Shelter Support Worker - City of Ottawa, Ottawa

About this opportunity

The Shelter Support Worker works within a multi-disciplinary setting using a consultative and team approach to provide support and services to families, couples and individuals who are homeless within the City of Ottawa's Family Transitional Housing & Offsite Services. The role helps ensure a safe and secure living and working environment while supporting the stabilization and implementation of the Client Service Plan. The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion, adhering to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Language requirements vary by location, with some requiring English only, French only, or bilingual competencies. Successful candidates may initially be paid 95 percent of their starting rate of pay in accordance with the collective agreement.

What you'll bring

• Completion of Grade 12
• Community college diploma or university degree in a related field is desirable
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience in a social services setting
• Current Standard First Aid, CPR and/or AED certificates are assets
• Crisis Prevention/Intervention training certificate is an asset
• Knowledge of community resources
• Understanding of issues affecting homeless persons, families and women fleeing abuse
• Strong knowledge of Ottawa's shelter system and supporting agencies
• Familiarity with social services agencies and programs
• Knowledge of City of Ottawa policies, departmental procedures, and the case management process for shelters
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
• Training on HIFIS is desirable
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in an organized fashion
• Capacity to manage potentially volatile situations and provide crisis intervention
• Ability to act as a positive role model
• Effective interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to make informed decisions and provide rationale
• Skill to work independently and as part of a team with limited supervision
• Computer skills in Microsoft Suite
• Ability to manage pressure and stress
• Capacity to provide services in a courteous, non-judgmental professional and supportive manner
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work within a 24-hour operation
• Physical capacity to lift, climb, and perform other physical tasks

Responsibilities

As a Shelter Support Worker contributing to housing services and community support within Ottawa, your day-to-day duties involve direct engagement with clients and facility management:

• Provide support and services to families, couples, and individuals experiencing homelessness
• Work within a multi-disciplinary setting using a consultative and team approach
• Ensure a safe and secure living and working environment
• Support the stabilization and implementation of client service plans
• Manage potentially volatile situations through crisis intervention
• Deliver services in a courteous, non-judgmental, professional, and supportive manner
• Perform physical tasks including lifting and climbing as part of operating within a 24-hour facility

About the employer

The City of Ottawa encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, Black and other racialized communities, non-binary persons, and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. The city provides accommodations to applicants during all parts of the hiring process upon request.