Weekend Intake Worker
Job Title: Intake WorkerReports To: Staff Advocate Assistant ManagerStatus: Full-Time, 36 hours/week (12 hour shifts 8am-8pm, Friday/Saturday/Sunday)Compensation: $24/hour plus health and dental benefits and RRSP matchingLocation: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Position Summary
The Weekend Intake Worker plays a critical frontline role at The Landing, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability at the point of entry to shelter services. This role is responsible for welcoming guests, completing intake assessments, identifying immediate needs, and ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate shelter and support services. This role works in a team with the Intake/Diversion worker who works Monday-Thursday.
Grounded in trauma-informed, harm reduction, and housing-first principles, the Intake Worker prioritizes guest choice, dignity, and autonomy while supporting access to shelter, community resources, and housing pathways. This role works closely with shelter staff, the Coordinated Access System (CAS), and community partners to ensure a responsive, low-barrier, and person-centered intake process. The Intake Workers have primary responsibility for maintaining accurate records in HIFIS at The Landing.
Why Work With Us?
At SSODA, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where staff can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.
Cook’s Landing is a community-based, low-barrier shelter focused on safety, dignity, and respect for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Working with SSODA means being part of a dedicated team focused on providing safe, appropriate, and supportive housing solutions across the South Shore.
We offer:
- A collaborative and mission-driven work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Flexible work arrangements where possible
- Opportunities to contribute to innovative housing solutions and community impact
SSODA actively encourages applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and people with lived experience related to housing insecurity.
We recognize that systemic barriers can impact access to employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to equity, we welcome applicants whose skills and experience may have been developed through community work, lived experience, or non-traditional career paths.
SSODA is committed to providing accessible and inclusive hiring practices. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Key ResponsibilitiesIntake & Assessment
- Welcome and engage individuals seeking shelter in a respectful, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.
- Complete intake assessments, documentation, HIFIS entries, and consent processes in alignment with program policies.
- Assess immediate needs, including safety, health, and housing status.
- Enter and maintain accurate, up-to-date information in data systems, including the By-Name List (BNL) where applicable.
- Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
Guest Support & Advocacy
- Provide immediate, short-term support and crisis intervention as needed.
- Advocate for guest needs while maintaining professional boundaries and promoting self-determination.
- Provide information and referrals to community services, including housing, income assistance, healthcare, and mental health supports.
- Work collaboratively with shelter staff to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Coordination & Collaboration
- Work closely with the Guest Advocate Assistant Manager and shelter team to support smooth intake flow and bed utilization.
- Coordinate with Coordinated Access System (CAS) partners and participate in case conferencing as required.
- Support referrals to the SSODA Housing Support Team for ongoing case management once guests are housed.
- Maintain strong working relationships with community partners and service providers.
- Inform the Guest Advocate Assistant Manager when new guests are admitted so they can be connected to a Case Worker.
Administrative & Operational Duties
- Maintain accurate records, case notes, and reporting in a timely manner.
- Maintain petty cash and a credit card according to organizational policy.
- Support shelter operations as needed, including communication across shifts.
- Uphold all organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards.
- Participate in team meetings, training, and continuous improvement efforts.
Education
- College diploma in Social Services, Human Services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Additional training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or crisis intervention is considered an asset.
Experience
- Minimum two years of direct or transferable experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or complex needs.
- Experience in intake, assessment, or front-line crisis support is preferred.
- Familiarity with housing systems or Coordinated Access Systems is an asset.
- Experience working in a shelter or low-barrier environment is an asset.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust quickly.
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations.
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and housing-first approaches.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice.
Working Conditions & Benefits
This position is based in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and is primarily on-site.
Benefits include:
- 4% vacation pay
- 6 sick days
- Health and dental benefits
- RRSP matching
- Paid training and onboarding
- Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
- Meaningful work in a supportive, community-focused environment
SSODA staff work in a dynamic, collaborative environment and must be able to respond with flexibility, professionalism, and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, harm reduction, and housing stability.
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
