Title: Shelter Support Worker
Reports To: Manager, Emergency Shelter
Department: Emergency Shelter
Position Type: Casual
Location: 637 Main Street
Direct Reports: None
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 changes 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 up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.
Job Summary
Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low-barrier, housing-first emergency shelter offering 120-bed facility and drop-in space with a harm reduction focus, open 365 days a year. Our services are free to use and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Low barrier means that we don't require abstinence or sobriety as a condition to receive services.
Our drop-in offers food, beverages, a safe place to use the bathroom and/or take a shower, a safe place to be during extreme weather, the only daytime safe sleeping space for folks who sleep during the day, and access to clothing, harm reduction supplies as well as ongoing support for and pathways towards permanent housing.
In accordance with Main Street Project mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Withdrawal Management Support Worker functions as a member of a team in providing services designed to assist and support all who enter the program with respect, dignity, and the goals of the participant always in mind.
The Support Worker maintains the core values of MSP regarding harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity and encourages individuals in capacity building. They work with MSP participants in a manner that encourages self-awareness, self-worth, increased independence, and without judgment.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide support and resources without judgement for community members accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services
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Embody MSP’s Values in day-to-day work and interactions
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Assist community members in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
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Assist in participant-centred care plans
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Provide individual support as required for case management
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Understand and uphold community member right and shelter code of conduct
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Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations
- Respond to emergency situations, assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols
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Monitor the physical safety of community members to ensure they receive medical attention when required
- Ensure community members are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and if needed, advocate for community member to access services
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Assist community members in connecting to resources including seeking out and providing information, filing out application forms and submitting appropriately
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Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and physical file records according to MSP policies and protocols
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Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy
- Maintain cleanliness of the program area by following established cleaning duties
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Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in professional manner
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Manage community member intake professionally and according to MSP policies and protocols
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Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food handling guidelines
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Provide clothing, hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with the values of MSP
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Monitor and restock supplies in program areas
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Responsible overseeing and facilitating laundry services
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Respond and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy, procedures and training
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Support Community Members with diversion from shelter
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Maintain confidentiality in accordance with MSP policy & legislation
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Remaining up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement
Qualifications
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Experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
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Experience working in an emergency shelter or in an outreach capacity is considered an asset
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Ability to work with a community member-centered care philosophy
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Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of community members
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Knowledge of Indigenous culture
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Lived Experience: Knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role.
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Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
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Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
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Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
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Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields is considered an asset
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Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
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Experience in working with culturally diverse populations
- Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviors or experiencing crisis
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De-escalation and conflict resolution skills
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Ability to assess, manage and work in a crisis
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Online Databases
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Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications
Conditions of Employment
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Ability to meet to the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long period of time, lifting up to 50 lbs., and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, push/pulling, crouching)
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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
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Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required.
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Values & Competencies
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Ability to embody Main Street Project’s Core Values:
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Reducing Harm
- Truth and Reconciliation
- Anti-Oppression
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Trauma-Informed
Key Competencies
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Collaboration
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Problem Solving
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Crisis Management
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Decision Making
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Verbal Communication
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Service Excellence
Accountability
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Main Street Project offers
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Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
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Health & Dental Benefits
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Pension Plan
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Professional Development Opportunities
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Paid Sick and Family days
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Shift Premiums
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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.
