Housing Support Worker Full Time

POSITION:  The Bell Support Worker

DEPARTMENT: Housing

FTE: 1.0 Days Perm

HOURS OF WORK: Days

Main Street Project provides supportive housing to individuals experiencing homeless at two locations: Mainstay and the Bell. Using both harm-reduction and housing first philosophies, staff actively engage with each resident to support eviction prevention, harm reduction, life skills, capacity building, goal setting and advocacy services through the lens of independence and tenant-defined success

In accordance with Main Street Project’s mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Housing Support Worker functions as a member of a team in providing services designed to assist and individuals in meeting their basic needs, and to ensure their safety and well-being.  

• Coordinate move-ins for community members entering housing, adhering to established protocols, and collaborating with external partners.
• Conduct regular floor checks to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the housing premises.
• Assist with medication management, including proper storage, distribution, and documentation.
• Develop and implement programming initiatives to enhance the well-being and engagement of housing program participants.
• Provide comprehensive support to participants in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs, such as food, water, clothing, and other essential items.
• Offer non-judgmental support and connect participants with relevant resources and services, both internal and external.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations, including assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents, and seeking assistance as necessary.
• Ensure that participants are well-informed about available internal and external resources, services, and programs.
• Uphold professional standards of care in all interactions and service delivery.
• Foster collaborative relationships with external partners to optimize support for housing program participants.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical records pertaining to program participants.
• Collect and submit required agency statistics promptly and accurately.
• Uphold cleanliness standards by following routine cleaning schedules for the program area during each shift.

• Relevant experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
• Experience working in housing is considered an asset
• Post secondary education in the field of addictions and mental health is considered an asset
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records. 
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners
• Compassion for working with individuals who use substances and experience mental health issues
• Ability to work with a participant-centred care philosophy
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• 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 Indigenous culture
• Able to contribute to a culturally safe environment for staff and participants
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
• An understanding/experience in working with culturally diverse populations 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & online databases
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviours or experiencing crisis
• De-escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to assess crisis and work in a crisis situation 

• 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)
• 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
  
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

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