Support Worker - Community Resource Centre

at  Lift Community Services

Lift Community Services is working with all levels of government to eliminate poverty in the qathet Regional District and coordinate an end to the toxic drug health emergency. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about supporting from a harm-reduction approach while serving patrons. Our vision is a welcoming, inclusive, and diversity-affirming community that is free of poverty and full of heart. At Lift, we believe a thriving, sustainable community comes from a collaborative, equitable, future-focused approach.
Our programs and services include employment services, supportive housing and homeless outreach, temporary shelter services, literacy programs and outreach, immigrant services, adult and family on-demand support. We also provide community leadership and development in overdose response planning, poverty reduction planning, and other projects that develop a more connected and resilient community. Lift operates many resource centres in our community, including the local Work BC Centre, the Community Resource Centre, the Family Place, and the Dr. Elsie Paul Literacy Centre.
Lift Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

QUALIFICATIONS AND LIVED EXPERIENCE

• Basic understanding of street culture
• Ethically aligned with Harm-Reduction practices
• Reliable, responsive, and supportive team member
• Demonstrates excellent communication and active listening skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Related diploma or degree preferred or minimum Grade 12, plus two (2) years of recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current First Aid and Naloxone Training will be refreshed/provided as needed
• Internet literacy and knowledge, ability to easily navigate online platforms
• Familiar with Legal Aid services, relevant community partners and services, and other services such as duty counsel
• Understand the needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders
• Systems-based knowledge: navigating criminal justice and social services, referrals and connections to other service providers, working and communicating across services/teams
• Is familiar with common health issues, and knows when a health issue is an emergency

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize work, and practice self-care
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain established professional boundaries
• Ability to remain calm and responsive during crisis incident response, including occasional toxic drug poisonings
• Ability to receive and implement constructive feedback
• Contribute to a culturally safe environment
• Ability to be on your feet for much of the day
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20lbs
• Requires Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Criminal Record Check clearance.

• Computer literacy including experience in Microsoft Office suite and database applications
• Assist with access to Legal Aid Community Partner program
• Refer and assist people to apply for legal aid representation through LSS intake services over the phone, the LSS website, MyLawBC, the Aboriginal Legal Aid website, the Family Law website, ClickLaw and other websites and PLEI material that may help them to resolve their problems.
• Maintain database of other community services and programs
• Provide support for patrons including, but not limited to:
• Offering check-ins to evaluate the patrons’ wellbeing
• Problem solve with patrons to assist overcoming challenges
• Refer patrons to other services as required
• Help plan and support special events at the Centre
• Receive patrons, offer tours to describe available services; foster a welcoming and comfortable environment
• Oversee laundry and computer usage and other patron resources
• Perform daily/routine maintenance and janitorial duties to ensure clean premises as required
• Demonstrated ability to remain neutral, non-judgmental and professional when interacting with and supporting marginalized patron
• Demonstrated understanding of the confidentiality and sensitivity of the role
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with patrons and stakeholders, including strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy
• Perform such other functions reasonably related to the above