Shelter Worker - Casual

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

This is an evergreen posting used to build a talent pipeline for future “Shelter Worker” vacancies. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted as positions become available.

Why Work at “Vancouver Harbour Light”

Vancouver Harbour Light is a unique ministry of The Salvation Army in the Downtown Eastside. We are an inclusive place of new beginnings; one team, serving our community from a foundation of faith, respect, and experience. Our recovery-focused residential and community programs provide basic needs and a holistic, trauma-informed approach to meeting people where they are.

Our programs form a comprehensive continuum of care. In alignment with our four organizational values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship, we compassionately serve others through the provision of community meals and supports, residential programs such as emergency shelters, addiction treatment, and correctional services, learning and education programs, and spiritual and pastoral care.

We trust you will find working at Vancouver Harbour Light to be a great opportunity of service as well as personally fulfilling

To find out more about us please visit our website: https://vancouverharbourlightsa.ca/

Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm / 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm/ 11:30 pm to 7:30 am as needed, each shift consists of 7.5 paid hours, and a 0.5-hour paid lunch break.

Position Purpose Summary:  

Under the direction of the Shelter Operations Manager, the Shelter Worker is responsible for the intake/discharge, communication, observation and monitoring of clients and routine duties of the shelter. The Shelter Worker may liaise with the Shelters Case Workers to carry out a variety of duties related to supporting clients while at the emergency shelter. This position is team oriented. All shifts are “awake” shifts. 

What We Offer

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 
• Professional development in health & safety training to equip them for the position (e.g., WHMIS, Fire Safety, Building Boundaries in Adult Programs, etc.)
• Opportunities for career development within the organization
• High community impact (i.e., valuing the work we do in social services and being part of that impact in the community)
• Staff appreciation and other special events (e.g., Long Term Service Recognition)

Accountabilities:   

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar duties to the listed below:  

• Monitors and ensures the safety of clients and the facility by performing duties such as answering telephone calls, screening clients, admission/discharge of clients and securing the building.

• Interviews clients, gathers background information, determines their suitability for the program, and makes referrals to other programs and services as required. 

• Provides advocacy and emotional support to clients in crisis by performing duties such as monitoring client’s physical needs, referring clients to outside agencies / or a Harbour Light Case Worker.  

• Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as bed lists, daily logs, incident reports & memoranda.  

• Makes entries and maintains HIFIS database. 

• Encourages and supports individuals to make healthy choices and practices through methods such as exchanging needles and provision of health and safety materials such as condoms and to take part in recreational and/or social activities. 

• Performs a variety of cleaning and maintenance duties such as (but not limited to): inspection and general upkeep of assigned areas (including regular checks of washrooms, laundry room and common areas); disinfecting of mattresses on client discharge; and general cleaning for health and safety reasons, such as use of spill kit, attending to wet floors and other duties required when housekeeping is not on site.  

• Participates as a team member with other staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by performing duties such as responding to emergency issues and supporting others through methods such as sharing knowledge and information. 

• Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks and completes incident reports 

• Uses trauma-informed practice and harm reduction principles to guide services to clients and behavior-based criteria for access to shelter 

This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities as required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:   

• Candidates must be comfortable with working in Vancouver’s downtown eastside and in a multi-program facility. Our programs include community meals, 24-hour and overnight shelters, residential addiction treatment, a correctional residential facility for men on parole, low-income housing, and other services. 

• This position works in a 24/7 Shelter and/or in Emergency Shelter facility/social services facility. 

• This position works in noisy and crowded environment with upset, abusive or angry people from time to time.  

• This position may require overdose response and include the administering of Naloxone. 

• This position may be exposed to bodily fluids and/or sharps. 

• The performance of the job requires: 

• Sitting for long periods of time 

• Moderate amounts of computer use (including repetitive data entry) 

• Some lifting (up to 20lbs unassisted) 

• Continuously monitoring the environment 

• Frequent recording of information 

• The work schedule (overnight shifts) may affect lifestyle.  

• This position requires 0-10% travel.  

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.  

Education and Experience Qualifications:  

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities. 

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures. 

• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Criminal Record Review Program clearance is required for all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light.  

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:   

• High School, plus specialized courses of up to six (6) months. 

• Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained) 

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements   

• Minimum three (3) months of experience working with the homeless, including experience with frontline work in a social services setting. 

Skills and Capabilities:  

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility. 

• Must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the homeless and individuals with substance abuse and concurrent problems, including mental health concerns. 

• Basic to Intermediate computer skills, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills 

• Additional language skills are an asset 

Probationary rate: $26.85 /hr.

Post-probationary rate: $27.60 /hr.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.