Extreme Weather Response 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:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: 

The EWR Support Worker is responsible for providing client-centred support to individuals accessing the Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter 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.
 Note: This position is temporary and casual during the winter season from October 15 2026- April 15 2027 and requires individuals to be available on short notice.  The position is responsible for assisting clients in the extreme weather shelter. Scheduled shifts are 12 hours in length and are overnight. 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 in the Greater Victoria Area.

Accountabilities:

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar duties to the listed below:                        

• 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 behaviors and engaging clients in positive activities.
• Arrange meal station for clients and assist 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-centered 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 staff meetings and training seminars related to agency services as requested.

Must be prepared to participate in 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.

Education, Experience, AND Qualifications:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate).

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• 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.   

Experience and Knowledge:

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

Skills and Capabilities:

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $26.95 to $27.45 with a maximum of $27.95.

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.