Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose summary: The Direct Support Worker – House Parent provides supervision of residents and maintains the safety and security of the facility and everyone living in it. They support the team and ensure operations are efficient, safe and secure. The Youth Care Worker – House Parent shall ensure residents safety while interacting in a positive, supportive manner. They will maintain a high level of quality, service, cleanliness and safety in all areas while preparing and serving food products in accordance with health, safety guidelines and the organization’s policies and procedures. They will be involved with youth in the establishment and maintenance of a therapeutic relationship and the care plan process with the goal of facilitating the youth’s return to a community setting.

Accountabilities

Residents Care and Support: Actively supervises resident in the facility and in the community as required in a lawful, safe and expedient manner. Monitors the activities of the youth and maintains availability for personal, practical and moral support. Develops and maintains a strong therapeutic relationship with youth that facilitates effective intervention. Able to communicate in a clear and concise manner with residents, staff, professionals, and members of the public while maintaining confidentiality, fairness and respect. Plans, implements, monitors and participates in group activities including life-skills training modules and social recreational programming. Support all staff in all aspects of programming including sports and recreation activities (eg. Swimming, basketball, soccer, hiking, cleaning, crafts etc.) Utilizes the environment (Milieu) in assessing teaching and supporting residents around issues such as problem-solving and conflict resolution. Adopts age-appropriate “parental role” with the youth in the areas of basic daily living skills and routines, a supportive and encouraging attitude and proper limit setting. Participate in development and implementation of case plans pertaining to life skill goals. Reports to caseworker client progress, changes and/or regression in the client’s status. Completes duties, reports and logs as per shift description. Deals with interpersonal relationships within Bethany Hime in a therapeutic manner. Encourages residents to develop family and community-based support networks, in conjunction with the caseworker, which may continue to be accessed upon discharge from Bethany Home. Follows policies and procedures of Bethany Hime, The Salvation Army and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

House Parent Duties

Meets the nutritional needs of youth by preparing well-balanced meals, planning menus and coordinating the ordering of food and kitchen supplies ensuring complete inventory supply on a weekly basis. Submit all food receipts to the Program Coordinator. Monitor food purchases to ensure budgetary constraints are observed and foster good relationships with vendors, donors and other community partners and report to the Program Coordinator. Coordinate with local dieticians as required by The Salvation Army accreditation standards to ensure nutritional value of meals as it relates to healthy menu planning. Actively engages the youth in learning cooking skills, menu planning and life-skills needed to provide for themselves when they become independent. Develops a schedule and resources for recipes /meals that can be made during all shifts that can also engage the youth in participating. Ensure safe storage and rotation of all food products ensuring product is properly dated and organized. Regularly monitors and inspects kitchen equipment. Organizes a schedule for a variety of cleaning duties to maintain cleanliness standards in the kitchen.

Health & Safety

Assumes delegated responsibility for the facility when assigned. Responsible for making sure health and safety requirements for licensing are kept up to date (Refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher temperatures are monitored, etc.) Maintains the safety and security needs of the residents through engagement, supervision and monitoring. Deals with serious incidents and crisis in a safe and therapeutic manner. Communicate and enforce facility rules while maintaining discipline and safety. Maintains a high level of client care and complete duties in the facility such as housekeeping, preparing and serving meals, cleanliness of vehicles. Participates as an active member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Communication and Report

Completes all documentation in regard to client safety, incident reports, fire safety and other serious incidents. Documents daily events, progress towards goals, and any significant occurrences.

Team Participation

Participate in all team meetings. Present concerns, questions and issues in prescribed forums. Works cooperatively as a team member and provides a coordinate and consistent approach to residents. Provides input into decisions regarding admissions and discharges from the program. Participates as required in the evaluation and goal-setting processes of the organization. Other related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Required to work in co-operation with other staff members in job related areas and treat all residents, volunteers and members of the public with respect, dignity and confidentiality. Governance Boards and Councils: None. Internal: Program Coordinator, Caseworker/Counsellor, Residents, Staff. External: Police, Agencies, Community Organizations, General Public, Ministry of Social Services, Community Partners, Mobile Crisis.

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

Reports directly to: Program Coordinator.

Direct reports for this position: None

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: Responsible for the safe keeping of materials and equipment for own use. Access to a corporate credit card for grocery purchases and program supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in a residential youth group home. Regular travel to and from scheduled and unscheduled appointments. Travel with youth to participate in programming.

The incumbent will/may work under the following disagreeable conditions

Noise Dealing with angry and highly emotional residents Verbal abuse The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to: Physical attacks by others (i.e. being attacked by a resident) Exposure to infectious diseases Sharp objects (i.e., needle, sticks) Other dangerous situations May involve bending, stretching, reaching and climbing. Minimal opportunities for rest breaks may occur during the shift. Driving program van/vehicle under stressful and less than ideal circumstances.

May involve sitting, standing, walking for long periods of time

Exposure to both hot and cold outdoor environments when doing programming with youth.

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Qualifications and Certifications: Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years, preferably in Social Science/Service. Diploma or Degree in Humanities or related field (i.e. Social Work, Youth Care, Psychology, etc.) will be considered as an asset, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate or willingness to obtain.

First Aid/CPR

Clean Drivers’ Abstract Food Safe Certificate TCI Training Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements Minimum one year experience in similar or related field. Experience working within the field of Mental Health and Addictions is a strong asset. Demonstrated understanding of the Behaviour Based Model. Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, Internet and keyboarding.

Skills and Capabilities

Understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities. Ability and willingness to respect, promote and support the mission, vision and values of the TSA and develop an understanding of the purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and its implication as related to the position responsibilities. Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility. Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population. Strong listening, written and verbal communication skills – clear and simple to understand. Able to proactively recognize potential risks, conflicts, and issues, respond with solutions and coaching. Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills, Patience and ability to deescalate situations. Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback. Ability to make decisions within established framework while understanding the impact decisions will have on programming as well as programs around them. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal and motivational skills. Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to deal with internal and external contacts at all levels of the organization in a professional manner. Ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable, and operate in an environment of accountability. Demonstrate the ability to work as a positive team member. Understands the dynamics of residents’ behavior with the ability to assess their needs and risks. Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences. Physical ability to perform tasks. Ability to work with hard to handle youth.

This is a full-time position

Weekly scheduled hours:40 Compensation: The target hiring range for this position is $26.39 to $26.97 with a maximum of $27.54. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.