeless and vulnerably housed people to ensure health and well-being, nourishment, and social connection. Our programs promote equity and address barriers such as housing, food and income insecurity. Everyone who comes to our agencies will be given the opportunity to have their individual needs addressed through a variety of services unique to each program and space. Our mission is to provide safe spaces that connect people and create a community in which we foster dignity, wellness, and hope for all. The Social Support Worker reports to the Program Manager and is the front-line support to the participants of Belong Ottawa. They are involved in all aspects of the daily operations and will participate in organizing social and other programming. The Social Support Worker assists participants as required to meet their basic needs and work toward their goals. Programs are evaluated, and refined, on an ongoing basis in order to meet the needs of the participants. The Social Support Worker is also involved in monitoring program goals and reporting on the outcomes of services as required by the Program Manager. Each of the day programs offer programs and services unique to their community needs. The daily routine work requires minimal to moderate physical exertion. However, there may be instances that may arise that will require moderate to high physical exertion. Social Support Workers may be called upon for outreach services in the local community. Belong Ottawa provides street outreach, enabling us to reach a larger demographic, including assisting individuals living with disabilities. Street outreach includes, but is not limited to, providing social support, personal hygiene supplies, referring individuals to our programs, networking with other agencies and making referrals to other community resources. Street outreach requires long periods of mobility within each community sector. The needs of each community are unique and as such we will support our communities to the best of our ability based on what each agency is able to offer.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in the social sciences, social work or equivalent experience and education.
Experience and passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs considered assets
Experience supporting people living with homelessness, mental health and addiction challenges
Experience in overdose response is an asset
Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawal
A client-centered and non-judgmental approach.
A demonstrated flexible approach with the ability to problem solve.
Understanding issues related to poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness and a strong motivation to support people to achieve their potential.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to maintain professionalism in stressful situations.
Ability to work in a demanding and busy environment.
Experience working with people from marginalized communities and diverse populations.
Experience working with people who have experienced homelessness.
Excellent knowledge of community resources and social services in Ottawa.
Harm reduction training such as Naloxone and safe needle handling/disposal.
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training.
First Aid, CPR, AED training.
Bilingualism, English/French, is preferred and additional languages would be an asset.
Moderate computer skills (ie: basic use of MS office).
Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check is required

Nice To Haves

Experience and passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs considered assets
Experience in overdose response is an asset
Bilingualism, English/French, is preferred and additional languages would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensure that a safe and supportive environment is maintained at the Centre.
Assist in the planning and supervision of recreational activities.
Assist during mealtimes.
Encourage participants to be engaged in activities and daily tasks related to the program.
Provide information, assistance, and advocacy to participants in accordance with the policies and procedures of each social service drop-in centre.
Provide support for volunteers at each drop-in centre.
Advise and mentor academic students, as directed by the Sr. Social Support Workers and Program Manager.
Make referrals to other agencies and community resources as required.
Ensure that each Centre is secured upon closing each day.
Ensure that emergency and critical participant incident management plans are affected appropriately.
Work collaboratively with the other staff on site, including the Program Administrator, other Program Support Workers, the Food Services staff, ODSP Application Assistants, Social Support workers.
Support the Program Manager in the administration and operational responsibilities of the organization as required.