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: Under the direction of the MHSS Supervisor the employee provides resident support services, on-site supervision, housekeeping and security for the NWT Resource Centre and Mental Health Support Services on the Mental Health Support Services floor.

Accountabilities

Case Management:

• Implements formal and informal training plans communicated by Caseworkers.
• Follows direction of Primary Support Worker and/ Program Supervisor to ensure consistency and quality of service.
• Offers client opportunities for growth, development and choice of lifestyle.
• Responds to crisis situations in the home while on shift, such as medical emergencies and behavioural issues.
• Accompanies or assists clients to obtain transportation to a variety of activities, locations and meetings with other professionals and agencies.
• Ensures clients get up for work, dressed appropriately and follows through with routine activities.
• Provides advocacy services or teaches self-advocacy for clients.
• Documents behavioural concerns
• Works wake shift during the night
  
  

Health, Safety & Security

• Ensures clients, residents and visitors follow house rules and guidelines, i.e. fire safety, house rules, noise, non-smoking, etc.
• Administers first aid and medications according to prescriptions and agency policy.
• Provides personal and physical care to clients, if needed.
• Ensures clients are offered a well-balanced and nutritionally sound diet
• Ensures residence is in good repair, clean and hygienic – light housekeeping
  
  

Life Skills

• Assists with and teaches a variety of daily living skills.
• Provides life skills support related to cooking, healthy living, safety, money management, nutrition and housekeeping
  
  

Administration

• Completes records such as medical file, daily and monthly accounting sheets, client finances, observation booklet on clients, daily logbook, and daily communication book.
• Submits incident reports in case of incidents during night shifts
• Complies with The Salvation Army Policy and Procedures
• Maintains first aid and CPR certification
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the MHSS Supervisor
  
  

Critical Relationship Management

Internal / External relationships:

• There is constant contact with clients to provide for their needs and assess their situations.
• There is daily contact with employees from other departments to pass on relevant information and radio checks.
• There is regular contact with the MHSS Supervisor and individual caseworkers to communicate client information.
• There is also occasional contact with contracting agencies.
• Emergency Services may occasionally need to be called.
  
  

Working Conditions

• The work environment can be fast paced and demanding. The need to be constantly aware of the environment and the movements and attitudes of the individual clients can be stressful. There is a potential to work with aggressive, high-risk clients in this position
• There will be general housekeeping tasks required of the RCSW (sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, laundry, etc.)
  
  

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid
• Verbal Judo and/or NVCI
• Suicide Intervention
• WHMIS
• Post-Secondary Education or related experience in Social Services (One (1) to two (2) years)
• Updated Immunization records
• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Class 5 driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
  
  

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• The ability to respond appropriately, decisively, and effectively in crisis situations and in a stressful environment
• Effective interpersonal communication in English both written and oral
• Effective assessment, observation and recording skills
• Implement policy and procedures
• Ability to work within a teamwork structure though will be required to work alone
• Effective interviewing skills
• Understanding of: Aboriginal and Inuit Cultures: Addictions: Mental Health and other social issues
• Computer skills are required
  
  

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

The Successful Incumbent Will Be Required To Complete/provide

• Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid First Aid certificate
• WHMIS
• The Salvation Army on-line certification for abuse prevention
• Clear internal abuse registry check
• Participate in mandatory yearly training
  
  

Authority

What decisions and recommendations are required to be made in the job?

• The RCSW will be required to assess potentially difficult situations to determine safety issues for all clients and staff
• Recommendations are made concerning individual client case plans.
  
  

What is the impact or effect of the decision or recommendation?

• These decisions will provide assurances of safety and security for staff and clients.
• The primary impact is on the individual client and his case plan, the secondary impact is upon the general environment of the Centre.
  
  

To whom (by Job Title) are recommendations made?

• MHSS Supervisor, Caseworkers or other on-duty staff or on-call person or, if situation warrants, the RCMP.
  
  

How is the work assigned?

• Work is assigned primarily through agreed upon responsibility lists, but also through verbal or e-mail communication
  
  

What latitude does the incumbent have to achieve objectives?

• There is moderately latitude exercised in achieving objectives. Adherence to the established policies and procedures is imperative.
  
  

What constraints are placed on the incumbent in terms of regulations, procedures, policy, past practices, etc.?

• Code of conduct & code of ethics are paramount, as well as accepted standards as recommended by government funding bodies.
• The Support Worker will be required to follow the directives of the MHSS Supervisor and adhere to the established policies and procedures.
  
  

EQUIPMENT

What equipment used and what is done with it?

• Security System: Monitoring facility and residents
• Computer, MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook): Record keeping, case notes, identification kits, incident reports, e-mail, general clerical tasks
• Printers (Various), Telephone, Photocopier and Fax machine: Printing forms, applications, intakes, PDPs, program information, identification documents, resumes, letters etc.
• Radios: Radio checks with other departments
• Laundry machines: Launder linens (occasional or rare)
• Program Vehicle: Transportation of program participants
  
  

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $24.70 to $25.66 with a maximum of $26.61.

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.