Term Support Response Worker

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada .
full-time . October 16, 2024

Description

New employment opportunity available

Job Ad: Full Time Term Support Response Worker – All Facilities (x2)

Start Date: ASAP – 12 month Full Time Term Position

At Shelter Nova Scotia we provide places to stay and services to promote stability for marginalized individuals. You will contribute to a community without judgement with spaces and places for people to belong.

About the Facilities

Metro Turning Point is a 30 bed emergency shelter serving individuals who identify as male or gender diverse who are experiencing homelessness.

Barry House is a 17-bed emergency shelter serving individuals who identify as female or are gender diverse who are experiencing homelessness.

Nehiley House is a community residential facility for residents who identify as female or are gender diverse. We have room for 8 people every night and we can accommodate women and their children through our "Mother/Child" program.

Sir Sandford Fleming House is a community residential facility for residents who identify as male or are gender diverse. We have room for 20 people every night.

Herring Cove Apartments is a supported living environment for individuals who identify as male or are gender diverse, have alcohol use disorder and have a history of homelessness. We provide supported, affordable housing to up to 12 people in the form of shared apartments, enabling our tenants to create a sense of community.

The Rebuilding is a supported apartment complex for 19 individuals who identify as male or are gender diverse. It offers individual housing for tenants referred from the community "by name" list who have barriers to maintaining stable housing and require support services. Employees are available to support tenants on a 24/7 basis and are on-site daily.

The Hub supports people who are experiencing homelessness through a connection to Coordinated Access System (CAS), support with housing applications, and provides food, clothing, shower and laundry access (laundry and shower are intended for those who sleep outside). It also serves as a space to build connection and belonging among those who are housed but experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Hub also administers a modest fund to disperse to people in need of non-recurring prevention and diversion funds (funded via Department of Community Services).

Requirements

· Successful candidate must have post-secondary experience

· Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required

· Must have Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C” or be willing to acquire within the first 6 months of employment.

· A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory.

Hours of Work

72 to 96 hours per biweekly pay period on a scheduled rotation of 12 hour shifts including days, nights and weekends. Average of 84 hours biweekly. This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary

$23.50 per hour

Benefits

· 2 weeks’ vacation (84 hours)

· 8 paid personal days (96 hours)

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Upon completion of probation

· 2% RRSP Match

· Health & Dental

Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences. We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.

Job Description: Support Response Worker (SRW) Full Time

Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not for profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.

Summary: Responsible to an assigned Sector Director and while onsite at a facility reporting to the House Manager, the Support Response Worker (SRW) is required to monitor the live schedule to see where to report to during their scheduled rotation. It is the responsibility of the SRW to provide short notice shift coverage to all six of Shelter Nova Scotia’s facilities. When not assigned to short notice shifts this position will rotate through facilities as extra support.

The Support Response Worker is responsible for the operation of the facilities standard while on duty per the Operational Policies and Procedures, the Human Resources Manual as well as applicable legislation. Demonstrating a commitment to ethical behavior that promotes quality client service and professional interactions with colleagues, clients and community partners means you will be a good representative of Shelter Nova Scotia at all times while ensuring that Shelter Nova Scotia’s mission, vision and values are understood and modeled.

Responsibilities

Client Service Delivery

· Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty

· Advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate

· Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income assistance) (Shelter, Housing)

· Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Correctional Service of Canada and the applicable legislation (Criminal Code of Canada, Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR), and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) (Corrections)

· Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with clients, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes

· Follow the Statement of Work (Corrections)

· Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness (Shelter, Housing)

· Actively participate in parole supervision as necessary (Corrections)

· Accurately and professionally document notes relating to clients interactions and keep other team members up to date on client issues

· Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required

· Not establish solitary confidentiality with clients

· Maintains client privacy by sharing information only on a need to know basis. Protects the confidential information of the guests, residents and tenants;

· Addresses and resolves conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures

· Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely respectful manner

· Participate in meal preparation, presentation and clean up

· Assist clients with self-administration of medications if required

· Monitor clients as outlined by the rules and regulations of the Shelter Nova Scotia, Correctional Services of Canada, the National Parole Board (Corrections)

· Supervise parolees and support the reporting and program requirements of each offender by liaise with the parole officer as needed (Corrections)

· Establish and/or maintain Chain-of Custody of evidence (Corrections)

· Understand the dynamics of an offender’s behavior and assess their needs and risk (Corrections)

Facility Operation

· Receive and direct proper storage of deliveries and donations

· Review shift checklists and ensure assigned tasks are completed

· Maintain the daily operation of the facility including building security by completing regular facility checks

· Monitor activity of visitors coming in and out of the facility (Housing)

· Utilize the facility camera system to assist with the daily operation of the facility; activate and deactivate the alarm as required

· Participate in room searches and inspections when required (Corrections)

· Exterior grounds maintenance: complete tasks assigned to you that contribute to a clean environment and report any required repairs as recognized

· Interior facility maintenance: Daily cleaning and minor maintaining of facility, and units (Housing), bedding setup, laundry, garbage removal and recycling

· Ensure that the office and common areas are tidy and free from clutter and food is safely stored or discarded prior to the end of each shift

Action Planning

· Demonstrates appropriate interviewing, active listening and supportive skills with a thorough knowledge of community resources

· Conduct intakes, assessments and interviews

· Engage with clients to co-construct housing plans and to assist clients in establishing goals (Shelter)

· Identify resources available to support housing plans (Shelter), and any other services appropriate to the client’s needs or for public service requirements

· Provide ongoing assessment of housing plans and redesign plans as necessary (Shelter)

· Encourage the development and enhancement of life skills including money management

· Upon direction from the House Manager, inventory and secure the personal effects of tenants in the event a tenant is evicted or abandons their unit (Housing)

Admin

· Completion of accurate and timely documentation as per Policies and Procedures

· Maintain accurate and up to date HIFIS database according to guidelines provided (Shelter, Housing)

· Maintain an accurate filing system

· Complete detailed shift briefings (to include updates on all clients and facility activities) as required

· Assist with development of resource material for client and public education

· Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and awareness when handling bus tickets, gift cards and petty cash

· Complete file preparation as necessary (Corrections)

· Monitor and document client progress

· Complete travel permits (Corrections)

Occupational Health and Safety

· Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same

· Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.

· Responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required

· Reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions

Other

· Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior

· Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer

· Perform other related duties as assigned or deemed necessary by the House Manager or Sector Director

Working Conditions

· Perform the On Call function as required

· Continuous operation (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) requires incumbents to regularly work rotating 12 hour shifts that include days, nights, and weekends

Hazards

· Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids) sharps (e.g. needles) chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)

· Hazards associated with working in physical contact with clients with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases

· Clients may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed)

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

· Working with clients often leads to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and clients. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve

· High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity

· Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands

Technical Competencies

· Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required

· Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification

· Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check

· Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook

· Experience with interviewing, counseling, and intervention techniques is considered an asset

· Knowledge of mental health and addictions an asset

· A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory.

Hours of Work

72 to 96 hours per biweekly pay period on a scheduled rotation of 12 hour shifts including days, nights and weekends. Average of 84 hours biweekly.

Salary

$23.50 per hour

Benefits & Vacation

Available as per Shelter Nova Scotia Policy

Compensation

$23.50 per hour

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