The Salvation Army British Columbia

POSITION: Direct Care Worker

TERMS: Casual, On-Call

FACILITY: Undisclosed Location – Vancouver BC

Note: Onboarding will take place at Belkin House, but actual work location is in an undisclosed location.

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The Direct Care Worker at Deborah’s Gate Safehouse will provide support for participants as required by The Salvation Army, Illuminate funding contracts, policies and procedures. The scope of work will include case support for all Safe House Clients to assist in disrupting the cycles of human trafficking.  

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provides case support for vulnerable clients, from intake to discharge, for which strict confidentiality is required, and assists in maintenance of client files.
• Utilizes knowledge of issues pertaining to exploited persons, immigration, women and families, domestic violence/abuse, mental health, addictions, homelessness and internal policies and procedures to provide therapeutic support and education.
• Acts as a positive role model.
• Maintains awareness of any problems (medical, behavioral or other) experienced by clients, reports pertinent information to supervisor, applies policy & therapeutic strategies to support client growth & learning opportunities
• Ensures that program procedures are maintained.
• Provides client with referrals to services within the community and / or social services resources, advocates where required for client accommodations.
• Provides input regarding the development of appropriate program plans to achieve client objectives. Contributes to the ongoing evaluation of client progress.
• Provides basic life skills assistance (personal hygiene, mental and physical wellness, communication, anger management, etc.) and refers clients to internal Salvation Army rehabilitative programs when appropriate
• Ensures client supervision and safety and complies with relevant program Policies and Procedures.
• Assesses client suitability to community-based services
• Maintains appropriate records and statistics, ensures that all required documentation is accurate and complete.
• Performs client discharge functions as necessary during shift including the packing and securing of client’s possessions.
• Attends and participates in meetings as required.
• Works with program staff to develop programs, initiatives, and procedures as related to client care.
• Carries out all responsibilities as listed on applicable shift responsibility guidelines including assisting with delivery of meals, and general program tidy up.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT 

Oral and written communication between this position and other team members on shift and across all shifts is a significant priority in this position. Those team members include, but are not limited to: 

Governance Boards and Councils: None 

Internal:

• Manager of Anti-Human Trafficking Programs or designate
• Director of Illuminate Anti-Human Trafficking or designate
  • Belkin Communities of Hope staff
  • Deborah’s Gate Safehouse Staff

External:

• Illuminate Clients
• Community Partners
• Community members

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:   

Reports directly to: Manager of Anti-Human Trafficking Programs

Direct reports for this position: This position has no direct reports but may be expected to provide guidance, coordination and support to volunteers or community partners.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:   

• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and wise use of own resources.
• Minor material responsibility (access to personal and confidential information).
• Uses or maintains organization assets, including vehicle, computer, cell phone and office equipment, in accordance with established guidelines. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Responsibilities will involve working from a designated workstation, but will also involve movement through the residential areas, and general building.
• Direct program activities may require a moderate level of physical ability - walking, standing, lifting up to 20 pounds – to effectively carry out the duties of the position.
• Responsibilities will also include accompaniment of clients traveling by public transportation or walking in various weather conditions.
• The employee may at times be subject to hazardous or disagreeable conditions in the performance of their duties. 
• Working conditions may include:
  • Exposure to drugs and alcohol 
  • Noise and odours
  • Dealing with angry and abusive people 
  • Verbal Abuse   
  • Exposure to bodily fluids and bodily waste

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Requirements

• Completion of Grade 12 or the equivalent education, training and experience is typically required for this position.
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR or willingness to be trained.
• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or willingness to be trained.
• WHMIS or willingness to be trained.  
• Certification in FOODSAFE Level 1 or willingness to be trained.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification or willingness to be trained.
• Current Naloxone Training or willingness to be trained.
• Valid Class Five BC Driver’s License and clear abstract.

*Alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable. 

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• At least six months’ previous recent, relevant experience in women and women with children’s issues including domestic violence/abuse, substance abuse, mental health, and homelessness issues is required for this position. Six months’ experience in a related residential environment is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in women’s and children’s issues; ability to apply this knowledge in the identification and assessment of needs and in making appropriate recommendations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of theory, principles and practices specifically in the human services field.

Skills and Capabilities (examples provided below):  

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate).
• Attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Fluent spoken and written English. 
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to function independently and collaborate with a team effectively
• Ability to follow Universal precautions.
• Demonstrate ability to de-escalate individuals in stressful situations with effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with staff and clients.
• Demonstrate group facilitation and program coordination abilities.
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills

OTHER CONDITIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful obtainment of clearance through The Salvation Army Child Abuse Registry.
• Successful obtainment of clearance through the Criminal Record Check under the Criminal Records Review Program.

SALARY                                 :              Per Collective Agreement

TERMS                                  :               Casual, On-Call  (0 to 40 hours / week)

HOURS                                 :               Variable shifts and hours (including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and statutory holidays)

NO. of VACANCIES             :               1