PT - Residence Support Worker - Whitehorse

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

Residence Support Worker (Housing First)

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled individual to join our team as a Residence Support Worker. This role involves supporting individuals in a supportive housing facility focused on Housing First principles, which prioritize providing stable housing as a foundation for improving overall well-being. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles, bringing an open mind and a willingness to learn to their work with individuals who face barriers, such as substance use, chronic housing instability, mental health difficulties, and justice system involvement.

ROLE PURPOSE

This position supports clients living semi-independently in a Housing First environment by addressing their physical, economic, vocational, recreational, social, and emotional needs. The role emphasizes client-centered, non-judgmental support for individuals who face barriers such as active addiction, chronic housing instability, and the need for assistance with life skills development. Working directly with residents and collaborating with community service providers, this position fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION

Unionized. Open to applicants of all genders.

HOURS 

• 16 hours per week; Monday - Tuesday 0000 - 0800

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Participates in the assessment, goal setting, and program planning – such as Personal Service Plans – for individuals living semi-independently. Documents and implements the plan and provides input into the evaluation of the program. Incorporates harm reduction philosophies and principles in all aspects of planning and implementation.
• Supports client safety with a harm reduction approach, ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive environment that prioritizes individual well-being and minimizes risks.
• Distributes harm reduction supplies and engages clients in education and conversations around harm reduction, promoting informed decision-making and safer practices.
• Leads and facilitates daily activities and programming, engaging residents in meaningful recreational, social, and educational activities to promote community and individual well-being.
• Engages directly in recreational activities with residents, fostering relationships and building trust while supporting their participation in structured and unstructured activities.
• Evaluates client needs and develops short-term plans to meet those needs, actively involving clients and their families in the process.
• Works collaboratively with additional staff (e.g., Social Workers and Outreach Workers), community service and support providers, government and non-government organizations, and First Nations service providers to inform the development and implementation of individual support plans consistent with harm reduction philosophies and organizational practices.
• Assists clients in functioning more independently within their homes and community, providing guidance and teaching in daily life skills, social skills, and behavior management. Supports clients with activities such as grooming, basic cleaning, cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, and pet care. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities.
• Recognizes, analyzes, and addresses potential emergency situations such as clients’ aggressive behavior to minimize harm to clients and/or the public. Reports issues to the Supervisor.
• Completes incident reports and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) reports in a timely and accurate manner, adhering to organizational policies and standards.
• Administers medication to clients in accordance with established policy.
• Ensures health and safety standards are maintained.
• Maintains oversight of the building as required to mitigate conflicts among residents and/or other persons accessing the property.
• Completes regular and routine walk-through checks of the property and immediately surrounding areas.
• Reviews and evaluates clients’ progress, adjusting programs as necessary. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their families.
• Maintains and provides written and/or verbal reports on clients’ daily activities and progress, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete in accordance with policies and standards.
• Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community to meet clients’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials, and the community.
• Actively participates in team meetings as directed by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as subsequently negotiated.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven ability to work within a fast-paced, growth-focused environment. The ideal candidate has:

• Graduated with a Diploma in a related human/social services field and one year of related experience.
• Experience working with clients facing active addiction, chronic housing instability, and complex challenges such as psychiatric or personality disorders.
• Experience supporting clients with a history of conflict with the law, developmental disabilities, spectrum disorders, and/or victims of crime.
• Experience working with First Nations communities, with cultural competency and an understanding of Yukon First Nations cultures and traditions.
• A demonstrated and clear ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
• An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate situations and effectively address potential violence or conflict.
• Knowledge of and commitment to harm reduction principles and the ability to integrate these into client care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A strong ability to engage in recreational and social activities with residents, fostering trust and relationship-building.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and a commitment to working in a client-centered, non-judgmental environment.
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and engage in ongoing education related to harm reduction and client support.

ASSETS:

• Lived experience related to addiction, housing instability, or other challenges faced by the client population.
• A connection to or knowledge of Yukon First Nations communities.

NOTICE
Please fill as much information as you can, in our diversity, equity and inclusion form. A hiring preference will apply for qualified candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for qualified Yukon First Nation candidates.

COMPENSATION

As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $31.12 per hour (plus 4.6% in lieu of statutory holiday pay for Part-Time employees, 10.2% in lieu of vacation pay and benefits for casual employees). The wage will increase with every 2,000 hours worked up to a maximum of $36.23 per hour (plus 4.6% in lieu of statutory holiday pay for Part-Time employees, 10.2% in lieu of vacation pay and benefits for casual employees)

Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.