Residential Support Worker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• To work with ALL clients from The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope;

• To receive all entrants to the Centre of Hope in a cordial manner, whether they are Residential Guests, Visitors, Service/Delivery Personnel, Employees, other. Uphold the Policies and Procedures of the Centre in carrying out daily duties.  To be a good representative of The Salvation Army Halifax Halifax Centre of Hope;

• To provide a secure, clean and comfortable environment for clients, staff and all others who may attend the Centre in person or by phone, etc. in accordance with acceptable standards and in compliance with the Policies and Procedures of the Centre;

• To work as a member of the team at Halifax Centre of Hope, supporting the total ministry that occurs there.

POSITION OBJECTIVES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Responsibilities:

• Ensure support congruent with the Centre of Hope’s (COH) Mission, Vision and Values.

• Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.

• Work in collaboration with other Shelter Staff within HRM. (Example: Metro Turning.)

• Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers and

• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.

• Commit to the development of COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees.

• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.

• To maintain building security at all times during each shift.

• To utilize the camera security system (including the Panic Alarm) and to assist with the maintenance of building security, reporting any functional problems to The Residential Coordinator.

• To provide Emergency/Fire procedural coverage as required under the Fire Plan with additional responsibilities in the absence of the Fire Coordinator.

• To provide active security checks during evening and night shifts according to policy standards.

• Perform other duties a required;

Client Needs:

• Distribute medication during assigned times making sure to log all exchanges;

• To clear and lock dorms by 8:00 am

• To distribute mail to residents, keeping privacy and security issues in mind when handling mail.

• Intake of Clients after hours with completion of appropriate documentation.

• Administer the meal tickets for clients

Desk Maintenance/Cleaning

• To clean the front desk area including floors, windows, etc. daily and/or as needed.

• To keep the front desk area, Hub and offices therein neat and tidy and free from clutter.

• To provide spot cleaning care for all traffic/common areas (entrances hallways, stairs, etc.) when no regular cleaning staff is available.

• To launder towels when no regular cleaning staff is available.

• To clean “special accidents” (e.g. client being sick, plumbing leak, something broken etc.) when no regular cleaning staff is available. (particularly in washrooms)

• Ensure all items or equipment required for operation of the desk is present and in working order at the end of shift.

• Arrange for transport of donations to the 2nd floor

• Log all donations in the donation’s logbook

Administration

• Be familiar with the Policy and Procedures manual especially as it relates to your duties and area of responsibility;

• To answer telephone; direct all calls to proper person

• To ensure that the TV is off, and no activity takes place in the TV Lounge area during Chapel Services or general use of the Chapel Area space; 

• Ensure clearly marked detailed notes are kept in the logbook.

• To keep records updated, accurate and orderly:

• Daily Journal

• Incident Journal with Cross References to Journal

• Pass Along Information Book

• Meal Tickets and cards

• Centre Register (Bed Sheet)

• Short Form (T-Form)      

• Client Intake Cards

• Restricted List

• Telephone Complaint Log

• In/Out Sheet

• Towel Sheet

• Clients Cheque Register

(Note: not all forms used) (You will be advised by management when applicable)

• Cash Transactions:

• Meals

• Cash donations when applicable

• To complete other janitorial duties as assigned on the evening and night shifts

  • Floor Mopping, all common areas on 1st and 2nd floor, (When Cleaner is not on!)

  • Cleaning up to 5 washrooms, (When Cleaner is not on!)

  • Dusting, window cleaning, (When Cleaner is not on!)

  • Garbage and recycling removal, (When Cleaner is not on!)

  • Stocking washrooms as needed (When Cleaner is not on!)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective.

• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.

• Demonstrate knowledge of Trusteeship programs and effective money management.

• Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless persons.

• Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.

• Demonstrated high level of understanding of the issues of homelessness.

Organization Responsibilities:

• Ability to work within the mandate of The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement.

• To expect to help with occasional “special occasions” after hours: i.e. Feast of Christmas, resident’s Christmas Party, to be supportive to Chapel programs.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

• Communication

• Leadership

• Independent

• Networking

• Interpersonal skills

• Organizational skills

• Counselling

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 Year Certificate Program preferably in Social / Human Services or other relevant Certificate Program is preferred and/or a combination of education and experience.

• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).

• A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk and homeless persons providing case management and advocacy is preferred.

• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired.

• Knowledge of Homelessness, mental health and/or addictions preferred

• Works well under pressure

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Independent and a team player

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The incumbent’s work environment is typically at work sites within various residential or community settings.

• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, odours, and exposure to drugs and alcohol

• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• This is for a casual position.

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required.

• The Number of hours worked is determined by your letter of employment;

• You may be scheduled to work any of the three following shifts:

• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM;

• 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM;

• 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM;

• You are entitled to 2 fifteen minutes paid coffee breaks during an 8-hour shift and a thirty-minute unpaid lunch break unless noted differently in your employment letter. (NOTE: If the expectation is that you take lunch at your workstation then you will be paid for lunch period.))

• Normal location of work is at The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, 2044 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $18.30 to $22.87 with a maximum of $27.44.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.