Title: Shelter Support Worker

Reports To: Manager, Emergency Shelter

Department: Emergency Shelter

Position Type: Casual

Location: 637 Main Street

Direct Reports: None

Job Summary

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier, housing‑first emergency shelter offering a 120‑bed facility and drop‑in space with a harm‑reduction focus, open 365 days a year. The Support Worker assists participants in a manner that promotes dignity, self‑worth, and increased independence.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide support and resources without judgement for community members accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services
- Embody MSP’s values in day‑to‑day work and interactions
- Assist community members in planning, problem‑solving, and addressing immediate needs
- Assist in participant‑centered care plans
- Provide individual support as required for case management
- Understand and uphold community member rights and the shelter code of conduct
- Ensure community members understand program processes and expectations
- Respond to emergency situations, assess, intervene, and document critical incidents per MSP policies
- Monitor the physical safety of community members and ensure medical attention when required
- Inform community members of internal and external resources, advocate for access where needed
- Assist community members in connecting to resources, filing applications
- Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records per MSP policies
- Collect and submit agency‑required statistics on time and with accuracy
- Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following cleaning duties




- Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies professionally
- Manage community member intake professionally per MSP policies
- Prepare and distribute food for meal service per food handling guidelines
- Provide clothing, hygiene, and harm supplies per MSP values
- Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
- Oversee and facilitate laundry services
- Respond and de‑escalate potentially aggressive situations per policy and training
- Support community members with diversion from shelter
- Maintain confidentiality per MSP policy & legislation
- Remain up to date on MSP policies, communications, safety protocols, and the collective bargaining agreement

Qualifications

- Experience working in human services with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use issues
- Experience in an emergency shelter or outreach capacity is an asset
- Ability to work with a community member‑centered care philosophy
- Apply harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, anti‑oppressive, and housing‑first philosophies
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture
- Lived experience relevant to the role
- Knowledge of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
- Understanding of the effects of poverty and health determinants
- Team collaboration skills
- Knowledge in addiction and mental health fields is an asset




- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Experience with culturally diverse populations
- Manage challenging behaviors or crisis situations
- De‑escalation and conflict resolution skills
- Assess, manage, and work in crisis settings
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office & online databases
- Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid certifications

Conditions of Employment

- Meet physical demands: standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs., cleaning duties (bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, crouching)
- Exposure to biohazards including blood, bodily fluids, syringes
- Work with individuals using substances or experiencing mental health issues
- Support in high‑intensity incidents, including medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
- Work in an environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices, including smudging, are actively performed
- Successive criminal record checks with a transparent vulnerable sector search and adult abuse registry

Values & Competencies

- Embedding MSP’s core values: Reducing Harm, Truth & Reconciliation, Anti‑Oppression, Trauma‑Informed

Key Competencies

- Collaboration
- Problem solving
- Crisis management
- Decision making
- Verbal communication
- Service excellence
- Accountability

Main Street Project offers

- Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
- Health & dental benefits
- Pension plan
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid sick and family days
- Shift premiums
- Employee assistance program

Application deadline: Open until filled

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Shelter Services Support Worker (Casual) (Winnipeg)
🏢 Main Street Project
📍 Winnipeg