Shelter 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 Shelter Worker at The Salvation Army's Nanaimo New Hope Centre plays a pivotal role in providing compassionate care, support, and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness and seeking refuge within the shelter. Shelter Workers contribute to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment that upholds the core values and mission of The Salvation Army. Working at the front desk, the Shelter Worker is the touchpoint for all staff, clients, visitors, volunteers, and programs at the NHC.

Shifts: Saturday and Sunday 7am-3pm

Accountabilities

• Promotes the independence, safety, and overall quality of life of those in care of the NHC.
• Fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere within the shelter.
• Receives clients and visitors, and monitors access to the facility.
• Monitors and records the activities of the clients.
• Accurately records day-to-day happenings using appropriate methods; maintains logbooks and completes incident reports.
• Liaise with external agencies as needed (e.g. police, first responders).
• Assess clients' immediate needs and any potential safety concerns.
• Ensures the safety and security of all clients and staff within the shelter facility.
• Monitors the premises to prevent any unauthorized access or disturbances.
• Implements emergency protocols as needed, such as fire drills or evacuation procedures.
• Distributes bedding, blankets, and hygiene supplies in accordance with policies and procedure.
• Responds to any conflicts or crises that may arise among clients.
• Mediates disputes and de-escalates tense situations to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Performs security checks such as bed checks and room searches.
• Carries out inspection/security checks of property and grounds in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Communicates and enforces shelter rules and guidelines to clients.
• Addresses any rule violations with empathy while maintaining order within the shelter.
• Maintains accurate records of client interactions, including intake information, services provided, and any incidents that occur.
• Completes necessary paperwork and data entry as required by the organization.
• Collaborates with fellow shelter workers, case managers, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
• Collaborates with kitchen staff to ensure a smooth meal service process.
• Encourages clients to engage in positive activities and interactions.
• Respects and maintains the confidentiality of client information and personal stories.
• Records, tracks, maintains, and reports all client-related data (e.g., financial, housing, occupancy & vacancies, case management, internal and external statistics, etc.).
• Enters and maintains NHC Program Participant financial information.
• Conscientiously observes the confidential nature of the agency's service to its clients and participants.
• Manages client medication in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Acts as a secure and supportive presence in the facility while monitoring behavior, basic structural and operational conditions as per policies and procedures.
• May help support, deliver, or facilitate programming for shelter clients, including approved community resources (e.g., VIU or VIHA programs) and/or internal resources (e.g., sharing a skill or hobby) in accordance with operational capacity and needs of the shelter, and in consultation with the NHC management.
• Ensures the public areas are maintained according to NHC standards.
• Attends all staff meetings and training seminars related to agency services as requested.
• May be assigned other related duties according to agency needs at the discretion of the NHC management.
  
  

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Governance Boards and Councils: None
• Internal: Program Manager, Assistant Program Manager, Program Staff, Other Staff, Volunteers, Clients.
• External: May interface with the public and external agencies.
  
  

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

• Reports directly to: Program Manager, Assistant Program Manager
• Direct reports for this position: n/a
  
  

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

• May handle data entry for financial information for clients and the NHC.
• Distributes and tracks supplies and client's personal items.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May be required to lift or move up to 15 pounds.
• Sitting, standing, walking.
• May deal with angry or dangerous people and verbal abuse.
• May be exposed to sharp objects, chemicals, bodily fluids, or infectious diseases.
  
  

Education And Experience Qualifications

• Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
• High School Graduation or equivalent required.
• Post-secondary education (Certificate, Diploma, Degree) in relevant field (Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health & Addictions) preferred.
• Clear TB Skin Test required.
• Criminal record clearance through the BC Criminal Records Review Program required.
• Valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 or equivalent an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License an asset.
• Valid WHIMS certificate an asset.
• Completion of NHC mandatory, especially ARMATUS abuse training, required.
• Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:
• Minimum of six (6) months experience in related field (mental health and addictions) including experience with frontline work in a social service setting.
• Fundamental understanding of homelessness, poverty and addiction and barriers faced by NHC clients.
• Knowledge of available community resources in Nanaimo.
• Skills and Capabilities:
• Ability to uphold appropriate, consistent boundaries.
• Ability to use sound judgement while working in demanding conditions and circumstances.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Superior people skills.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly proficient on computer; fluent in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent ability to work well in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
• Flexible and creative.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
  

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $25.39 to $25.64 with a maximum of $25.89.

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.