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: Under the direction of the THARP Supervisor the employee provides resident support services, on-site supervision and security for the THARP location.

Accountabilities

Provides program participants support services while on shift by:

• Assisting program participants with personal care concerns
• Providing program participants with supplies as required
• Assisting program participants with forms and requests as required
• Interacting and communicating positively with program participants throughout the shift
• Assisting program participants and Caseworker with on the land activities as needed
• Database entries – notes, behaviour, meds, intakes, discharges
• Doing manual logbook entries for meds and other supports
• Explaining/reinforcing information provided to program participants in a consistent and professional manner
• Carefully assisting program participants with their medication and documenting same
• Responding to medical emergencies within the facility
• Regularly reporting to the THARP Caseworker or Supervisor concerning program participants behaviours
• Immediately reporting critical incidents to the on-call supervisor or the THARP Supervisor
• Daily follow up of program participant chores to ensure completion
• Admitting and discharging program participants according to the Policies and Procedures, manual documentation and logbook
  
  

Provides Site Management And Security Throughout The Shift By

• Reporting any facility concerns to the THARP Supervisor or designate
• Assuring security of facility through locking appropriate doors and monitoring program participants comings and goings
• Completing room checks as part of the duty rounds
• Assisting with room searches as directed by the Caseworker or THARP Supervisor
• Ensuring that program participants do not exceed their allowable limit of personal effects
• Assist as needed with packing of program participant belongings and ensuring rooms are ready and clean for new program participants (wash linens and towels; provide needed supplies)
• Ensure facility is left generally clean and tidy for following shift
  
  

Provides Administrative Support While On Shift By

• Answering the telephone and relaying messages to program participants and other departments as required
• Sending e-mail messages as required
• Completes records such as: Client Medication; Incident Reports; Case Notes, etc.
• Completing filing duties as needed, which may include preparing new files, archiving old files, retrieving archived files when there are returning program participants, taking and retrieving files from 2nd floor of Resource Centre
• Maintaining accurate program participant records
• Attending all scheduled staff meetings
• Maintaining current understanding of policies and procedures
• Works wake shift during the night
• Maintaining healthy working relationships with NWT Resource Centre & Bailey House staff, allied professionals and other referral representatives
• Relaying pertinent information related to program participants concerns, operational issues, community issues, etc. promptly to appropriate personnel
• Following formal lines of communication as identified by The Salvation Army organizational structure
• Other duties as assigned by THARP Supervisor or designate
  
  

Responsible for utilizing the facility and its equipment in a safe and efficient manner by:

• Understanding and adhering to legal requirements
• Implementing appropriate emergency procedures related to the facility and/or the program participants (i.e. CPR, fire evacuations, etc.)
• Completing unusual occurrence documentation as required (when employee or client has an accident on site – report within 24 hours to The Salvation Army)
• Identifying and reporting any unsafe conditions promptly to the THARP Supervisor or designate
• Knowing the THARP physical layout, including location of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, communications radio, storage rooms, laundry room, janitorial room, etc.
• Maintaining a clean and professional looking office
  
  

Internal/External Relationships

Critical Relationship Management:

• Directly reports to the THARP Supervisor
• There is frequent contact with program participants to provide for their needs and assess their situations
• There is frequent contact with the THARP Supervisor and Caseworker to communicate program participant information
• There may be regular contact with employees from other departments to pass on relevant information
• There is also occasional contact with referring or contracting agencies
• Emergency Services may occasionally need to be called
  
  

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position at 32 hours per week, Thursday to Sunday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The work environment can be demanding at times. The need to be constantly aware of the environment, the movement, and the attitudes of the individual program participants may be stressful. There is a potential to work with aggressive, intoxicated, or high-risk program participants in this position.

There may be general housekeeping tasks required of the Support Worker (sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, laundry, etc.).

Education And Experience Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

Required

Generally, these skills are found in individuals who have previous experience or training in corrections, security, and/or addictions work setting. Appropriate computer skills are obtained through general introduction courses in computers or through practical experience. Certifications required are:

• Post-Secondary Education or related experience in Social Services
• High School Graduate
• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid
• Mental Health First Aid
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or Verbal Judo
• Suicide Intervention
• WHMIS
• Clear Criminal Record Check
  
  

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills And Capabilities

• Ability to work within the mandate of and embrace the mission of The Salvation Army
• The ability to respond appropriately, decisively, and effectively in crisis situations and in a stressful environment
• Effective communication in English both written and oral
• Effective assessment, observation, and recording skills
• Implement policy and procedures
• Ability to work within a teamwork structure
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, addictions, mental wellness and other social issues
• Computer skills are required
  
  

The Successful Incumbent Will Be Required To Complete/provide

• Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid First Aid certificate
• WHMIS
• The Salvation Army’s on-line certification for abuse prevention
• Clear internal abuse registry check
• Participate in mandatory training
  
  

This is a union role.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $24.70 to $25.66 with a maximum of $26.61.

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 [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.