Resident Support Worker
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:
This position works alongside a team to provide basic needs and guidance to those that find themselves homeless by providing a welcoming, positive, respectful, and safe environment. Staff will support each person by encouraging healthy life skills and choices, so each person can experience success in moving back into the community and out of the shelter systems. The staff for this relief position will have the option to work in both the men's or the women's shelter or exclusively in one or the other.
1. Program Support:
Handles the admission, orientation, and evaluation of residents as per policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Ensures ongoing enforcement of policies and guidelines, including providing guidance to residents.
Conducts respectful resident intake interviews ensuring all information is obtained, recorded, expectations are clearly communicated to residents, and basic goal setting is done,
Monitors all incoming traffic ensuring including verifying resident identification and following safety protocols.
Liaises with Spiritual and Religious Care team members, internal referral sources and other external agencies as needed (e.g., welfare, police, parole, urgent situations, DOAP Team, PACT Team and non-emergency)
Stores and records information on resident medication, tools and gear, as per policies and procedures.
Performs light housekeeping duties and foster a clean workplace culture.
Provides linen and assistance to each resident, as needed.
Receives all resident concerns in a professional manner, directs residents to avenues of resolution and ensure required documentation is completed.
Ensures that calls and messages for residents are dealt with as per policy and privacy legislation.
Works with program team members to ensure best practices and efficient service delivery.
Provides mediation in resident conflict to prevent and/or resolve altercations.
Monitors late passes and address non-compliance.
Ensures all policies and procedures are upheld and, if required, seek additional support internally or externally from Calgary Police Services or Emergency Medical Services.
Provides and reprograms resident identification cards as per program guidelines.
Reviews policies, procedures, and program guideline; provides suggestions for changes, as needed.
Reviews information and resident forms to ensure correct information and relevance.
May carry out inspection/safety and wellness checks of property and grounds in accordance with policies and procedures.
Assists at the laundromat and with Program Aid duties, as needed
May provide support for other program positions
2. Administrative
Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintain logbooks, and complete occurrence reports, etc.
May handle finances relating to occupancy fees, meal tickets, and receipts of same (men's shelter).
Communicates with co-workers and Resident Support Team Leaders at shift change, to ensure bed availability; review and record all resident information.
Reads all day-to-day communications.
Records all pertinent information and any significant events in communication book.
Completes program documentation as per program procedures, including meal lists, communication book, occupancy fee receipts, behaviour contracts, notices, incident reports, emergency evacuation reports, and TPW reports.
Attends program staff meetings as scheduled.
Demonstrates stewardship of The Salvation Army resources such as time keeping and program supplies.
Assists at the laundromat and with Program Aid duties, as needed (Men's Shelter).
Assists with the linen laundry as needed (Women's Shelter).
May attend case conferences when necessary.
3. Record Keeping and Reports:
Maintains daily and monthly program statistics.
Assists Resident Support Team Leader with weekly tool and medication cabinet audits.
Coordinates, records, and distributes weekly food hampers.
Prepares required incident reports.
Files previous year's inactive files and archive files annually.
May audit resident files as per procedure and accreditation standards.
CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Internal:
Shelter program employees, volunteers and students
Ministry Unit staff
Residents
External:
The public
MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:
Reports directly to: Program Supervisor - West Desk
Direct reports for this position: None
FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
Completes occupancy fees, donations, arrears, and refund receipts (Men's Shelter only).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in a men's residential housing facility or women's shelter.
May have to deal with aggressive people. Potential for verbal, and less likely physical, attacks.
Hours may vary; work schedule affecting lifestyle
Exposure to infectious diseases
Exposure to bodily fluids
The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, 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.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
Alternative combination of education and Experience may be considered.
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
• Completion of high school diploma.
• Intermediate (Standard) First Aid & Level A or C CPR, Non-Violence Certificate, and Mental Health First Aid.
• Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
• Alternative combination of education and experience might be considered.
Experience and Knowledge:
• At least one year of experience, preferably in social setting required.
Skills and Capabilities:
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• The incumbent will have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.
• Strong service ethic and a friendly disposition with the public.
• Adaptability to change and frequent interruptions.
• Team oriented and able to take initiative.
• Willingness to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Problem solving skills.
• Team player.
• Organized and attentive to details.
• Comfort in dealing with ambiguity.
• Strong listening skills.
• Ability to motivate others and manage relationships.
• Ability to follow all MU's organizational policies and procedures.
• Negotiating skills.
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $20.87 to $26.08 with a maximum of $31.30.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 Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.