POSITION OVERVIEW

The INN St. Thomas-Elgin seeks to provide safe, temporary shelter to individuals 16 and over while
supporting all basic human needs and reducing barriers to obtain housing. This position supports the basic
needs of shelter clients.
Reporting to a Program Manager, Shelter Support Staff ensure service delivery has the highest quality
outcomes for all those using The INN. Shelter Support Staff are exceptional in providing services to clients in a welcoming, supportive manner, taking care to work from trauma-informed and person-centered modalities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Exemplify and actively promote a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment to all individuals accessing services, partner agencies, volunteers and community members.
• Adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct, upholding and enforcing all policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with team members, on-site security, partner agencies, and volunteers to promote exemplary service delivery.
• The INN is a housing focused shelter where clients are provided supports unique to their individual needs and goals to find appropriate housing. Shelter Support Staff assist in directing clients to Housing Focused Case Managers for support in this area.
• Participate in diversion processes for ineligible individuals.
• Offer prevention resources to those with precarious housing seeking support when appropriate.
• Documentation, including but not limited to, case notes, identifying client information, incident reports, and other internal documentation are to be maintained and kept confidential to industry standards and internal policies.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Excellent clerical and communication skills in verbal, written, and digital formats. Proficiency in software such as, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and HIFIS.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Manage multiple ongoing tasks, being flexible to adjust based on the priority of tasks.
• Understand and support the Housing First philosophy, having awareness of current and local developments in housing and homelessness sector.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to social and economic barriers related to housing and homelessness.
• Respect for the diversity of individuals, holding an understanding of systemic barriers that are specific to vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, mental illnesses, those involved with the justice system, and those who use drugs.
• Understand the historic and current barriers for individuals overrepresented in systems, including BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples.
  This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the incumbent.
  Because of the changing nature of the work and the work to be done, the duties and responsibilities may be altered from time to time at the discretion of the employer. This job description will be reviewed by the employee and the supervisor on a regular basis.
  Job Types: Part-time, Casual
  Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In perso

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Participate in staff meetings, individual supervision and performance reviews by program managers, and internal training.
• Maintain open and respectful communication between all team members and leadership, advising leadership of any improvements in efficiency, working conditions, or procedures.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training as required.

A Shelter Support Staff must expect to use situational awareness and professional skills to address and respond to escalated clients and medical emergencies while preforming their duties, deferring to on-site security as needed. Due to the complexity of each unique client’s needs, healthy boundaries and self- care are required to maintain emotional and physical well-being in this role. The tasks in a Shelter Support Staff role at The INN require physical movement such as:

• Alternating sitting, standing, walking or running at will
• Crouching, kneeling, stooping
• Push, pull movements
• Reach above, at or below shoulder level
• Navigate stairs regularly, up and down
• Lift and carry up to 25lb