POSITION TITLE: Support Worker
PROGRAM: The Vivian
UNION: BCGEU
SALARY: $30.64, plus nights and weekend shift differentials (BCGEU grid 34)
TYPE: Casual Relief
SCHEDULE: Positions are on-call / casual relief to start – filling in for regular staff
HOURS: Overnight availability – Shifts are generally 8 hours long: 11:30pm – 7:30am / 7:30am – 3:30pm / 3:30pm – 11:30pm.
START DATE: As soon as possible
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: women (cis, trans), gender diverse and Two Spirit applicants only please.
Pursuant to the Provincial Health Officer’s Order, the incumbent of this position is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We will only consider applicants who are fully vaccinated, or who have received an exemption from the Provincial Health Office. Proof of either must be provided in advance of any offer of employment being made.
To apply please include your resume, with a cover letter describing your suitability for this position, in an email with the subject line of “job2023.104” to: Alisha Bold-de-Haughton, Program Manager at the Vivian at abold-de-haughton@raincityhousing.org
ABOUT US
RainCity Housing is an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. With a goal of providing a home for everyone, RainCity’s programs sustain relationships, strengthen communities and make change for people experiencing homelessness and mental health, trauma and substance use issues. We invite you to be a part of the change.
DIVERSITY
RainCity Housing serves a diverse group of people and we need a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Support Worker provides a range of supports for chronically homeless individuals living in the community, many of whom have concurrent mental illness, substance use and /or physical health issues. Using a strengths-based model, the Support Worker participates in the development and implementation of service plans, including: assessment; goal setting, achievement and review; resource acquisition; and monitoring in the areas of daily living, financial, vocational/educational, social supports, health, harm reduction, culture, recovery and leisure/recreational supports. The Support Worker works closely and collaboratively with other direct service staff, family and external service providers, advocating for access and rights as needed. The Support Worker also provides daily supports including medication administration, building security, crisis intervention, health and recreational groups and general problem solving.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
The Vivian is a minimal barrier housing program in Vancouver specifically designed for women living with concurrent mental illness, addiction and other challenges. The facility was developed in response to the unique needs of women and is women-only, including both residents and staff. It offers a minimal barrier, high tolerance environment and follows a harm-reduction/health promotion philosophy. The Vivian screens women in (not out) of the program based on the complexities of their needs, histories and behaviours. The program is flexible, non-judgmental and responsive to the unique challenges faced by homeless women.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Many forms of education and experience are valued, including volunteering and lived experience of mental illness / addiction/ homelessness; Minimum education and experience includes:
- A Diploma in community social services,
- Two years of recent, related work experience; 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, Naloxone & Overdose Response Training
Key Skills and Abilities – for supporting people receiving our services
- Establish a dignifying and purposeful relationship with the client, contacting and getting to know the client as a unique individual, and clarifying the role of the PSS and client in the service planning process
- Ability to identify and work to increase client strengths, including the use of hope inducing strategies and assisting the client in self-managing their illness and other aspects of their life
- Informally teach harm reduction, life skills
- Respond to problematic behaviour using an understanding of the behaviour’s context and function
- Knowledge of the integrated concurrent disorders recovery model for working with chronically homeless individuals
- Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, medications, treatment and support resources
- Knowledge of the bio-psychosocial addictions model, including stages of change and harm reduction
- Knowledge of diagnoses, treatment and support resources in the areas of substance use, physical health, HIV and Hepatitis C
- Knowledge of the housing continuum, including supported housing systems and program models for special needs populations
- Demonstrates understanding of oppression and marginalization as related to chronically homeless individuals
- Ability to effectively and safely resolve crisis situations
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to establish workload priorities, adjust to new or unexpected events, problem solve, and deal effectively with conflict situations
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position