Shelter and Homelessness Support Specialist

This role is available to all qualified applicants.

The organization is built on inclusive and progressive values and principles. We strive for a culture of hope, belonging, teamwork, unconditional love, and safety. Our goal is to create a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. A team approach is crucial in living out our mission and values, directing our work, and creating a home-like environment for our residents.

As a key position, the Housing and Shelter Team Lead provides leadership and support to both staff and residents. They model excellent work habits and set the tone for each shift. The Team Lead advocates for residents, resolves difficult or sensitive issues, responds to medical emergencies, including overdoses, and maintains a safe and welcoming environment for marginalized individuals.

The responsibilities of this role reflect the needs of our residents and our housing programs. These duties include:

• Providing site supervision when the Site Supervisor is unavailable, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff and residents.
• Fostering a collaborative working team that practices effective communication and encourages growth.
• Handling incidents in a supportive manner while de-escalating appropriately.
• Taking appropriate actions and debriefing with the team and residents as needed.

Resident and Program Needs:

• Assisting with resident support plan development and delivery of services in collaboration with the Site Supervisor and support team.
• Performing wellness checks.
• Assisting residents with activities such as room cleans, clean out vacant rooms.
• Assisting with applications and referrals.
• Maintaining active files for assigned residents.
• Assisting with laundry as needed and maintaining on-site laundry rooms.
• Supporting residents in developing independent life skills.
• Maintaining knowledge of laws and legislation affecting our residents, such as the Mental Health Act and Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
• Utilizing de-escalation skills to mitigate challenging situations and maintain a safe environment.
• Responding to medical emergencies, including overdoses, and providing non-emergency first aid.
• Liaising with partner agencies and other professionals/support teams.
• Overseeing the daily functioning of the shelter/housing site, maintaining safety for all residents and staff.
• Collaborating with the team on engaging residents using a team approach.
• Ensuring room inspections and follow-ups are completed according to schedule.

Organization and Site Needs:

• Providing authentic leadership and support for the team and residents.
• Delegating and overseeing daily tasks.
• Plunging toilets, dealing with leaks, wearing appropriate PPE, including human waste, blood, sharps, and other paraphernalia.
• Reporting maintenance needs and requests in a timely manner according to procedure.
• Assisting with statistical information collection for reporting requirements.
• Awareness of critical incident report procedures and adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Upholding OPS policies and procedures, ensuring staff follow proper work protocols and expectations.
• Understanding and following the VicPD/OPS Cooperation agreement and liaising with Community Resource Officers as needed.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental illness, and addiction.
• Training in or knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention techniques and harm reduction approaches.
• Knowledge of services available to families and residents.
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, and creativity.
• Ability to collaborate positively with individuals, family members, and community contacts.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in an intense and challenging environment.
• Effective personal boundary setting skills.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to navigate stairs and be on feet for up to 6 hours of shift.
• Ability to kneel down to attend to overdoses and other medical emergencies.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in a related human, social services field.

Working Conditions/Compensation:

Shifts: Full-time, three 12-hour shifts (36 hours/week), Sun/Mon/Tues DAYS (7am to 7pm)

Compensation: $33.54 to $35.29 per hour.

Benefits: Vacation accrual at 6% or in accordance with length of service as per collective agreement. Eligible for comprehensive benefits plan after completion of probationary period.

This position requires union membership.