POSITION TITLE: Community Worker
PROGRAM: Triage Emergency Shelter
UNION: BCGEU
SALARY: $30.64/hour (BCGEU grid 34) + $2.50/hour as a premium for night shifts.
TYPE: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 2:00pm-10:00pm, includes a 30-minute unpaid meal break
START DATE: As soon as possible
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.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: male (trans, cis) and gender diverse staff only please.
To apply please include your resume, with a cover letter describing your suitability for this position, in an email with the subject line of “job2023.147” to: Jesse Corcoran, Program Manager at Triage, at:
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 Community Worker provides a range of support services to mental health consumers and /or substance users faced with homelessness and in need of temporary emergency housing. Working closely with members of the shelter team, the Community Worker assesses incoming referrals to the shelter and provides case management services. These services include: appropriate referrals to ongoing community supports, advocating on the client’s behalf in an effort to gain access to appropriate assistance, and generally educating and supporting residents who are dealing with complex bio-psycho-social issues. The community Worker’s role includes medication administration to Triage clients and assistance with basic First Aid as necessary. The Community Worker is also responsible for the general daily operations of the shelter, including responding to shelter telephones, doorbells and visitors; cleaning of office area, common areas and washrooms; preparing shelter rooms, distribution of health/hygiene products, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and residents.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Program: The Triage Centre provides emergency housing and care for people living with mental health, substance use and other challenges. There are 28 shelter rooms. Clients are able to stay longer than at most shelters, which gives shelter staff time to help them access appropriate support services based on their individual needs and circumstances. Referrals are accepted from individuals themselves, hospitals, community service providers, health-care practitioners, employment assistance workers and other local shelters.
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 or other relevant training
- Two years of related 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.
Key Skills and Abilities – for supporting people receiving our services
- establish and maintain collaborative relationships
- identify and work to increase people’s strengths
- work with people using hope-inducing strategies
- informally teach harm reduction, life skills
- Ability to work positively, patiently, and proactively with all clients, including those who may demonstrate a range of difficult behaviours including hostility, indifference, anger, extreme dependence
- Ability to intervene in crisis situations, including de-escalate verbal aggression, hostility, suicidality, mental and physical health crises.
- Ability to perform light housekeeping duties including preparing rooms for new residents and general upkeep of the office space.
- Knowledge of Downtown Eastside health and community services.
- Working knowledge of the principles of harm reduction
- Knowledge of the diagnosis and resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, physical health, including HIV and Hepatitis C.
- Knowledge of the dynamics of oppression, specifically as related to the experience of mental health consumers and substance users