Open Arms Program Assitant

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 OBJECTIVES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Responsibilities:

• Supports a learning environment that enhances Halifax Centre of Hope's Mission, Vision and Values.
• Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Commit to the COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees as needed.
• Assist in program and service delivery to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs are delivered.
• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.
• Perform other duties a required;

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
• Good Communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk persons.
• Knowledge of community resources available to support Open Arms Program.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.

Organization Responsibilities:

• Ability to work within the mandate of The Salvation Army's Mission Statement.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Leadership
• Independent
• Networking
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Counselling

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate Degree or Social Services/Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or a combination of education and experience.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk children preferred.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired, Criminal Record Check, WHMIS.
• Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset.
• Independent and a team player
• Driver's License with clean abstract (Class 4) is an asset.
• Child abuse / Vulnerable Sector Registry check required.
• Government of Canada Personnel screening may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The incumbent's work environment is typically at the Open Arms Centre located at 5424 Uniacke Square, Halifax, NS. It may also be at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, etc.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities - some weekend and evening work may be required.
• This is a Part-time position based on 16 - 24 hours per week;
• The hours of work usually occur Monday to Friday with flexibility expected in the actual shifts in order to accommodate the different programs. (NOTE: Each eight-hour shift includes: 2 fifteen minutes paid coffee breaks and a thirty-minute unpaid lunch break.)
• Normal location of work is at The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, 2038 Gottingen Street and 5424, 5426, 5428 Uniacke Square, Halifax, NS.

Compensation:

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.