Community Support Worker, New West (Casual) at Union Gospel Mission (Vancouver)

Are you passionate about connecting with and supporting individuals living in the neighbourhood of the New West Centre? Do you possess strong interpersonal skills, a client-centred approach, and a desire to work within a Christian Organization? Are you adaptable and able to work effectively in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse environment? If so, we have an opportunity for you!

This is a casual position with flexible and varying hours, scheduled based on program needs and availability. This position offers a starting hourly salary range of $23.82-$26.03.

You'll frequently engage with clients facing crisis situations stemming from various challenges. Support from fellow staff members will be readily available as needed.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Model Christ in word and deed.
• Build strong relationships with guests and actively encourage people to explore Christianity.
• As a member of the Outreach Team, provide support as well as referral services to guests.
• Assist in the running of effective programs and services that target the people we are serving, which will include special events as required.
• Complete administrative responsibilities (i.e. timesheets, stories, reports, stats) including important information on guests for future reference.
• Prepare to lead and monitor chapel services; be efficient and courteous at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and development opportunities.
• Maintain the Centre and office space in a clean and presentable condition and ensure that equipment is functioning properly.
• Maintain daily security, e.g., secure all gates and doors when no events are occurring. Always be alert to unknown persons in the building.
• Have a way for us to contact you easily/immediately (e.g. a cell phone).
• Perform other duties as requested by Supervisor.
• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.
• Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
• Understand the importance of a high level of confidentiality within the organization and its clientele.
• Related work or volunteer experience in a community service provider organization, foundation or ministry.
• Post-secondary education, or equivalent experience, preferred.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Good English skills (Verbal, writing and reading)
• Complete UGM Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
• Complete UGM Outreach Worker Orientation Course.
• Complete other UGM training deemed as needed by Supervisor and Manager.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work Location
  
  

Work is generally performed indoors, with up to 20% of the time spent outdoors in all types of weather.

• Physical Requirements
  
  

Duties require extended periods of standing and/ or walking. Duties require occasional periods of climbing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees are required to look at a computer screen for up to 25% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.

• Work Conditions
  
  

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Regular environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work
  
  

This position works a day shift (7:00 am – 3:00 pm). Additional staff coverage may be requested outside of the day shift in New Westminster or at other UGM locations. Weekend, evening or overnight work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required. Work on statutory holidays may be required.

• Hazards
  
  

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working frequently with people in unhealthy conditions and may include exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

Due to the nature of this role and our commitment to maintaining a safe environment, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a criminal record check.