Competition #BH-FSWNR
The Children’s Cottage Society, established in Calgary in 1986, provides crisis nursery, community respite, and family support programs to more than 3,500 children a year. The Society’s mission is to “Building strong children and safe, nurturing families through prevention programs and support services” and our vision is “Resilient children blossom in healthy families.”
Brenda’s House is an emergency shelter program for homeless families that supports transition into housing using a “housing first” model of service. Brenda’s House has been in operation since February 2009 and provides shelter and support services to 14 families at a time.
We are looking for experienced professionals with an empathic, non-judgemental view toward families with multiple needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the Brenda’s House building and responding to any client needs. Staff will need to respond to emergencies on the infrequent occasions that they arise.
The ideal candidate has a good understanding of the issues related to family homelessness and the principles of housing first. This person can work in a busy environment with competing priorities.
HOURS/WAGE: Shifts are from 9pm-7am. Coverage as needed. The Hourly Wage is $23.60
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certificate or at least one year completed towards a Diploma or Degree in a Human Services field.
- Minimum one year experience working with families with complex needs; experience in a residential program setting is an asset.
- Experience working with vulnerable and/or homeless families.
- Experience helping families with stressful situations.
- Understanding of solution-focused support, family homelessness issues.
- Understanding and experience with serving the needs of families from diverse backgrounds.
- Comprehensive knowledge of family-related community resources and services.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR level C certification.
- Current Suicide Intervention training certification.
- Brain Story Certification Course (online training).
- Indigenous Awareness Teachings.
- Diversity Training.
- Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training.
- Proficient computer skills.
SKILLS:
- Have a basic understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction best practices.
- A strong understanding of a housing focused shelter.
- A basic understanding for prevention and diversion work is an asset.
- Ability to manage difficult conversations and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Basic Assertive Engagement skills.
- Assessment and referral skills.
- Ability to collaborate and coordinate with colleagues regarding client housing plans.
- Understanding of solution-focused support, family homelessness issues, and community resources for families.
- Understanding regarding serving the needs of families from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Teams, and Outlook.
- Basic skills in Microsoft Excel.
- Experience using ETO, or a similar client database is an asset.
- Ability to type answers while interviewing clients over the phone.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a secure and safe environment for all families staying at Brenda’s House.
- Ensure policies and procedures of the Children’s Cottage Society and Brenda’s House are being maintained.
- Provide families support through the night, including:
- Participate in shift change and follow up on all Communication Log tasks as needed.
- Provide non-judgemental support to families.
- Provide childcare respite when needed.
- Role model positive interactions and conflict resolution.
- Follow emergency protocols.
- Respond to calls from families experiencing homelessness or imminent loss of housing, offering supportive and non-judgemental assistance and information regarding shelter access and community resources.
- Assist in the daily routines to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy environment including:
- Floor checks.
- Assigned cleaning duties.
- Assisting in kitchen duties.
- Maintaining up to date housing rental listing board.
- Provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Record keeping.
- Case note client interactions in ETO.
- Document relevant interactions with parents and children.
- Track taxi chits and bus tickets as they are distributed.
- Input data into ETO database.
- Complete daily Communication Logs and send report at 11:30pm.
- Manage client access to facility and greet all visitors at the door.
- Follow daily and weekly task logs and follow duties as outlined in position manual.
- Other responsibilities as required.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- A Police Information Check, which includes a vulnerable sector search, is required prior to employment.
- A Child Intervention Record Check is required upon commencement of employment.
- Proof of Educational requirements to be provided at time of interview.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, we will only contact those applicants selected for an interview.
Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to: careers@childrenscottage.ab.ca
Please quote Competition #BH-FSWN when submitting your resume and cover letter.
