Overnight Weekend Support Worker (2 Positions)

at  Sojourn House

ABOUT SOJOURN HOUSE

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care.
In support of its commitment to a healthy, safe, workplace and community it is recommended all staff have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.

Required Education & Required Competencies:

• Minimum requirement 2 Year Community College Diploma in Community Service Worker or Social Service Worker
• 2 to 3 years minimum experience in shelter/residential-care environment
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate required
• Relevant training in trauma informed, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and de-escalation required.
• Knowledge of client groups – refugee children, youth and separated youth and refugee families requiring high maintenance and supports
• Knowledge of refugee and settlement issues
• Knowledge of social work practices and ethic

The Overnight Support Worker position provides administrative and client support to ensure the security of Sojourn House and clients within its facilities during overnight hours and to provide emergency response, crisis intervention and conflict mediation to refugee shelter and transitional housing program clients as may be required. Shifts are 8 hours in length on Friday and Saturday nights for a total of 16 hours.
This position requires the Overnight Support Worker be alert and aware at all times during the shift.
There are two (2) opportunities available as a Weekend Overnight Support Worker:
Position 1 Location - 101 Ontario St. (Main Shelter)
Position 2 Location - 165 Grange Avenue (Family Shelter)
Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a preference of location.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Information Based Settlement Counselling – Provide accurate information related to settlement counseling for any resident who might seek support on the overnight shift
• Crisis Intervention and Counselling – provide supportive counseling and crisis management related to various population issues
• Conduct Intakes, Follow Ups and Exits – Ensuring effective intake and referral to assigned primary worker including referrals and advocacy and complete exits ensuring returns of house supplies such as linen etc. and implement the client survey
• Documentation - Accurate documentation re case management on SMIS, incident reports, overnight communication/fire and maintenance logs
• Administration – Accurately completing all settlement related forms not limited to but including work permits and applications and any back up case management correspondence with settlement related professionals; shift exchange forms, occupancy reports, petty cash management, tokens, taxi vouchers, laundry funds
• Communication – Accurate communication of information at shift change with incoming staff, written and verbal communication, etc. with their shift partner, the clients, management and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with Fire Regulations/Emergency Protocols and maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and security in the facility – this Includes but is not limited to assist clients to evacuate the building, conduct facility check rounds of the building, including shelter floors and client units, room checks to ensure cleanliness and to ensure exits are clear, maintaining ongoing daily organization of linen closet and ensuring ongoing daily washing and drying of shelter bed linen and to organize of shelter bed linen and linen supplies as required
• Walk the Floor - Ability to interact with clients outside the office and on the floor and to perform safety related shift responsibilities including bed checks nightly.
• Issue management and Conflict Resolution – Ability to identify and manage issues and resolve conflicts in a timely and effective manner
• Compliance with Agency Operational, Organizational Policies – Demonstrate ability to understand and to comply with Sojourn House policies and procedures, Shelter Standards, Code of Conduct and Social Work Ethics and all legislated statutory regulations.
• Attend training, monthly staff meetings etc. as directed
• Other Duties - as required

Required Education & Required Competencies:

• Minimum requirement 2 Year Community College Diploma in Community Service Worker or Social Service Worker
• 2 to 3 years minimum experience in shelter/residential-care environment
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate required
• Relevant training in trauma informed, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and de-escalation required.
• Knowledge of client groups – refugee children, youth and separated youth and refugee families requiring high maintenance and supports
• Knowledge of refugee and settlement issues
• Knowledge of social work practices and ethics