Direct Support Worker

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 role provides administrative and facility support to the residence’s clients and tenants.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.
• Select and complete items from cleaning and organizing list provided.
• Assists with daily operations, laundry, food services prep, light cleaning.
• Complete residence-related administrative tasks as required.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to residents when contacted for assistance.
• First contact for all situations not requiring immediate 911 assistance.
• Log and report all incidents to staff.
• Provide oversight to participant chores by instructing, teaching, encouraging, and coaching participants in how to do their assigned chores and monitor and document their completion according to policy and procedure.
• Provides support to tenants and staff in program delivery.
• Is involved in accompaniment off-site with tenants, reporting to supervisor or appropriate personnel daily activities in conjunction with personal plans.
• Consistently demonstrates respect and empathy for all tenants.
• Maintains availability for personal, practical, and moral support.
• Accurately records relevant information to support staff.
• Liaises with referral sources and other external agencies as needed.
• Ensures ongoing enforcement of policies.
• Accurately records and reports any tenant information relevant employees.
• Creates and revises documents to support the program.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:
Internal: Tenants of supportive housing, the front desk and intake staff, other staff and volunteers in the building.
External: Might have to communicate with community members, community groups/organizations, police, and agencies.

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct reports: None.
May show others how to perform certain procedures.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:
• Minimal material responsibilities.
• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash.
• The incumbent may make small program purchases under the authority of their supervisor.
• The incumbent has no input into the annual budget.
The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• The incumbent’s work environment is typically in a supportive housing.
• This position requires a moderate amount of keyboarding/manual record keeping and Those served by the program usually relate information that is highly disturbing in nature and will require intentional debrief and consultation.
• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:

- Isolation
- Monotony
- Odors
- Stressful situations, including dealing with erratic and sometimes antagonistic behavior
- Verbal abuse
- Work schedule affecting lifestyle
- Exposure to bodily fluids, bodily waste
- Exposure to drugs and alcohol

• The incumbent may have little to no travel required.
• The incumbent carries a pager/walkie talkie and will work shifts.
• The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of minor to moderate injury or illness due to:

- Physical attacks by others
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Exposure to bodily fluids
- Sharp objects
- Other dangerous situations

• Experience moderate physical exertion causing fatigue, may be required to lift up to 30 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, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Alternative combination of education and Experience may be considered.
 

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
• Completion of high school diploma.
• Emergency First Aid & CPR, Non-Violence Certificate, and Mental Health First Aid Certificate or willingness to complete once hired.
• Alternative combination of education and experience might be considered.

• Clear background check for working with vulnerable population.

Experience and Knowledge:
• At least one year of experience, preferably in social setting required.
Skills and Capabilities:
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• The incumbent will have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.
• Strong service ethic and a friendly disposition with the public.
• Adaptability to change and frequent interruptions.
• Team oriented and able to take initiative.
• Willingness to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Problem solving skills.
• Team player.
• Organized and attentive to details.
• Comfort in dealing with ambiguity.
• Strong listening skills.
• Ability to motivate others and manage relationships.
• Ability to follow all MU’s organizational policies and procedures.
• Negotiating skills.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $18.30 to $22.87 with a maximum of $27.44.

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.