Overnight Emergency Shelter Worker

Overview

Emergency Shelter Workers provide Emergency Shelter services consistent with the Operating Standards for the Housing Assistance/Emergency Shelter Program and support individuals in their housing search while staying at 218 Concession.

Details:

• Full Time Permanent
• Hours of work per week: 42 plus occasional extra hours
• Extra hours
• Location: 218 Concession Street.
• 12 hours night shifts
• Rotating schedule, includes statutory holidays
• Paid time off: vacation, sick time and personal time
• RRSP
• Health Benefits

Description

The Emergency Shelter Worker is responsible for:

· triaging individuals who seek emergency assistance for their housing crisis through administration of screening and coordinated access protocol;

· implementing diversion strategies as appropriate and consistent with the screening and intake results and provides general housing assistance during first contact;

· participating in the coordinated access system by implementing diversion and intake protocols;

· booking persons into the shelter when diversion is not successful or appropriate; and initiating a “warm transfer” to the receiving shelter as needed;

· administering the VI-SPDAT screening tool preferably within 24 hours of all new shelter bookings or when the client circumstance changes;

· initiating transfers to either the Rapid Rehousing or Housing First assessment team for those who “screen in” and supports housing process while client remains in the shelter;

· providing essential shelter services to meet the immediate need of clients for safe over-night accommodation; nutrition and hygiene, and security of belongings;

· assisting in the housing process by providing encouragement to resolve housing issues to decrease length of stays in the Emergency Shelter system and initiates transfers to Prevention-Diversion Program for clients who require additional support to secure housing;

· providing housing resources such as access to voice mail, housing listings and general housing search techniques;

· assisting with completion of application for Homelessness Prevention Fund as appropriate

· providing information on other community services to assist the individual resolve their homelessness;

· implement weekly programming to clients accessing the shelter; focusing on life skills and tenancy education to assist client in overcoming barriers to maintaining long-term housing.

Required skills and Knowledge

· knowledge of homelessness and affordable housing issues within the community and the strategies to end chronic homelessness which are identified the 10-year Municipal Housing and Homelessness Plan (Dec 2013);

· knowledge of the Operating Standards for the program and the program’s expected client outcomes

· knowledge of the resources in the community for individuals, youth and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty, or living with mental health or addiction issues and skilled at brokering services for client appropriate to the responsibilities of the job;

· ability to assist in the housing process appropriate to the specific job responsibilities

· ability to integrate harm reduction approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with clients;

· ability to use assertive engagement techniques as appropriate in interactions with the client;

· competence in the administration and interpretation of the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) depending on job responsibilities;

· understanding of psycho-social rehabilitation, recovery model motivational interviewing and journey of change and its influence on client outcomes;

· ability to identify and assess risk and implement strategies which minimize risk to self, the client, and others;

· knowledge of and adherence to privacy legislation and policies within the organization related to confidentiality of client information;

· strong problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills within a solution-focused framework;

· ability to enter client data and information including SPDAT scores and case notes into HIFIS as required

· the ability to negotiate and mediate difficult situations and produce positive results

· ability to function as a participating member of the team and understand the work of the team as part of a broader system to end chronic homelessness

· knowledge of the principles and interventions required in a Housing First and Rapid Rehousing Program

· background in systems work, data analysis and supporting the work of others to achieve system goals;

· supports a learning culture that stays up to date with the main currents of thought and practice in the delivery of housing first programs

· ability to use strategies to appropriately divert people from the shelter system into other shelter solutions

· excellent written and oral communication skills

· knowledge of impacts homelessness has individuals

· implementation of life skills-based programming

Qualifications and Requirements

· university degree or community college diploma in a related discipline

· minimum three years work experience in human services

· possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle, with appropriate insurance

· Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training

· First Aid and CPR

· CPIC – vulnerable sector required prior to employment

All employees of Kingston Home Base Housing must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to help prevent and limit its spread. (An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the receipt of the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine)

Hours of Work - 218 Concession

· average of 42 hours per week

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: $48,000.00-$54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• human services: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training (preferred)
• First Aid and CPR (preferred)
• university degree/community college diploma (preferred)

Work Location: In person