Evening Onsite Support Worker

Job Title:

Evening Onsite Support Worker

Number of Position(s):

1

Job Type:

Full-time (35 hours/week 3pm-11pm) Unionized position

Language Requirement:

Bilingualism (English/ French) required

Reports To:

Program Manager

Vacancy:

Existing vacancy

Job Summary:
The Onsite Support Worker is responsible for providing support to the clients/ tenants of the 24-hour program. The responsibilities include providing supportive counseling, group programming, crisis intervention and assisting clients with life skills acquisition, as required. Onsite Support Workers may cover a variety of shifts including days, evenings, overnights and weekends. The position reports to the Program Manager.

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to challenging conditions, including unpleasant situations and odors. The Onsite Support Worker will provide support services to acute and complex clients, including those involved in active substance use.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent educational background in a related discipline

Three (3) years of experience working with clients in the areas of substance use health and mental health

Two (2) years of experience working in a residential or supportive housing setting, an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Group support

Establish a supportive, respectful relationship with clients/ tenants

Provide group intervention, advocacy and mediation when necessary

Facilitate group programming

Resolve disputes that may arise between clients/ tenants

Support the implementation of recreational events and meaningful activities

Provide Program support

Provide supportive counseling and problem-solving to clients/ tenants when necessary

Support new clients/ tenants in their integration to the program

Foster a sense of community and connection within the Program

Provide crisis intervention support including overdose response

Support clients in establishing healthy sleep patterns

Support clients/ tenants in following the rules and expectations of the Program

Support clients/ tenants in acquiring basic life skills –personal hygiene, laundry etc.

Support clients/ tenants in general domains of life: basic needs, physical and mental health, housing, financial, social, spiritual, legal, educational and vocational

Work collaboratively with community partners and support the referral of clients/ tenants to external agencies as needed

Support on-call

Provide on-call support while on duty

Debrief with day staff and supervisor, as needed

Other

Document as needed in the log book, incident reports, etc.

Ensure documentation is up to date in the client’s file

Review client files on a regular basis –be familiar with client’s overall goals and their current progress

Participate in staff meetings

Participate in professional development sessions

Adhere to program protocols and procedures including health and safety

Other related duties as determined by the Manager

SUITABILITY

Displays a professional approach to the work along with the values and attitudes that is in keeping with the helping professions (i.e., sensitivity, respect, understanding, sincerity, genuineness, perseverance, patience, compassion, positive outlook, non-judgmental attitude, acceptance, tolerance etc.)

client-centered, caring, supportive and reliable

sound judgment and common sense in decision making and problem solving; critical thinking, intelligence

demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility and independence

sense of humor

commitment to work and life-long learning

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of mental health, substance use health and treatment modalities

Knowledge of community resources for individuals living with mental health, substance use health and those experiencing chronic homelessness

Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Tribunal processes

knowledge of group dynamics theory and practice

knowledge of concurrent disorders theory

knowledge of ethical standards relevant to social service work (confidentiality, boundaries etc)

knowledge of social problems associated with psychiatric disabilities (poverty, stigma, labeling, homelessness, oppression, addiction etc)

knowledge of mental health legislation

knowledge of community crises services

knowledge of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, effects of food and substances, all pertaining to establishing normal sleep patterns

SKILLS

connecting skills; empathy, active listening

group intervention skills, including the ability to use mediation, conflict resolution, problem solving skills at a group level

ability to relate to clients suing a strengths based, client-centered approach

ability to work both in a team and independently

interpersonal skills; ability to work closely with supervisor, colleagues and a diversity of clients

conflict resolution skills

professional boundaries

life skills teaching

crisis intervention, suicide prevention and intervention skills

stress management skills

counseling skills

ability to manage time and resources effectively, punctuality

communication skills (oral, written)

record keeping skills, documentation

Computer Skills (word processing, e-mail, internet)