Housing Support Worker

Employment Type: Casual
Schedule: Casual Employment, no guaranteed hours
Reporting to: Housing Supervisor
City: Saskatoon
Number of Positions to Fill: 1
RFR #: 1904

The Mustard Seed is committed to helping individuals experiencing homelessness transition toward and maintain sustainable and healthy lifestyles. The Housing Support Worker at The Mustard Seed provides a safe and supportive environment to all residents. Reporting to the Housing Manager, the Housing Support Worker is responsible for ensuring the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of the residents in our Housing Support Worker program. The position works collaboratively with support systems to encourage resident independence, community engagement and housing stability. The Housing Support Worker will be working both off-site and on site at the residence which functions within a recovery-oriented care model principle.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support with finding secure housing for residents


• Connect with a specified group of residents living in supportive housing on an on-going basis to assist in building the skills of daily living including room checks


• Accompany residents to appointments if necessary


• Assist with the day-to-day operations, including food provision, assisting with laundry and cleaning of rooms to provide a safe, supportive living environment for our clients


• Assess client’s level of intoxication, risk factors, immediate needs, vulnerabilities and inform supervisor of any concerns


• Support the working relationship between the resident and their support network


• Refer the resident back to their Case Managers whenever possible/necessary and ensure there are clear lines of communication with outside organizations who serve the residents


• Provide medication assistance to residents who use the medication assistance program and coordinate with pharmacies as needed


• Provide information about community supports


• Document resident interactions, resident referrals, progress and any change in behaviour


• Communicate with staff and managers regarding the general progress of the client


• Implement de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies as needed


• Complete incident reports and daily logs in a timely manner


• Welcome and support volunteers when necessary


• Host community events


• Engage in intentional interaction with residents to build rapport and foster community


• Cover Front Desk for patrols and breaks


• Complete required training including but not limited to FOIP, First aid and CPR, Naloxone, NVCI and De-escalation certification and attend meetings


• Maintain professionalism and adhere to all policies and procedures including but not limited to Health & Safety and HR policies and procedures


• Other duties may be assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Diploma or an undergraduate degree in related field such as Human Services (Addictions, Nursing, Social Work, EMT, EMR, Psychology) along with professional registration where required, or equivalent combination of experience and training.


• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with marginalized individuals


• Passionate about ending homelessness in Saskatchewan


• Demonstrated compassion and empathy towards clients with addictions, mental illness, physical disabilities, behavioural issues, and/or medical issues


• A broad knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset


• Strong commitment to Trauma Informed Care and Recovery oriented care model principles


• Cultural sensitivity and respect for client individuality and self determination


• A broad knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset


• Knowledge/understanding of poverty, homelessness, oppression, addiction and mental illness


• Ability to work under minimal supervision


• Strong communication skills and ability to work within a cross-functional team


• Strong organizational, administrative and computer skills


• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals


• Ability to de-escalate situations while remaining calm and professional


• Conflict resolution skills and ability to manage residents in crisis situations


• Willingness to complete required training (e.g. First Aid, SafeTALK, Non-violent) to be fully equipped to work with guests

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work week is usually 40 hours, may work evenings and weekends if needed


• Moderate to considerable mental effort required to successfully accomplish the essential job functions such as providing information, resolving discrepancies, responding to highly intense situations


• Moderate to considerable physical effort required as part of the role: lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking


• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases and conditions


•  Employees are to be aware that many of our clients may experience difficulties or impairment at times, which could result in them uttering threats, discriminatory statements, and other insults at your person. This may in a raised voice, or in seeing unpredictable behaviour up to and including the possibility of them becoming aggressive


• Training on how to respond is provided, but this is to be considered typical working conditions. Many of our clients are unaware of the impact of these comments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed


• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed’s Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.


• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.


• We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mustard Seed reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.