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 Support Worker represents and applies the general philosophies and policies of the Victoria Addictions & Rehabilitation Centre (Victoria A.R.C.) to its clients, visitors, other agencies and staff.

The Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker is responsible for providing client-centered support to program participants and clients at the Victoria A.R.C.  

The front desk support worker is the touchpoint for all staff, clients, visitors, volunteers and programs at the ARC. It is a critical position that requires a highly energetic, multitalented, versatile individual who is exceedingly capable of prioritizing, organizing and multi-tasking.

Front Desk Duties 

• Receives clients and visitors in a pleasant courteous manner and arranges for registration in accordance with established procedure; 

• Conscientiously observes the confidential nature of the agency's service to its clients (Transients, Long Term, ARC & CRF); 

• Accepts mail delivery, sorts out and distributes Clients mail, and forwards all remaining mail to the Administrative Assistant; 

• Operates a multiple line switchboard/intercom and maintains accurate records/message taking for incoming calls and forwards same to respective staff and/or clients; 

• Ensures the Front Desk Office is clean and organized to Victoria A.R.C. standards; 

• Monitors access to the Victoria A.R.C.; 

• Monitors Sign In/Out and release conditions of CRF clients; 

• Records pertinent information including financial and incident, accurately and according to policy on shift activity log & other recording systems; 

• Monitors adherence of clients to Victoria A.R.C. rules and regulations; 

• Does intake for new clients and ensures that intake forms are accurately completed and intake procedures are followed; 

• Makes general assessment of clients to determine suitability for Victoria A.R.C. residency (i.e. obvious mental/physical impairment that would preclude residency); 

• Assists where possible and when appropriate, in referring clients to resources & supports; 

• Provides clients access to their medication and follows all procedures and policies related to resident medication; 

• Maintains and updates client Registry; 

• Accepts and records payments and balancing cash; 

• Controls access to the Front Desk area and ensure equipment, medication, information and supplies are safe and secure; 

 

Attendant Duties 

• Acts as a mobile secure and supportive presence monitoring the 1st 2nd and 3rd floors for resident behaviour as well as basic structural and operational conditions as per Policies and procedures. 

• Receives and interacts with residents and visitors in a pleasant courteous manner; 

• Provides accurate information and client-centered support to meet the needs of the residents and visitors, in accordance to Victoria A.R.C. Policies/Procedures; 

• Ensures that residents and visitors are respecting and adhering Victoria A.R.C. Policies & Procedures; 

• Maintains a client focused attitude to support and interact with the residents at the ARC; 

• Conscientiously observes the confidential nature of the agency's service to its residents and visitors; 

• Maintains a calm and secure atmosphere in the residence through quiet unobtrusive presence; 

• Conducts and monitors building Health, Safety, Security and Surveillance including disposal of drug paraphernalia, removal of beverage containers and other hazardous materials. 

• Provides information and feedback regarding resident, security and facility concerns to the Manager; 

• Represents The Salvation Army to the public in a courteous and professional manner; 

• Monitors access to and security of, the Victoria A.R.C.; 

• Conducts regular rounds of the Victoria A.R.C. & conducts bed checks; 

• Records pertinent information according to policy on appropriate logs & other recording systems; 

• Reports observed maintenance needs in accordance with agency procedures; 

• Keeps an inventory of all supplies used or required; 

• Performs room pack-outs and securely stores resident personal belongings according to policies & procedures; 

• Keeps Program Department storage area organized, clean and secure; 

• Ensures the public areas are clean and organized to Victoria A.R.C. standards;  

• Performs light janitorial duties when required; 

• May train Casual Support Workers; 

 

Other Duties 

• Must attend all staff meetings and training seminars related to agency services if requested; 

• Must be prepared to participate in upgrading/training at the discretion of Program Manager; 

• May be assigned other related duties according to agency needs at the discretion of the Residence Manager; 

 

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH: 

Employees, volunteers and practicum students play a key role in their personal safety and health and that of their co-workers. They are required to know and comply with all safety and health rules, policies and procedures. They are responsible for following all safe work procedures and are responsible for requesting help and education whenever they are not clearly informed or are unsure of a safe work procedure. Above all, employees, volunteers and practicum students are responsible to set a good example and cooperate in all safety and health matters and initiatives. Commitment to workplace safety and health will be demonstrated by: 

• Understanding and following the Victoria A.R.C. Workplace Safety and Health Procedures, its rules and its regulations. 

• Following all safe work procedures as set out by the Victoria A.R.C. Management and the Safe Work Procedure process. 

• Caring for and wearing all Personal Protective Equipment provided by Victoria A.R.C. and as applicable to the task performed. 

• To report all accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences, unsafe acts or conditions, near-misses and work refusals to their direct report immediately. 

• To inform their direct report of any workplace hazards that are identified. 

• To cooperate with the Victoria A.R.C. Workplace Safety and Health Committee and others involved in safety initiatives. 

• To participate fully in safety training and education programs. 

• To protect the safety of co-workers and residents and never knowingly put co-workers or residents at risk. 

 

 

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.  

 

Education and Experience Qualifications:  

• High school diploma or its equivalent, including courses and/or training related to Social Work & Counselling; 

• Diploma in Office Administration or Customer Service preferred 

• Training in Conflict Management, Addictions and Mental Health 

• A minimum of six months related experience; two years preferred 

• Must understand and reflect the ARC Philosophy, Standards, and Tenets; 

• Must possess suitable typing skills and computer literacy; 

• Must be calm in busy and sometimes stressful situations; 

• Must be well organized; 

• Must pass Criminal Record Check; 

• Must be presentable in appearance in accordance with ARC standards; 

• Must possess a valid class 5 Driver's License; 

• Must possess and maintain an active valid Occupational First Aid Certificate; 

• Must have effective oral and communication skills; 

• Good conflict resolution and problem solving skills; 

• Some group facilitation experience; coaching and leadership 

• Demonstrates flexibility and creativity; 

• Must have the ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences;            

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $26.95 to $27.45 with a maximum of $27.95.

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.