Position: Onsite Support Worker (s)

Position Type: Six (6) Permanent Full Time Unionized (35 hours per week: days, evenings, overnights)

Reports To: Program Manager

Language: Three (3) Bilingualism (English and French) required, three English required

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

PURPOSE

The Onsite Support Worker is responsible for providing support to the clients/ tenants of the 24-hour program. The responsibilities include providing supportive counseling, group programming, crisis intervention and assisting clients with life skills acquisition, as required. Onsite Support Workers may cover a variety of shifts including days, evenings, overnights and weekends. The position reports to the Program Manager.

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to challenging conditions, including unpleasant situations and odors. The Onsite Support Worker will provide support services to acute and complex clients, including those involved in active substance use.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent educational background in a related discipline
• Three (3) years of experience working with clients in the areas of substance use health and mental health
• Two (2) years of experience working in a residential or supportive housing setting, an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Group support

• Establish a supportive, respectful relationship with clients/ tenants
• Provide group intervention, advocacy and mediation when necessary
• Facilitate group programming
• Resolve disputes that may arise between clients/ tenants
• Support the implementation of recreational events and meaningful activities

Provide Program support

• Provide supportive counseling and problem-solving to clients/ tenants when necessary
• Support new clients/ tenants in their integration to the program
• Foster a sense of community and connection within the Program
• Provide crisis intervention support including overdose response
• Support clients in establishing healthy sleep patterns
• Support clients/ tenants in following the rules and expectations of the Program
• Support clients/ tenants in acquiring basic life skills –personal hygiene, laundry etc.
• Support clients/ tenants in general domains of life: basic needs, physical and mental health, housing, financial, social, spiritual, legal, educational and vocational
• Work collaboratively with community partners and support the referral of clients/ tenants to external agencies as needed

Support on-call

• Provide on-call support while on duty
• Debrief with day staff and supervisor, as needed

Other

• Document as needed in the log book, incident reports, etc.
• Ensure documentation is up to date in the client’s file
• Review client files on a regular basis –be familiar with client’s overall goals and their current progress
• Participate in staff meetings
• Participate in professional development sessions
• Adhere to program protocols and procedures including health and safety
• Other related duties as determined by the Manager

SUITABILITY

• Displays a professional approach to the work along with the values and attitudes that is in keeping with the helping professions (i.e., sensitivity, respect, understanding, sincerity, genuineness, perseverance, patience, compassion, positive outlook, non-judgmental attitude, acceptance, tolerance etc.)
• client-centered, caring, supportive and reliable
• sound judgment and common sense in decision making and problem solving; critical thinking, intelligence
• demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility and independence
• sense of humor
• commitment to work and life-long learning

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use health and treatment modalities
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals living with mental health, substance use health and those experiencing chronic homelessness
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Tribunal processes
• knowledge of group dynamics theory and practice
• knowledge of concurrent disorders theory
• knowledge of ethical standards relevant to social service work (confidentiality, boundaries etc)
• knowledge of social problems associated with psychiatric disabilities (poverty, stigma, labeling, homelessness, oppression, addiction etc)
• knowledge of mental health legislation
• knowledge of community crises services
• knowledge of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, effects of food and substances, all pertaining to establishing normal sleep patterns

SKILLS

• connecting skills; empathy, active listening
• group intervention skills, including the ability to use mediation, conflict resolution, problem solving skills at a group level
• ability to relate to clients suing a strengths based, client-centered approach
• ability to work both in a team and independently
• interpersonal skills; ability to work closely with supervisor, colleagues and a diversity of clients
• conflict resolution skills
• professional boundaries
• life skills teaching
• crisis intervention, suicide prevention and intervention skills
• stress management skills
• counseling skills
• ability to manage time and resources effectively, punctuality
• communication skills (oral, written)
• record keeping skills, documentation
• computer skills (word processing, e-mail, internet)

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Bilingualism (English/ French) is required for designated positions.

PRE-HIRING REQUIREMENT

• Academic certificates
• Criminal reference check (vulnerable sector)

Why Work at Ottawa Salus?

Salus has a proven record of accomplishment of supporting clients and tenants with serious and persistent mental illness in the Ottawa area. The value of the work we provide to our clients and tenants is changing lives. The pride felt by our staff makes working here a fulfilling experience.

We offer all these and many more including:

• generous Health benefits and pension plan (HOOPP)
• compressed work week
• paid vacation days