Casual Resident Support Worker

Position: Casual Resident Support Worker 

Start Date: February 19th - 23rd, 2024

Reports to: Shift Leads, Program and Building Managers

Wage Grid: $25.00-$29.00/hour

Hours a Week: Casual 

Applicable Shift Differentials:

1. +$2.00/hour weekend shift differential if the majority of the shift falls between 12:00am Saturday and 12:00am Monday.
2. +$3.00/hour overnight shift differential if the majority of the shift falls between 11:00pm and 5:00am the following day.

Connective Support Society:

Connective Support Society is a social services nonprofit operating in BC and the Yukon to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our organization’s story began nearly 60 years ago as the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society. In 2022, we launched our new brand identity as Connective in order help differentiate our growth and support our expansion into service areas driven by the needs of diverse communities. The Connective approach is person-centered, holistic, and inclusive – we provide programs and services with essential supports to vulnerable and marginalized community members, including those involved in the criminal justice system, experiencing homelessness, employment barriers, problematic substance use, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or spectrum disorders.

Program Description:

Cornerstone is a newly constructed supportive housing building that provides accommodation and support services for individuals at risk of experiencing or currently experiencing homelessness in the Nanaimo region. Located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the 51-unit modular building has 24/7 staffing and is operated by Connective Support Society Nanaimo, in partnership with BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo. Cornerstone functions with the principles of Housing First at its forefront, with the goal of promoting long-term health and well-being for both the residents and the overall community. By providing a safe, secure place to live for those individuals with multiple barriers to housing, residents are more likely to experience an improved quality of life and foster self-sufficiency. 

Summary of Position:

The Resident Support Worker’s primary role is to provide therapeutic supports to the residents of Cornerstone. Resident Support Workers ensure the safety and security of the building and encourage healthy living for residents. In this collaborative, team-centered environment, Resident Support Workers will provide support with resident programming and activities and assist Kitchen staff with meal provision as needed. Residential support, basic building maintenance, and janitorial duties are also included as part of this role.

Under the supervision and direction of the Resident Support Shift Lead and building management, this position participates in program development, implementation and evaluation strategies and acts as an identified contact for the building.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide a safe, friendly environment for residents; model communication skills, appropriate boundaries, and healthy living choices.
2. Promote healthy choices with regards to daily living and provide guidance and assistance where appropriate, including encouragement of resident personal hygiene, laundry, cooking and cleaning.
3. Encourage and support residents to live fully and independently as possible; provide emotional, organizational, and practical support.
4. Provide education and support with the management of insect and rodent issues that may arise, including providing bed bug covers treatment, safe transport and remediation of personal belongings and furniture.
5. Assist in orienting residents to Cornerstone, including providing information regarding daily operations, commitments as outlined in the Program Agreement, and protocols relating to safety, building maintenance, and daily operations.
6. Ensure the safety of residents, guests, and staff by adhering to safety protocols and procedures; act safely in response to resident disturbances, unwelcome visitors, wellness checks, critical incidents, and emergencies, contacting appropriate staff, services, or authorities as required.
7. Observe residents and document any medical, behavioural, or other issues of concern; communicate observations to relief staff and management.
8. Maintain residents’ files and related records, such as incident reports, letters and/or memos to residents, and other documentation.
9. Clean and prepare vacated rooms for move-ins according to established room cleaning protocols; conduct suite move in and move out inspections and complete requisitions for the return of security deposits.
10. Perform administrative functions related to property maintenance, such as reporting building repairs needed, facility supplies in need of re-stock, or maintenance issues to the Building Manager.
11. Perform and record light janitorial duties and keep the common areas and staff offices clean.
12. Meet regularly with the Resident Support Team and management staff.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary training: mental health certificate, community support worker diploma, and/or degree in human services, criminology, social work, or a related field.
2. Minimum one year related experience working with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use, and mental health concerns and/or barriers to stable housing.
3. An equivalent combination of related training and experience, including lived experience, may be considered.

Working Challenges:

When working with a vulnerable population, there can be exposure to adverse environmental working conditions. These can include verbal and physical aggression, which require safety precautions and a calm perspective in approaching the situation. Although there are challenges involved with this role, guidelines and policies are in place to support the employee in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sectors Check (RCMP)
2. Naloxone Training
3. First Aid Certificate – Standard and CPR
4. Current Driver’s License
5. Driver’s Abstract Record
6. Food Safety preferred
7. Knowledge of community resources
8. Successful reference check
9. Successful educational verification
10. Reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage

Diversity and Inclusion:

Connective is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. To build a strong and representative workforce, we welcome applications from individuals who identify as or belong to the following: BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, immigrants, people with disabilities or neurodiversity, and other marginalized communities.

Acknowledgement and Agreement:

The above list of key duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This position will require flexibility in scope, as required by organizational and/or program objectives and as directed by the Director of Housing.