Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description:
Position Purpose summary:
The Shelter Support Worker provides a safe and secure environment for guests and visitors. The Incumbent may provide emotional support and crisis intervention and is responsible for the smooth operation of the facilities during their shift.
Accountabilities:
The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar duties to the listed below:
- Awareness & compliance with Chilliwack Policies & Procedures.
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Monitors the activities of the clients & maintains availability for personal, practical & morale support; may include providing safe storage & recording of personal belongings.
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Accurately records day to day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks & completes occurrence reports.
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Liaises with referral sources & other external agencies as needed (eg. Welfare, police, parole, urgent situations).
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Respond to after office hour requests & process for accommodation if beds are available.
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Coordinates client care relating to security issues; may be directly involved in doing bed checks & room searches.
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May carry out inspection/security checks of property & grounds in accordance with Policies & Procedures.
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Handles the admission, orientation & evaluation of client’s understanding of rules.
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Ensures ongoing enforcement of policies, which may include client discipline. Discharge disturbing or unruly clients for the protection of other clients. Note the details in the Daily Log.
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May serve as Receptionist for Shelter.
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Cooking for Shelter clients when necessary.
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Light food preparation and serving clients at mealtimes.
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Awareness of The Salvation Army Communicable Disease Control Manual.
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Maintain a quiet, comfortable & secure environment for our shelter clients.
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Cleans shelter rooms, washrooms, kitchen, lounge and common areas
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Packing up client’s belongings and prepping beds and rooms for new clients.
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Monitors the environment and clients/residents to ensure safety and security;
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Provides laundry services for the shelter and shelter clients.
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Provides safe storage and recording of prescribed medications.
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Acts as a positive role model for clients by developing professional interpersonal relationships that promote dignity and respect.
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Assure that each client receives the assigned bed with clean linen & personal hygiene products.
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Provide telephone access for local calls & message retrieval when requested.
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Provide directions to Clients Rights & Responsibilities.
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Conducts all required shift change procedures prior to and after shift change.
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Maintains required documentation and shelter log.
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Makes entries and maintains HFIS database.
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Collects and disposes of refuse and performs spot cleaning as required.
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Monitors appropriate behavior, ensures the rules are followed.
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Provides orientation to new clients.
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Participates as a team member with other staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by performing duties such as responding to emergency issues and supporting others through methods such as sharing knowledge and information.
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Offer the services of the Outreach Worker (by appointment) to assist in locating other community services & accommodation.
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Participate in ongoing training as provided & cooperate in the Annual Performance Evaluation.
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Performs other duties assigned.
The performance of the job requires moderate amounts of keyboard & performing security walks. It also requires continuously monitoring of the environment, monitoring security cameras and attentiveness when interacting with clients & recording information.
The employee is responsible for hir/her own time & effort only. He/she may demonstrate work methods to new employees, volunteer &/or students.
Working Conditions:
The employee will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
Dealing with:
Angry people Homeless people Verbally abusive people Isolation Work schedule affecting lifestyle
The employee will be required to work various shifts as required.
The employee may be exposed to the risk of minor to moderate injury of illnesses due to:
Physical attacks by others Exposure to infectious diseases Exposure to bodily fluids Sharp objects Other dangerous situations
The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health & safety rules):
Universal precautions Immunization for Hepatitis B Current Certification in First Aid/CPR Criminal Police Investigation Check (CPIC) Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.
Education, Experience, AND Qualifications:
- Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
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Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
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Completion of High School diploma.
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Emergency First Aid and CPR Non Violence Certificate, and Mental Health First Aid Certificate or willingness to complete once hired.
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Alternative combination of education and experience might be considered
Experience and Knowledge:
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At least one year of experience, preferably in social setting required.
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Experience with customer service/care is an asset.
- Comfortable using Microsoft/computer programs.
Skills and Capabilities:
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Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
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Ability to relate to & engage marginalized people with a positive outcome perspective while remaining non-judgmental.
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The incumbent will have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
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Patience and ability to de-escalate situations.
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Strong service ethic and a friendly disposition with the public.
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Adaptability to change and frequent interruptions.
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Team oriented and able to take initiative.
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Willingness to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
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Problem solving skills.
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Team player.
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Organized and attention to details.
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Comfort in dealing with ambiguity.
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Strong listening skills.
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Ability to motivate others and manage relationships.
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Ability to follow all MU’s organizational policies and procedures.
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Negotiating skills.
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Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry, vulnerable sector check)
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 with a maximum of $30.13.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
