Full-Time Housing Focused Shelter Worker

Join The Mustard Seed as a full-time Housing Focused Shelter Worker, providing crucial support to community members at our shelter who have faced trauma and housing challenges. In this role, you'll guide individuals towards programs and services, enabling a coordinated and sustainable exit from the shelter. Daily, you'll engage in crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, case management, and conflict resolution, all while upholding The Mustard Seed's mission to build hope and well-being for our most vulnerable citizens through Jesus’ love.

About Us: The Mustard Seed is a certified Best Christian Workplace and humanitarian organization whose vision is to build community, grow hope and support change. The Mustard Seed combats the root causes of poverty throughout Alberta and works to create positive, lasting change in the lives of those we serve. The Mustard Seed provides basic services – food, clothing, and shelter, and is now increasing our support services – health & wellness centers, education, and employment coaching, as well as permanent supportive housing to those living in poverty within Alberta and British Columbia.

Position Type: Full-time
Schedule: 12-hour shifts, 8 PM to 8 AM; 4 days on, 4 days off
Reporting to: Shelter Manager
Location: Red Deer, AB
Closing Date: February 25, 2024

• Serve as the first point of contact for participants, delivering excellent service that promotes dignity, kindness, and equity.
• Use a person-centered approach to encourage participants to access resources and services that aid in achieving their goals.
• Support community members in need of shelter by addressing their basic needs.
• Model healthy relationships through active listening, advising, making appropriate referrals, and being open to spiritual conversations.
• Respond promptly to individuals in crisis, employing de-escalation skills and assisting in finding healthy alternative options.
• Ensure a safe, clean environment for adult community participants seeking respite.
• Assist with the daily meal program.
• Manage daily shelter operations, including laundry, cleaning common areas, operating the locker room, conducting security checks, and supervising shelter activities.
• Perform janitorial and maintenance tasks to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the shelter.
• Enforce shelter rules, expectations, and suspensions as necessary.
• Act as a supportive and proactive team member, working cooperatively with volunteers and other visitors.
• Apply conflict resolution skills and facilitate reconciliatory conversations.
• Utilize case management tools to assist participants in working towards their short-term and long-term housing goals.
• Adhere to privacy and confidentiality standards as per FOIP and the Health Information Act.
• Collect data and maintain accurate client records using FDARP.
• Submit incident reports as required.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with participants.
• Engage in staff development through training, attending meetings, and one-on-one sessions with the supervisor.
• Exercise initiative and critical thinking to assess situations and make supportive decisions for participants.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 1-year frontline experience in a social service agency.
• Desire to assist marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Passion for combating homelessness in Alberta.
• Adherence to organizational protocols.
• Case management and advocacy experience (asset).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Experience in a volunteer-based organization (asset).
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Team player with a drive to serve in a Christian Street ministry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position involves working in a challenging and potentially volatile environment where you may encounter racial slurs, name-calling, and derogatory comments from community members. It requires resilience, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to maintain professionalism and composure in the face of adversity. Training and support will be provided to ensure your safety and well-being.
• Expect moderate walking, climbing, standing, sitting, lifting, and carrying.
• Fast-paced setting requiring analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Mental and emotional engagement, especially during intense situations.
• Training required in two-way radio communications, MS Office, FDARP, FOIP, First Aid, NVCI, and SafeTalk.

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.

COMPANSATION & BENEFITS

• The Mustard Seed offers a competitive compensation package including 100% employer paid extended health and dental benefits for staff and dependents, matching RRSP after one year of service, and wellness days.
• All The Mustard Seed employees have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

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.