Shelter Worker

Full time, up to 30-48hours/weekCompensation: $23/hour plus health & dental benefits and RRSP matching

Position Summary

The Shelter Support Worker is a frontline position responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for guests accessing SSODA’s emergency shelter. Working day shifts, this role includes active monitoring, crisis prevention, de-escalation, light housekeeping, and relationship-building with residents, while maintaining clear and consistent professional boundaries.

Central to this role is supporting guests to exercise meaningful choice and agency in their day-to-day lives. Shelter Support Workers engage guests in a manner that prioritizes autonomy, dignity, and self-determination, recognizing each individual as the expert in their own experience. Staff provide options, share information, and support decision-making without coercion, fostering an environment where guests can identify their own goals and take steps toward stability and housing at their own pace.

Using a housing first, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approach, the Shelter Support Worker works to reduce barriers, build trust, and create conditions where guests feel safe to engage with supports. This includes balancing safety and structure within the shelter while avoiding unnecessary restrictions, and approaching all interactions with empathy, respect, and non-judgment.

Why Work With Us?

At SSODA, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where staff can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.

The Landing is a community-based homeless shelter committed to providing safe, respectful, and non-judgmental support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Our focus is on safety, dignity, and empowerment.

Working with SSODA means being part of a dedicated team focused on providing safe, appropriate, and supportive housing solutions across the South Shore.

We offer:

- A collaborative and mission-driven work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and training




- Flexible work arrangements where possible
- Opportunities to contribute to innovative housing solutions and community impact

SSODA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and people with lived experience related to housing insecurity.

We recognize that systemic barriers can impact access to employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to equity, we welcome applicants whose skills and experience may have been developed through community work, lived experience, and non-traditional career paths.

SSODA is committed to providing accessible and inclusive hiring practices. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support

- Welcome and use HIFIS to check-in guests, ensuring a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment.
- Build positive, professional relationships with shelter guests
- Support guests in accessing services in and outside the shelter
- Monitor guest well-being and communicate concerns to management as appropriate

Safety & Security

- Enforce shelter policies and maintain a safe and orderly environment
- Respond to crises, conflicts, and emergencies using de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches
- Maintain clear professional boundaries and strict confidentiality
- Conduct regular safety checks of the facility




- Participate in Occupational Health and Safety Committee, Barring Committee, or other committees as required

Operational Duties

- Support daily shelter operations, including meal service, cleaning, and general upkeep
- Complete accurate and timely documentation, including incident reports, HIFIS entries and shift logs
- Assist with intake procedures and basic assessments as required
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment

Team Collaboration

- Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and training opportunities
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and management to support continuity of care
- Contribute to a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture

Qualifications & Requirements

- No formal education required; training will be provided
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations
- Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Experience working or volunteering in frontline social services, particularly with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use, is considered a strong asset
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required

Working Conditions

This position is based in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and is primarily in office. The position is 36-48 hours per week and includes:

- 4% vacation pay
- 6 sick days
- Health and dental benefits
- RRSP matching
- Must be available weekends and holidays
- Meaningful work in a supportive, community-focused environment
- Paid training and onboarding
- Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development- we prioritize promoting current employees before posting a job publicly.

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 48.0 per week

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Shelter Worker (Bridgewater)
🏢 South Shore Open Doors Association
📍 Bridgewater