25 Sep
|
The Go-Give Project
|
Greater Sudbury
25 Sep
The Go-Give Project
Greater Sudbury
About The Go Give Project The Go Give Project is a community-based organization providing low-barrier, harm reduction-focused services to individuals experiencing homelessness and other barriers within Greater Sudbury.
Our approach is rooted in dignity, respect, compassion and meeting people where they are. We recognize that individuals accessing our services may be experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, poverty and other complex circumstances. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where people can access practical support without judgment.
About the Role
We are looking for Support Staff Workers to join our team at the Energy Court Drop-In Centre.
This is a hands-on, front-line position working directly with individuals accessing the centre. Support Staff are responsible for creating a welcoming environment, building relationships with individuals accessing services, distributing basic needs and harm reduction supplies, responding to overdoses and other emergencies, supporting day-to-day operations and helping maintain a secure and respectful environment.
This position requires someone who is comfortable working in a busy and unpredictable environment and who can remain compassionate while maintaining professional boundaries.
No two shifts will look exactly the same. We are looking for people who are willing to engage, take initiative, work as part of a team and respond appropriately when challenging situations arise.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Support and Engagement
- Welcome and engage individuals accessing the Drop-In Centre in a respectful, compassionate and non-judgmental manner
- Build positive relationships and provide practical support based on individual needs
- Support a low-barrier, harm reduction approach to service delivery
- Provide emotional support and a listening ear while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
- Distribute snacks, beverages, hygiene products, harm reduction supplies and other basic necessities
- Provide information about community resources and connect individuals with appropriate services when needed
- Support individuals in navigating available community resources and services
Crisis Response, De-escalation and Maintaining a Safe Environment A significant part of this role involves supporting individuals who may be experiencing crisis, heightened emotions, intoxication, mental health symptoms or conflict. Support Staff play an active role in maintaining a safe, respectful and welcoming environment while continuing to provide compassionate, low-barrier support. Support Staff are expected to:
- Recognize escalating situations and respond proactively before they become more serious
- Use verbal de-escalation, conflict resolution and relationship-based approaches when responding to challenging situations
- Remain calm, professional and respectful when individuals are upset, frustrated, verbally escalated or experiencing crisis
- Set and maintain clear, respectful boundaries while balancing individual needs with the safety and wellbeing of everyone using the space
- Respond to conflicts between individuals and support safe resolution whenever possible
- Work closely with the Shift Supervisor and other team members when additional support or intervention is required
- Follow established procedures when behaviour creates an immediate safety concern for staff or others
- Recognize when a situation is beyond the scope of the Support Staff role and requires additional emergency or community support
- Accurately communicate and document significant incidents, safety concerns and interventions
- Participate in creating an environment where individuals are treated with dignity while expectations around safety and respectful behaviour remain consistent
This work requires strong judgment, emotional regulation and the ability to respond thoughtfully in unpredictable situations. Staff must be able to balance compassion and flexibility with professional boundaries and the safety of the overall environment.
Overdose and Emergency Response
- Respond appropriately to suspected overdoses and other medical emergencies
- Administer naloxone and provide first aid within your level of training
- Recognize signs of overdose, medical distress and other situations requiring immediate intervention
- Contact emergency services when required and communicate relevant information to responding professionals
- Work collaboratively with other staff during emergency situations
- Complete required documentation following overdoses, medical emergencies and other significant incidents
- Follow organizational procedures related to overdose response, emergency response and staff safety
Day-to-Day Centre Operations
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of snacks, beverages and supplies
- Restock program supplies and identify when items are running low
- Complete routine cleaning and help maintain common areas, staff areas and other program spaces
- Help maintain an organized, welcoming and functional environment
- Monitor the centre for potential health and safety concerns
- Support the overall operation of the Drop-In Centre throughout the shift
- Take initiative in identifying and completing tasks that need attention rather than waiting to be directed
Documentation and Communication
- Complete intake, service tracking and other required program documentation accurately and consistently
- Document incidents, safety concerns, services provided and other relevant information
- Maintain confidentiality and protect personal information
- Communicate relevant information to Shift Supervisors and other team members
- Report safety concerns, incidents and operational issues promptly
- Participate in shift communication, team meetings and other required reporting processes
Teamwork and Professional Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with coworkers, supervisors, volunteers, community partners and other service providers
- Contribute to a respectful and supportive team environment
- Communicate professionally and address concerns through appropriate channels
- Receive and respond appropriately to direction, coaching and feedback
- Attend required meetings, training and professional development
- Follow organizational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements
- Maintain professional boundaries with individuals accessing services
- Complete other duties related to the operation of the program as required
Who We're Looking For We are looking for someone who is compassionate and approachable but also confident in challenging situations.
The right person for this role:
- Is genuinely comfortable working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances
- Can build relationships without judgment while maintaining clear professional boundaries
- Understands or is willing to learn about harm reduction and low-barrier service delivery
- Can work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges and other complex barriers
- Is comfortable responding to overdoses, medical emergencies and crisis situations
- Can remain calm and professional during conflict, escalation and high-stress situations
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates sound judgment and knows when to ask for additional support
- Is dependable and able to work effectively as part of a team
- Takes initiative and can identify what needs to be done without requiring constant direction
- Is comfortable receiving direction and constructive feedback
- Can adapt quickly as priorities and situations change throughout a shift
- Understands the importance of consistency, confidentiality and professional boundaries
Qualifications Previous experience in social services, outreach, shelter services, harm reduction, mental health, addictions or another community-based setting is considered an asset.
Education in Social Service Work, Community and Justice Services, Addictions and Mental Health, Social Work or a related field is also considered an asset; however, a specific diploma or degree is not required.
Relevant lived or living experience is also considered an asset.
Applicants should have, or be willing to complete, training in areas such as:
- First Aid and CPR
- Naloxone administration and overdose response
- Harm reduction
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Trauma-informed care
- Workplace health and safety
Additional training will be provided as required.
Physical and Working Conditions
This is an active, front-line position. Staff should be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout a shift
- Complete routine cleaning and operational tasks
- Lift, carry and organize program supplies
- Work in a busy environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
- Work in close proximity to individuals who may be intoxicated, experiencing mental health symptoms or actively using substances
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, overdoses, conflict and other unexpected situations
Applicants should understand that front-line work with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use can occasionally involve exposure to challenging behaviours, bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia and emotionally difficult situations. Appropriate training, personal protective equipment and organizational procedures are provided to support staff safety.
Schedule and Availability
This position requires flexibility and may include daytime, evening, weekend and holiday shifts based on program needs.
Applicants must be able to reliably attend scheduled shifts and should clearly identify any availability restrictions when applying.
Why Join The Go Give Project?
This role is an opportunity to do meaningful, practical work directly within the community. Our team works from the belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion and access to support regardless of where they are in their life.
We are looking for people who share that belief and are willing to show up consistently for the people accessing our services.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
📌 Drop-In Centre Support Worker (Greater Sudbury)
🏢 The Go-Give Project
📍 Greater Sudbury