Position Information
- Job Title: Relief Worker
- Department: Lodge Shelter
- Reports To: Program coordinator
- Employment Type: Casual/Relief
- Work Location: On-site – The Inn of the Good Shepherd’s Lodge – 950 Confederation street Sarnia
- Effective Date: As soon as possible
Job Summary
The Relief Worker provides front-line support to individuals accessing emergency shelter services at The Lodge. This role helps ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for clients experiencing homelessness and related challenges. Relief Workers provide client support, crisis intervention, advocacy, documentation, and assistance with daily shelter operations while promoting dignity, well-being, and client-centered service. Working collaboratively with staff and community partners, the Relief Worker contributes to maintaining a welcoming and secure shelter environment and supports clients in accessing available resources and services.
Responsibilities and Key Duties:
- Register and orient new clients to shelter services, expectations, policies, and procedures
- Monitor client well-being and provide support throughout their stay
- Build positive, respectful relationships with clients and provide a supportive presence
- Advocate for client needs and assist clients in accessing available supports and services
- Gather and document relevant client information, background history, and service needs
- Observe client behavior and assess situations to identify potential risks or challenges
- Utilize de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques to proactively address concerns and respond appropriately to crisis situations
- Maintain professional boundaries while treating all clients with dignity and respect
- Work collaboratively with shelter staff to promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment
- Ensure critical information is communicated effectively between shifts through documentation and verbal reporting
- Maintain accurate client records, case notes, incident reports, and shelter documentation
- Support a team culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility
- Contribute to maintaining a positive environment for both clients and staff
- Perform day-to-day administrative duties, including client intakes, record keeping, database entries, and paperwork completion
- Assist with meal preparation, serving, and related kitchen duties as required
- Support shelter cleanliness, organization, and general upkeep of client and common areas
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, and critical situations in accordance with organizational procedures
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities as required
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support shelter operations
Qualifications
- Diploma or education in Social Services, Human Services, Community Services, Mental Health, Addictions, or a related field considered an asset
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, or poverty considered an asset
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to effectively de-escalate conflict and respond to crisis situations
- Strong documentation and report-writing abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Basic computer proficiency, including electronic documentation and Microsoft Office applications
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries
Additional Requirements
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required
- Valid First Aid/CPR certification required or willingness to obtain
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to agency policies and ethical standards
- Commitment to the mission, values, and client-centered approach of The Inn of the Good Shepherd
Working Conditions
- Work is performed within an emergency shelter environment
- Frequent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, and other barriers
- Exposure to crisis situations and emotionally demanding circumstances
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and movement throughout the facility
- May be required to work independently during assigned shifts
Work Schedule
- Casual relief position with shifts scheduled based on operational requirements
- Availability for days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays may be required
- Schedule may vary based on staffing and client service needs
Compensation and Benefits
- Hourly wage of $23.55/hr
- Eligibility for HSA after 6 months of employment
- Contributions to group pension RRSP up to 5% matching contributions
- Opportunities for training and professional development
This posting is for an existing position within The Inn of the Good Shepherd and represents a current vacancy. This position is part of our existing organizational structure and is not a newly created position.
The Inn of the Good Shepherd is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized communities, women, and individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with applicable legislation. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected], and we will work with you to meet your needs.
This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and requirements of the role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and responsibilities may be modified as needed to meet organizational requirements.
The Inn of the Good Shepherd does not currently use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in its recruitment or hiring practices. At this time, applications are reviewed and hiring decisions are made by members of our organization through our established recruitment and selection process. The organization may review and consider the use of AI-supported tools in the future, where appropriate and in accordance with applicable legislation, privacy requirements, and our commitment to fair and equitable hiring practices.
Job Types: Part-time, Casual
Pay: From $23.55 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
