Housing Services Support Worker (Casual)

Position: Housing Services Support Worker

Reports to: Manager, Housing Services

Department: Housing Services

Position type: Casual

Direct Report: None

Locations: 777 Sargent Avenue, 583 Furby Street, 662 Main Street & 48 Young Street

Hours of Work: 07:30 to 16:00, 15:30 to 24:00 & 23:30 to 08:00

Wage: $20.99 - $23.62

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive change in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Job Summary

Main Street Project provides supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness at four locations: Mainstay, the Bell, Furby and Young. Using both harm-reduction and housing first philosophies, staff actively engage with each resident to support eviction prevention, harm reduction, life skills, capacity building, goal setting and advocacy services through the lens of independence and tenant-defined success.

In accordance with Main Street Project’s mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Housing Support Worker functions as a member of a team in providing services designed to assist individuals in meeting their basic needs, and to ensure their safety and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate move-ins for community members entering housing, adhering to established protocols, and collaborating with external partners.
• Assist with medication management, including proper storage, distribution, and documentation.
• Develop and implement programming initiatives to enhance the well-being and engagement of housing program participants.
• Collaborate with case managers on individualized care plans
• Respond and support individuals experiencing crisis
• Ensure residents understand program area processes and expectations
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations, including assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents, and seeking assistance as necessary.
• Conduct regular floor checks to ensure the safety, wellbeing and cleanliness of the housing premises and participants.
• Coordinate and assist in ensuring meal service in Housing facilities are done in accordance with food handling guidelines
• Provide comprehensive support to participants in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs, such as food, water, clothing, and other essential items such as harm reduction supplies.
• Offer non-judgmental support and connect participants with relevant resources and services, both internal and external.
• Ensure that participants are well-informed about available internal and external resources, services, and programs.
• Coordinate and assist residents in connecting to resources including seeking out and providing information, filing out application forms and submitting appropriately.
• Uphold professional standards of care in all interactions and service delivery.
• Foster collaborative relationships with external partners to optimize support for housing program participants.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical records pertaining to program participants and daily operations.
• Collect and submit required agency statistics promptly and accurately.
• Uphold cleanliness standards by following routine cleaning schedules for the program area during each shift.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use
• Experience working in housing is considered an asset
• Post secondary education in the field of addictions and mental health is considered an asset
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with participants and external partners
• Compassion for working with individuals who use substances and experience mental health issues
• Ability to work with a participant-centred care philosophy
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of community members
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived Experience: Knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role
• Able to contribute to a culturally safe environment for staff and participants
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
• An understanding/experience in working with culturally diverse populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & online databases
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviours or experiencing crisis
• De-escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to assess crisis and work in a crisis

Conditions Of Employment

• Ability to meet the physical demands required for the role which include being on your feet for long period of time, lifting up to 50 lbs, and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, push/pulling, crouching)
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging

Additional Requirement

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check and Child Abuse Registry Check are required. Employee is responsible for any service charges incurred
• Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications.

Values & Competencies

Ability to embody Main Street Project’s Core Values:

• Reducing Harm
• Truth & Reconciliation
• Anti-Oppression
• Trauma-Informed

Key Competencies:

• Crisis Management
• Service Excellence – Meeting people where they are at.
• Collaboration Developing External Relationships
• Accountability
• Decision Making

Main Street Project offers:

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application deadline: Open until filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.