POSITION: Casual Float - Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Support Worker

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Services

REPORT TO:Program Managers

HOURS OF WORK: Casual

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972 MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipegs most marginalized residents including emergency shelter and nutrition services drug and alcohol withdrawal management services health advocacy and support case management services housing support services food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic diverse team and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity respect and self-determination Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting meaningful impact on those we serve. Applicants with lived experience (peers) and indigenous background are encouraged to apply as we believe you create a rich tapestry of perspectives.

At Main Street Project we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity including embracing Truth & Reconciliation Decolonization and Anti-Oppression is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization.

Job Summary

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier housing-first emergency shelter with a 120-bed facility and drop-in space as well as a 24/7 Van Outreach program serving Winnipeg year-round. Our services focus on harm reduction and are free and accessible to all without requiring abstinence or sobriety.

The shelter provides food beverages safe access to bathrooms and showers harm reduction supplies clothing and safe daytime sleeping spaces especially during extreme weather. The Van Outreach program seeks out community members at risk offering voluntary transport to shelter warm clothing resources harm reduction supplies wellness checks and ongoing support for those living in encampments. During winter additional vans operate to increase outreach and support for houseless individuals.

The Casual Float Support Worker provides flexible coverage across these programs offering break coverage and extra support as needed. This role assists participants with daily needs crisis response eviction prevention harm reduction and capacity building. A valid drivers license is considered a strong asset for this position

Float Support Workers collaborate with participants to promote self-awareness self-worth increased independence and well-being in a safe respectful and non-judgmental environment. They uphold MSPs core values of harm reduction choice equity and diversity while helping participants build capacity and move forward on their unique recovery and housing journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and resources without judgement for community members accessing Main Street Projects programs and services
• Assist community members in planning problem-solving and addressing immediate needs
• Drive and operate MSPs Outreach Vans
• Provide transport to community members as required
• Respond to emergency situations assessing intervening and documenting critical incidents
• Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations
• Assist participants in planning problem-solving and addressing immediate needs
• Visit new encampment structures or areas being used as shelter. Monitor locate and identify individuals that may need support in accessing services
• Assist unsheltered community members to reach safety in the event of an emergency weather conditions or health emergencies
• Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food handling guidelines
• Provide clothing hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with the values of MSP
• Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy procedures and training
• Support Community Members with diversion from shelter
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records
• Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in professional manner
• Ensure participants are informed of internal and external resources services and programs and if needed advocate for clients to access services
• Remaining up to date on MSP policies internal communications safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement

Qualifications

• Experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness mental health and substance use issues
• Experience working in an emergency shelter or in an outreach capacity is considered an asset
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction Trauma Informed Care Anti-Oppressive and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of community members
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action MMIWG Calls to Justice and UNDRIP
• Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills both oral and written
• Ability to assess manage and work in a crisis
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived Experience: Knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Online Databases.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet to the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long period of time lifting up to 50 lbs. and cleaning duties (bending reaching push/pulling crouching) including working outdoor in extreme weathers.
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood bodily fluids and syringes
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviors or experiencing crisis
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to provide individual support as required for case management
• Ability to respond to service requests from first responders business owners community members or City agencies
• Ability to embody Main Street Project Core Values: Reducing Harm Truth and Reconciliation Anti-Oppression Trauma-Informed
• Cross training at Emergency Shelter and Van Outreach

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