ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth Connect, Bounce Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to provide a high standard of shelter care. Warmland House Shelter is a safe, supportive environment that helps clients help themselves in their transition to stable housing, where all individuals treat themselves, their neighbours and their surroundings with respect.

Warmland House consists of:

A 30-bed emergency shelter for those who are without housing and would benefit from assistance in meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and hygiene.

24 minimal barrier transitional housing studio apartments, designed to accommodate individuals who can live independently,



yet benefit from support and assistance in stabilizing their lifestyle and develop the life skills to break the cycle of homelessness, successfully making the transition to “housing ready”.

A day-use common area: shower and laundry facilities: lockers and a small storage area; there is also a commercial kitchen and dining area that serves up to 50 people, and a community garden with raised beds and a large greenhouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Building relationships with clients
- Provide emotional support and assess clients’ immediate needs
- Support Crisis Intervention for clients
- Maintain accurate client records
- Maintain knowledge of community resources
- Working with community service providers
- Administering first aid
- Working collaboratively with emergency service providers
- Disbursing Harm Reduction supplies
- Paperwork
- Providing shelter security
- Conducting wake up calls for clients
- Retrieving and putting away client’s bins
- Disbursing blankets to clients
- Providing support during mealtimes
- Some light cooking
- Maintaining shelter cleanliness
- Stocking supplies, laundry, and other related duties

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES and SKILLS:

- Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist practices
- Proven record of employment stability
- The ability to work with people who have been, or are, homeless
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
- High degree of compassion, resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability
- Strong sense of team ethics, dedication, and professionalism
- Personable, dynamic and creative in their approach
- Flexibility and ability to be available on very short notice
- Ability to work a variety of shifts including overnights, days, evenings, weekends and holidays

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Basic First-Aid certificate
- Non-violent crisis intervention certificate
- Food Protected
- WHMIS

Pay: $29.00-$29.76 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Casual Shelter Worker (Canada)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association Cowichan Valley
📍 Canada