Foxglove- Relief Support Worker (Casual)

Position Summary
The Shelter Support worker provides a range of support services to mental health consumers and/or substance users faced with homelessness and in need of temporary emergency housing. Working closely with members of the shelter team, the Shelter Support Worker assesses incoming referrals to the shelter and provides case management services. These services include appropriate referrals to ongoing community supports, advocating on the client’s behalf to gain access to appropriate assistance, and generally educating and supporting residents who are dealing with complex bio-psycho-social issues. The Shelter Support Worker’s role includes medication administration to 3030 Gordon clients and assistance with basic First Aid as necessary. The Shelter Worker is also responsible for the general daily operations of the shelter, including responding to shelter telephones, doorbells, and visitors; cleaning of office area, common areas and washrooms; preparing shelter rooms, distribution of health/hygiene products, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and residents.

Job Competition # cas2026.347 Closing Date: Midnight September 21, 2026Job: Shelter Support Worker, Foxglove Shelter, CasualHourly Range: $33.49 – $35.31 (BCGEU, Grid 34) Hours: CasualWork Site: 9810 Foxglove Drive Start Date: As soon as possible

*A clear British Columbia Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable adults and/or children is a condition of employment with RainCity Housing. Applicants must be willing and able to receive a clearance under the Criminal Record Review Act.

Program Summary
Foxglove shelter has 30 beds which consists of separate sides for woman-identified participants and male participants on the other side. Staff provides three meals a day, there are a few rooms that can be used for non-binary folks. There are staff on site twenty-four hours a day over three separate shifts in the building. The folks in this space have access to indigenous cultural liaisons who creates programing connected to culture and build relationships with participants. There is peer support specialist available seven days a week as well. There is a medication program for the residents of the shelter for those who chose to use this service. The shelter has a wide range of referral streams that are not just limited to the coordinated access through BCH.

QUALIFICATIONS
Many forms of education and experience are valued, including volunteering, and lived experience of mental illness/addiction/homelessness. Minimum education and experience include:

A Diploma in community social services or other relevant training
Two (2) years of related experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services.
Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Key Skills and Abilities – for supporting people receiving our services

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships.
Identify and work to increase people’s strengths.
Work with people using hope-inducing strategies.
Informally teach harm reduction, life skills.
Ability to work positively, patiently, and proactively with all clients, including those who may demonstrate a range of difficult behaviours including hostility, indifference, anger, extreme dependence.
Ability to intervene in crisis situations, including de-escalate verbal aggression, hostility, suicidality, mental and physical health crises.
Ability to perform light housekeeping duties including preparing rooms for new residents and general upkeep of the office space.
Knowledge of Downtown East Side health and community services.
Working knowledge of the principles of harm reduction.
Knowledge of the diagnosis and resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, physical health, including HIV and Hepatitis C.
Knowledge of the dynamics of oppression, specifically as related to the experience of mental health consumers and substance users.
Assists participants in maintaining a clean apartment, including encouraging independence and increasing skills, washing belongings and cleaning apartment, assisting with pest control, and liaising with home support, if applicable.
Completes shift duty list, as per program requirements.