JOB SUMMARY
Working as a part of a collaborative team, the Sheltering and Outreach Support Worker find creative ways to support guests/clients to meet their basic needs and access essential life-protecting care. Sheltering and Outreach staff are responsible for emergent response to guest/client needs. Working in a high paced environment, with high guest/client turnover staff must be able to prioritize and triage urgent needs and responses to guest/client care. Using specialized methods to collect and track data throughout our continuum, sheltering and outreach staff will support guests/clients as they move through and amongst our spaces building a model of care that accommodates the transient nature of how our clients/guests use community supports and services.
SOCIETY PHILOSOPHY
PHS Community Services Society provides housing, harm reduction, health promotion and health care to vulnerable communities. Our supportive housing and low barrier programs provide refuge, services and advocacy for those who are homeless or poorly served elsewhere due to their physical health, mental health, behavior, substance use, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Our work is grounded in honoring self-determination and providing as much choice of therapeutic treatments as possible within a trauma-informed continuum of care. We foster an environment which accepts and looks to the good in each member. PHS is a renowned innovator and a leader in harm reduction and health care for marginalized communities. PHS Housing actively seeks to find an alternative to eviction in every situation
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The job includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Completes various tasks associated with support in houselessness and under housing including but not limited to orientations to shelter spaces, facilitation of transfers between shelters/SROs, and ensuring basic lifesaving amenities are provided.
- Works directly with guests/clients to build relationships of trust and support to better inform case planning done in collaboration with management or outside stake holders.
- Responsible for crisis intervention in the event of overdose and responding to complex emergency situations. Strong knowledge of current street drugs and their presentation in individuals experiencing overdose symptoms is required.
- Assists guests/clients with activities of daily living. Examples include but are not limited to – providing and assisting in Lice treatments, storage management, housekeeping tasks such as doing dishes or laundry, maintaining cleanliness of support devices like commodes, supporting tenants in cleaning up after pets.
- Models’ de-escalation techniques to guests/clients in any high conflict situation that may arise.
- Works with guests/clients on practical problems such as acquiring identification, accessing income assistance, applying for housing, checking placement on housing waitlists, and providing financial administration. Coordinates access to assistance with Disability applications, mental health treatments and support.
- Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of all common spaces (bathrooms, hallways, kitchen/amenities spaces) to promote positive mental and physical health outcomes for guests/clients.
- Liaises with other sites and community partners and assists guests/clients with accessing services related to survival needs like healthcare, housing, food, clothing and social support.
- Contributes to a collaborative working relationship with internal and external stakeholders to develop, manage and evaluate guest/client care plans.
- Works respectfully and appropriately with the police, probation officers and courts to assist guests/clients with navigating legal systems.
- Works respectfully and professionally with Emergency Services entering the building. Including maintaining guest/client confidentiality, rights to refuse care, and tenancy rights for room entry.
- Maintains guest/client administrative records, including health and care plans, financial/banking, daily shift reports, job draw information, and other checklists.
- Collects information from guests/clients and completes specialized sheltering and outreach data collection forms including, HIFIS, the Outreach Tracker, Guest Support Info, External Referral Tracking sheets, and Housing Allocations spreadsheet.
- Works with other staff and management to ensure proper organization, storage, and accessibility of supplies necessary for guest/client care.
- Maintains guest/client confidentiality.
- Follows protocols for reporting suspected mental health decline.
- Properly and professionally documents guest/client behaviours for purpose of maintaining resident safety and stability.
- Listens and responds to guest/client concerns and questions. Responsible for de-escalating adverse situations that arise and informing management.
- Works with management and other staff to plan and facilitate guest/client programming.
- Reports emergency events to management.
- Complies with the Book of Knowledge procedure for medication storage and dispensing over the-counter treatments. Provides prescription medication reminders, as needed. Coordinates with pharmacies for guest/client access to medications.
- Maintains accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies, prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation.
- Other duties as required.
SKILLS / ABILITY / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to demonstrate core competencies of the PHS mandate and approach to population served by the PHS.
- Strong communication skills; ability to work with multiple stakeholders; PHS Staff, resident, clients, peers & other outside agencies.
- Excellent conflict de-escalation skills that consider a variety of factors including racial triggers, mental health and addiction issues.
- Working knowledge of psychotropic medications.
- Active learner; Keeps informed about legislation, regulations, industry trends, technology and protocols, and shares knowledge and supports staff to integrate evidence-based practice in the delivery of quality care/services.
- Knowledge of the continuum of care/housing and broader relevant services in the community and beyond.
- Applies sound judgment: solutions focused individual with strong research abilities and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational & multi-tasking skills in a constantly changing and high pressure environment.
- Knowledge of WorkSafeBC / OHS programs & procedures and critical incident reporting
- Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs, push and pull carts, stand and walk for extended periods, climb stairs while carrying supplies, and perform tasks requiring bending, reaching, and kneeling.
- Must be physically capable of safely repositioning or lifting individuals, when necessary, in emergency situations.
- Must have the physical ability to work and walk outdoors in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat and cold, as required.
- Providing client-centered care under a harm reduction model.
- Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and concurrent disorders
- Knowledge of social justice and anti-oppressive practices and how they relate to the
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
- Diploma in Community Social Services
- Recent related experience of two years or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience (this includes working in bars or spaces with intoxicated individuals).
- Related experience in workplace that requires intense and consistent cleaning.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Mac OS
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- Narcan and Overdose management training is a must
- HIFIS training an asset
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a unionized position with CUPE 5536
Grid 34
Pay: $33.49 per hour
Work Location: In person
