This posting is open to all qualified applicants.

Our Place

Society (OPS) is an organization founded on inclusive and progressive Christian values and principles.

We are driven by our values: hope and belonging, teamwork, unconditional love and safety. A team approach is critical to living out our mission and values and directing our work. Reporting to the Site Supervisor and Team Lead, the Housing / Shelter Support Worker participates directly in identifying clients’ problems, needs and risks.

Plans and conducts individual counselling sessions using basis one on one counselling techniques. Provides specific basic life skills building in problem areas. They are directly involved in the engagement and provision of services from intake procedures and programs to help residents/shelter users succeed in their goals.

The Housing / Shelter Support Worker advocates for residents, resolves difficult or sensitive issues or problems, responds to medical emergencies including overdoses, and maintains a safe and welcoming environment for a marginalized population. The duties and responsibilities reflect the needs of our residents/shelter users and our housing and shelter programs. These duties are listed but not limited to the areas included below.

Resident/Shelter User and Program Needs: Assist with all aspects of resident support plan development and delivery of services, in collaboration with Team Lead/Site Supervisor and support team if applicable. Develop rapport and trusting yet professional relationships with residents. Assist with "Meet and Greet" of prospective residents and current resident/shelter user intakes.

Participates in the set-up of shelter upon arrival and clean up before end of shift. Distribute harm reduction supplies, personal hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, meals, etc. to residents. Assist residents with activities such as room cleans; Assist with appropriate applications and referrals (for example, Income Assistance, other housing permanent housing supports and support team referrals).

Develops and implements short-term, issue specific intervention plans within program guidelines by one-on-one support, in consultation with the Site Supervisor and/or with any outside agencies, such as ACT teams, detox and treatment programs. Gathers information relevant to the client’s problems, needs and risks by interviewing, observing behavior, meeting with any other service providers, and using a variety of inventories,



checklists, and questionnaires. Reviews the information gathered to identify problems, needs and risks.

Plans, prepares, and conducts basic individual counselling session using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution, basic psycho-educational group methods to resolve identified problems, needs and risks. Maintain an active file for each assigned resident. Outlines services provided by the program and provides information on referrals to other community service providers, resources and professionals as required.

Use various influential techniques guided by social work standards and methods to clients that are resistant to support and intervention. Assist with laundry as needed and maintain in office laundry rooms. Support residents with developing independent life skills such as household management, medication management, socialization, money management, decision-making, time management, etc.

Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of laws and legislation which affect our residents such as Mental Health Act, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Human Rights. Respond to medical emergencies including overdoses. Provide non-emergency first aid such as minor wound care.

Liaise with partner agencies and other professionals/support teams. Accompany residents to meetings and appointment as required. Ensure that violations of the program agreement are addressed and followed up on, in collaboration with the team and Team Lead / Site Supervisor, as necessary.

Collaborate with team on how to engage residents, utilizing a Team Approach as needed. Recognize and utilize each team member’s strengths to provide the best support for residents. Ensure that all room inspections and follow ups are completed according to the schedule.

Oversee resident volunteer work and disperse honorariums according to the program guidelines. Accompany facilities staff and contractors while performing maintenance work in resident rooms. Ensure the staff office(s)



is/are clean and tidy as well as all other common and shared spaces.

Work alongside volunteers by assisting in the orientation, support, and assignment of duties to fulfill their roles serving residents for OPS. Clean rooms as needed when residents move out, wearing appropriate PPE. Assist in custodial and maintenance tasks as directed by the Team Lead / Site Supervisor.

Assist with the collection of statistical information for reporting requirements. Awareness of critical incident report procedures and follow all health and safety policies and procedures. Report all staff injuries to the Site Supervisor, ensuring appropriate paperwork is filled out.

Uphold all OPS policies and procedures. Understand and follow the Good Neighbor Agreement established for your site (if applicable). Understand and follow the VicPD/OPS Cooperation agreement and liaise with Community Resource Officers as needed.

Basic computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Training in or knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention techniques and harm reduction approach. Knowledge of services available to shelter users and residents.

Knowledgeable of community resources. Ability to deal in a positive collaborative fashion with residents, shelter users and community contacts. Ability to communicate effectively with clients and coworkers both verbally and in writing.

Knowledge of and ability to employ behaviour management techniques. Ability to navigate stairs and be on feet for up to 6 hours of shift. Ability to kneel down to ground to attend to overdoses and other medical emergencies.

Diploma in a related human/social service field.

Training and Experience: ~ An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Shifts: Full time, three 12-hour shifts (36 hours/week), Tues/Wed/Thurs NIGHTS (7pm to 7am) Compensation : $35.99 to $37.81 per hour Vacation is accrued at a rate of 6% or in accordance with your length of service as per the collective agreement (Article 18.1). Eligible for a 100% employer paid comprehensive benefits plan, including health and dental coverage, after completion of probationary period. We value the diversity of the communities we serve, and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Our Place

Society welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently-abled, and LGBTQ2S communities. #

📌 #26.64 - Housing / Shelter Support Worker - My Place (Victoria)
🏢 Our Place Society
📍 Victoria