Direct Support Worker

About The Salvation Army

With a legacy spanning over 130 years, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda supports more than 2 million people annually by providing essential needs like food, clothing, and housing. Beyond these, the organization aids individuals facing unemployment, addiction, and family difficulties. Guided by faith and core values emphasizing hope, service, dignity, and stewardship, The Salvation Army embraces people from all backgrounds and fosters a welcoming environment.

Mission

The Salvation Army aims to share the love of Jesus Christ, address human needs, and be a transformative presence within communities worldwide.

Role Summary

The Direct Support Worker is responsible for offering administrative and facility assistance to residents and tenants, ensuring smooth shelter operations and supporting individuals residing in the facility.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with daily shelter operations including laundry, light cleaning, check-ins, bag and room inspections, and managing conflicts.
• Complete administrative tasks related to the residence as required.
• Provide guidance, advice, and support to residents seeking assistance.
• Act as first contact for all situations not requiring immediate emergency response.
• Document and report incidents involving staff and guests accurately.
• Support tenants and staff during program delivery with empathy and respect.
• Ensure availability for practical, personal, and moral support to residents.
• Maintain accurate records relevant to tenant support and program needs.
• Coordinate with referral sources and external agencies as necessary.
• Enforce shelter policies consistently.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Relationships

• Work closely with shelter guests, front desk and intake staff, as well as other team members and volunteers.
• Engage with community organizations, police, and other agencies as part of external communications.

Materials and Financial Responsibilities

• Manage minimal material resources with possible authorization to handle small cash amounts.
• No involvement in budget planning.

Work Environment

• Operate within a shelter setting encountering a moderate level of manual and keyboard tasks.
• Handle potentially distressing information requiring debriefing and consultation.
• Work conditions include exposure to odors, bodily fluids, drugs, alcohol, verbal abuse, and stressful or hostile behaviors.
• May face risk of minor to moderate injuries due to physical confrontations or exposure to hazardous materials.
• Potential to lift weights up to 30 pounds and work in small teams under sometimes monotonous conditions.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• High school diploma completion is mandatory.
• Certification or willingness to complete First Aid & CPR, Non-Violence Training, and Mental Health First Aid.
• Minimum one year experience preferably in a social service environment.
• Compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations and organizational health policies required.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong integrity and confidentiality aligned with professional ethics.
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
• Capacity to maintain clear professional boundaries.
• Patience and skills to de-escalate tense situations.
• Excellent service mindset and friendly approach to the public.
• Adaptability to changing and interruptive work conditions.
• Team player with initiative-taking capability.
• Comfort working with diverse cultural backgrounds and ambiguous scenarios.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Competency in problem-solving, relationship management, negotiation, and strong listening.
• Mandatory criminal and vulnerable sector background checks.

Compensation and Inclusion

The salary band ranges from $19.09 to $23.87 per hour, with a maximum potential rate of $28.64 depending on experience and skills. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process upon request.