Social Support Worker (Casual)

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

1d•CA$25 - CA$25•Onsite

About The Position

Belong Ottawa, a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, supports homeless and vulnerably housed individuals to ensure their health, well-being, nourishment, and social connection. The organization's programs aim to promote equity and address barriers related to housing, food, and income insecurity. Each individual's needs are addressed through a variety of unique services. Belong Ottawa provides safe spaces that foster dignity, wellness, and hope, connecting people and creating a community. The Social Support Worker reports to the Program Manager and is the front-line support for participants, involved in daily operations and organizing social programming. They assist participants with basic needs and goal achievement, with programs being continuously evaluated and refined. The role also involves monitoring program goals and reporting on service outcomes. The daily work requires minimal to moderate physical exertion, with potential for moderate to high exertion in certain situations. Outreach services in the local community, including street outreach to assist individuals with disabilities, are also part of the role. Street outreach involves providing social support, hygiene supplies, referrals, networking, and making referrals to community resources, requiring long periods of mobility.

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.