EWR support worker

The EWR Support Worker is responsible for providing client-centred support to individuals accessing the Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelters at the Victoria ARC. The EWR support worker assists street entrenched population access a warm place to sleep and provide warm meals during cold and inclement weather in the Greater Victoria Area.

Note: This position is temporary during the winter season from November 1- April 15 and requires individuals to be available on short notice, during cold periods. The position is responsible for assisting clients in the extreme weather shelter. Scheduled shifts are 12.5 hours in length and are from 7:30 pm to 8 am. Applicants must be available for overnight shifts on an on-call basis during the winter season and can be for a single night or an extended period.

This position reports to ERW coordinator and Housing Management Team

• Receives clients and visitors in a pleasant and courteous manner and provides services according to established procedures.
• Monitors access to the Victoria A.R.C. and assists clients with registration, setting up a mat, serving warm food.
• Recognizes, analyses, and deals with all emergency situations to ensure the safety of both clients and staff.
• Observes EWR program guest and assesses any potential volatile situations and develops short-term strategies to mitigate including de-escalating challenging behaviours and engaging clients in positive activities.
• Arrange meal station for clients and assists with meal clean up.
• Conscientiously observes the confidential nature of the agency’s service to its clients and residents.
• Assist with client support by identifying potential problems and reporting any incidents to the EWR coordinator and or housing management team.
• Complete incident reports and submit to management and JOHS committee as per policy.
• Refers clients to outreach programs within the city of Victoria.
• Liaise with caseworkers when a client is interested in ARC programs.
• Set up areas for sleeping mats and ensure there are sufficient linens for clients.
• Performs light janitorial duties such as garbage removal, laundry assistance, linen collection, sweeping/mopping floors, and other general cleaning duties as required.
• Ensures clients understand and adhere to Victoria A.R.C. guidelines and EWR shelter rules.
• Registers new clients and completes all intake procedures as required.
• Provides accurate information and client-centred support to meet the needs of the residents and visitors in accordance with Victoria A.R.C. policies and procedures.
• Ensures that residents and visitors are respecting and adhering to Victoria A.R.C. policies and procedures.
• Conducts and monitors the building’s surveillance, health, safety, and security of the site.
• Ensures the public areas are clean and organized according to Victoria A.R.C. standards.

Other Duties

• Must attend all staff meetings and training seminars related to agency services as requested.
• Must be prepared to participate in upgrading/training at the discretion of housing management team.
• May be assigned other related duties as required and at the discretion of the Housing Management Team.

• High school diploma or its equivalent, including courses and/or training related to social work, addictions and or counselling.
• Must understand and reflect the ARC mission, vision, and local commitment statement
• Ability to remain calm in busy and stressful situations.
• Must pass Criminal Record Check.
• Must possess and maintain an active valid Occupational First Aid Certificate.
• Good conflict resolution and problem-solving skills; preference will be given to candidates with NVCI training and trauma informed care.
• Must have the ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences.

Education/Certifications:

• Non Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent
• Occupational First Aid
• Naloxone training
• Trauma informed care
• Managing Hostile Interactions or equivalency

Experience:

• 6-month experience working or volunteering with the houseless community

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of the houseless community

• Non Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent
• Occupational First Aid
• Naloxone training
• Trauma informed care
• Managing Hostile Interactions or equivalency

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent.
• A clear vulnerable sector screening.
• A clean drivers abstract.
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training.

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.