CASUAL SUPPORT WORKER, all programs
Employer: RainCity Housing and Support Society
Program: Casual relief workers are needed in all programs
Position: on call relief for regular staff who are on leave or vacation. Can apply internally for permanent job postings. Most regular staff started as casual.
Location: Vancouver
Competition #: CASUAL08
Hours: Must be available to work days, weekend and overnight shifts.
Compensation: $19.72/hour, plus 10.2% in lieu of stat holidays and vacations
Apply: with cover letter and resume to fax 604 254 3703 or email
JOB SUMMARY
Since 1982, RainCity Housing has provided housing and connection to community services, mental health and addictions services for individuals who have concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders (mental illness, substance use, health problems) and are at high risk of being homeless. RainCity Housing has a proven reputation in social services and healthcare for providing support services to some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.
The women and men we support are matched with the RainCity Housing program that best meets their specific needs, with special care being taken to respect their individual expectations, circumstances and dignity. RainCity Housing offers programs and services including emergency housing, transitional housing, women’s housing, long term housing, community living support, outreach programs, food services and life skills management services. Our Vision is: A home for every person.
Casual Support Workers work in one of our housing programs, helping tenants keep their housing by supporting them to address their issues with mental illness, substance use, physical health and life skills. The most important task is building a relationship with tenants and collaborating with them to achieve their goals. The Support Worker works collaboratively with other direct service staff, family and external service providers, advocating for access and rights as needed.
Most programs are staffed 24 hours / 7 days.
Casual workers substitute in most of the jobs at RainCity Housing. Casual workers are on call, scheduled for shifts as needed. Shifts in some programs may be days, evenings or overnight, seven days a week. Casuals submit availability a month in advance.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- A Diploma in community social services; or education in mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders and social work.
- One year of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services.
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, and Class 5 driver’s license
Key Abilities
- Collaborate - establish collaborative relationships with clients, working to increase their strengths
- Respond - safely resolve crisis situations and respond nonjudgementally to problematic behaviour
- Advocate - help develop and implement service plans, and be a strong advocate for the client
- Understand - demonstrate understanding of oppression and marginalization of the homeless
- Teamwork - make positive contributions to the team, support and back up your co-workers at all times
- Knowledge
- Knowledge of concurrent / co-occurring disorders including: mental health diagnosis, treatment and resources; and addictions resources, stages of change and harm reduction
- Knowledge of treatment and supports for persons with complex social and health needs
- Knowledge of supported housing in Vancouver for the chronically homeless and persons with special needs
A Front Line Worker Writes About Working At RainCity Housing:
It’s hard. Have no illusions, working here will challenge your abilities, beliefs, tolerances, biases, sleep patterns and social life, not to mention witnessing daily the struggles, trauma, and injustices the people we serve must face.
It is not a job for everyone. But for those of us who do work here… it is an opportunity to make a difference. To provide the most basic of needs for someone – food, shelter, clothing – and to assist with attending to medical, financial and housing issues. To creatively solve problems otherwise deemed too complex or impossible. To witness the resiliency and self determination of the human spirit on a daily basis. To work beside peers who share similar values as yourself.
You still want to work here? Be prepared to learn about people, “the system”, and yourself. Be prepared to experience frustration, compassion, and excitement in a matter of hours or minutes. And be prepared to know you have made a difference.
