Shelter Worker Casual

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 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:

This is an evergreen posting used to build a talent pipeline for future Shelter Worker vacancies. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates may be contacted as positions become available.

Why Work at Vancouver Harbour Light

Vancouver Harbour Light is a unique ministry of The Salvation Army in the Downtown Eastside. We are an inclusive place of new beginnings; one team serving our community from a foundation of faith respect and experience. Our recovery-focused residential and community programs provide basic needs and a holistic trauma-informed approach to meeting people where they are.

Our programs form a comprehensive continuum of alignment with our four organizational values of hope service dignity and stewardship we compassionately serve others through the provision of community meals and supports residential programs such as emergency shelters addiction treatment and correctional services learning and education programs and spiritual and pastoral care.

We trust you will find working at Vancouver Harbour Light to be a great opportunity of service as well as personally fulfilling

To find out more about us please visit our website: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm / 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm/ 11:30 pm to 7:30 am as needed each shift consists of 7.5 paid hours and a 0.5-hour paid lunch break.

Position Purpose Summary:

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.

What We Offer

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Professional development in health & safety training to equip them for the position (e.g. WHMIS Fire Safety Building Boundaries in Adult Programs etc.)
• Opportunities for career development within the organization
• High community impact (i.e. valuing the work we do in social services and being part of that impact in the community)
• Staff appreciation and other special events (e.g. Long Term Service Recognition)

Accountabilities:

The incumbent may performallsomeor similar duties to the listedbelow:

• Monitors and ensures the safety of clients and the facility by performing duties such as answering telephone calls screening clients admission/discharge ofclientsand securing the building.

• Interviews clients gathers background informationdeterminestheir suitability for the program and makes referrals to other programs and services asrequired.

• Provides advocacy and emotional support to clients in crisis by performing duties such as monitoring clients physical needs referring clients to outside agencies / or a Harbour LightCase Worker.

• Completes andmaintainsrelated records and documentation such as bed lists daily logs incident reports & memoranda.

• Makesentries andmaintainsHIFIS 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 andto takepart 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 usingappropriate methods;maintainslogbooks and completes incident reports

• Usestrauma-informed practice and harm reduction principles to guide services to clients and behavior-based criteria for access to shelter

This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities asrequired.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Candidates must be comfortable with working in Vancouvers downtowneastsideand in a multi-program facility. Our programs include community meals 24-hour and overnight shelters residential addiction treatment a correctional residential facility for men on parole low-income housing and other services.

• This position works in a 24/7 Shelter and/or in Emergency Shelter facility/social services facility.

• This position works innoisyand crowded environment with upsetabusiveor angry people from time to time.

• This position may requireoverdoseresponse and include the administering of Naloxone.

• This position may be exposed to bodily fluids and/or sharps.

• The performance of the job requires:

• Sitting forlong periodsof time

• Moderate amounts of computer use (including repetitive data entry)

• Some lifting (up to 20lbs unassisted)

• Continuouslymonitoringthe environment

• Frequent recording of information

• The work schedule (overnight shifts) may affect lifestyle.

• This position requires 0-10% travel.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Armys Mission Vision and Values in a professional manner upholding our code of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• 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 Armys 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 isrequired. Criminal Record Review Program clearance isrequiredfor all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light.

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• 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)

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum three (3) months of experience working with the homeless including experience with frontline work in a social services setting.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong senseof integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Mustdemonstratea 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

• Additionallanguage skills are an asset

Probationary rate: $26.85 /hr.

Post-probationary rate: $27.60 /hr.

Compensation:

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 if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.