Shelter Support Worker Full Time

POSITION: Support Worker

DEPARTMENT: Shelter

Location: 637 Main St

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier, housing-first emergency shelter offering 120-bed facility and drop-in space with a harm reduction focus, open 365 days a year. Our services are free to use and are offered on a first come, first served basis. Low barrier means that we don't require abstinence or sobriety as a condition to receive services

Our drop-in offers food, beverages, a safe place to use the bathroom and/or take a shower, a safe place to be during extreme weather, the only daytime safe sleeping space for folks who sleep during the day, and access to clothing, harm reduction supplies as well as ongoing support for and pathways towards permanent housing.

Under the director of the Shelter Manager and Shelter Program Coordinators, the Shelter Team Lead is responsible for guiding, monitoring and leading the shelter staff while on shift. They are responsible for motivating their teammates as well as facilitating positive communication within the staff team. As a team leader, they will be the contact point for all team members on shift and will be the initial problem solver for any arising on-shift concerns.

Shelter Description

• Provide support and resources without judgement for community member accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services
• Assist community member in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
• Assist in participant-centred care plans
• Provide individual support as required for case management
• Understand and uphold community member right and shelter code of conduct
• Ensure community member understand program area processes and expectations
• Respond to emergency situations; assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols
• Monitor the physical safety of community member to ensure they receives medical attention when required
• Ensure community members are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and if needed, advocate for community member to access services
• Assist community members in connecting to resources including seeking out and providing information, filing out application forms and submitting appropriately
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records according to MSP policies and protocols
• Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
• Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following established cleaning duties
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in professional manner
• Manage community member intake professionally and according to MSP policies and protocols
• 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
• Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
• Responsible overseeing and facilitating laundry services
• Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy, procedures and training
• Support Community Members with diversion from shelter
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance MSP policy & legislation
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                                    

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work with individuals experiencing significant trauma, mental health, poor hygiene
• Ability to assess crisis and work in a crisis situation
• Effective time management skills and interpersonal skills
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of community resources available throughout Manitoba
• Knowledge of addictions, mental health, and trauma
• Highly developed understanding of and adherence to appropriate professional boundaries
• Empathetic outlook in relationship with clients
• Ability to work with a client-centered care philosophy
• An understanding and/or experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health is essential
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of challenging behavior
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies in day-to-day support

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet to the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long periods 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

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