POSITION SUMMARY

Support Staff in the Respite and Shelter services program will be responsible for the delivery of services including access to resting spaces, meals, harm reduction supports, health resources and other community services. Support Staff is also responsible for delegating tasks to support staff, modeling and coaching staff in best practices, and maintaining Health and Safety standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply a harm reduction approach while leading the delivery of Respite and Shelter services and orientation for new guests;.
• Provide service in a respectful, welcoming, friendly and safe environment adhering to all SFC policies and practices;
• Utilizing crisis/conflict de-escalation techniques and trauma informed care when providing services;
• Maintain accurate records using the SMIS database, referrals and SFC tracking document as requested;
• Responsible for preparing, completing and submitting accurate shift notes and reports in a timely manner;
• Responsible for cleaning or delegating cleaning tasks to ensure SFC Infection Prevention And Control [IPAC] measures are maintained;
• Apply a high-tolerance / low barrier approach to service delivery, using verbal de-escalation techniques to manage escalated incidents;
• Maintain an awareness of activities on or near all SFC property, respond as appropriate and escalate concerns as needed to appropriate community partner or SFC staff;
• Maintain professional boundaries with all stakeholders including guests;
• Adhere to and positively promote health and safety protocols including the use of appropriate PPE;
• Be knowledgeable of, and perform duties consistent with SFC policies and guidelines and report any violations
• Perform intake procedures of new guests as per guidelines;
• Assist with meal preparation, service and cleanup;
• Facilitate access to services such as storage, showers, meals, sleeping space etc;
• Facilitate access to overdose prevention services including harm reduction resources;
• Witness drug use (intravenous, nasal and oral) and monitor environment for safety as required;
• Responsible for administering bag valve masks, oximeters, naloxone, administering oxygen as required;
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all spaces at SFC;
• Maintain program supplies, monitor inventory and report shortages;
• Collaborate with other SFC departments to provide internal and external program referrals as needed;
• Be flexible to attend meetings outside of regular working hours; as requested and
• Additional duties as requested

EDUCATION

• Completion of Social Services Worker diploma or similar discipline or equivalent work experience in a related field - Lived experience will be considered an asset;
• Completion of the following certificates considered an asset: First Aid, CPR, Overdose response and Naloxone administration, Non-violent crisis intervention, Anti racism and anti oppressive practice, Food handlers’ certificate, SMIS certificate, Fire Warden training, Toronto Respite Standards;
• Joint health and Safety certification considered an asset;

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a similar setting e.g. shelter or respite;
• Working knowledge of the City of Toronto 24-Hour Respite Site Standards and Toronto Shelter Standards (TSS);
• Experience working with individuals in a Harm Reduction setting including: knowledge of the contents and proper use of harm reduction kits for inhalation or injection of substances;
• Exposure to assessing and responding to Opioids or amphetamines overdose;
• Familiarity with Respite Protocols, St Felix Centre policies, and organizational best practices will be given preference.

SKILLS

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams),
• Thorough knowledge of verbal de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution
• Ability to creatively solve problems using available resources
• Compassionate approach to service delivery, practiced ability to develop rapport with guests and staff
• Strong judgment and decision-making – especially as related to risk assessment
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and a high degree of integrity

Interested Applicants

Qualified applicants should email the resume and cover letter to Tarrah at applications@stfelixcentre.org

Please include the competition # 25-029 in the subject line of your email.

Salary Range: $25.49/hr plus $1.02 overnight premium

Location: 69 Fraser Ave, and 629 Adelaide, Toronto

Schedule: No fixed schedule,Flexible days and shifts (7 days a week, across these shifts)

Shift A – 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
Shift B – 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Shift C – 11:00 pm – 7:30 am

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $25.49 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Toronto, ON M6J 1A8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-14
Expected start date: 2025-08-04