Senior Social Support Worker

Mission Statement

Belong Ottawa, a Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, offers support to homeless and vulnerably housed people to ensure health and well-being, nourishment, and social connection. Our programs promote equity and address barriers such as housing, food and income insecurity. Everyone who comes to Belong Ottawa will be given the opportunity to have their individual needs addressed through a variety of services unique to each program and space. Our mission is to provide safe spaces that connect people and create a community in which we foster dignity, wellness, and hope for all.

Job Summary

The Senior Social Support Worker (Sr. SSW) reports to the Program Manager and contributes to service excellence on a day-to-day basis. The Sr. SSW works as part of the team and provides leadership to ensure we live into our mission and values, putting participants’ needs at the heart of our programs. Sr. SSWs will take responsibility each shift for leading and assigning team roles in crisis prevention, management and interventions, and will be skilled at de-escalation and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI). They will also take direction from and responsibility for the program in the absence of the Program Manager, and model professional behaviours and conduct to and with the entire team. The Sr. SSW is part of a team of Social Support Workers involved in providing frontline support to participants.

The Sr. SSW is responsible for assigning and directing staff according to the daily needs of participants, and responsibilities of the centre. Skills required of the Sr. SSW include excellent individual, team, group, business communication skills, social services systems, systems navigation, proficiency in MS suite of instruments, team building, training, coaching, development and mentoring of staff, and are key components of this position.

The Sr. SSW role is a crucial link between front line staff and service and the program management team. The Sr. SSW is responsible for modelling professional and accountable business communications and behaviours and acts as a connector on the team by sharing and gathering information from team members and about service delivery, facilities, and information sharing.  Day to day logs, incident reports, monitoring quality and impact of service delivery, and monitoring program goals and emerging issues constitute what the Sr. SSW monitors and reports to Program Managers and directors on a shift-by-shift basis.   

The daily routine work requires minimal to moderate physical exertion. However, instances may arise that will require moderate to high physical exertion.  Our participants face many barriers and disadvantages, and the ability to work in an environment where behaviour can be challenging is essential. The Sr. SSW is required to have a strong commitment to our mission and vision and to our organization.

Values

We work hard to live and be known for our values. All those who are part of Anglican Diocese expect to experience:

• Respect – We treat those we serve and one another with dignity, consideration and respect.
• Acceptance – We accept all those in need and appreciate the wisdom and diversity they bring.
• Openness – We aspire to offer an open, inclusive and empowering community experience for those who come to our door, where each person feels accepted, safe, and respected and all are received, without exception, in a non-judgmental spirit.
• Inclusivity – We welcome all and strive to ensure that everyone develops a sense of belonging, knowing that they are valued.
• Collaboration – We are committed to working collaboratively, welcoming new relationships and partnerships that increase our reach and our impact, respecting other’s diverse expertise and experience.
• Empathy – We seek to act out of a deep understanding and appreciation of our participants’ experience and daily realities.
• Reciprocity – We honour and value the ability of each other to contribute to St Luke’s Table, The Well and Centre 454 in varying ways.
• Passion for social justice – We stand in solidarity with those we serve, advocating their rights and seeking social justice and equality.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
• Organises and delivers program activities and promotes social inclusion through effective engagement with all employees and participants.
• Leads on casework for individual participants and guides other SSWs in effective casework where required.
• Coaches and mentors SSWs to provide excellent service to participants through communication, mentoring, training and ongoing attention to resilience.
• Encourages participants to be engaged in activities and daily tasks related to running the program, helping their voices to be heard.
• Provides information, assistance and advocacy to participants in accordance with policies and procedure.
• Organises and supports the volunteers at each centre as requested by the Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
• Advises and mentors academic students, as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Works collaboratively with other community social service agencies and community resources as required, and maintain a current and working knowledge of the same.
• Attends meetings and represents the program as required.
• Works collaboratively with other staff.  The Senior Social Support Worker must be a team-player and have a positive and constructive approach to leading the team, including coaching, mentoring, guiding, and modelling professional behaviour at all times.
• Supports the Program Manager and Senior Leadership team in the administration and operational responsibilities of the organization as required and at the request of the program manager.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work (BSW); Social Service Work; or related health discipline with minimally three years’ experience in the field, and passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs are considered assets OR Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience supporting people living with homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges.
• Experience in overdose response is an asset.
• Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawal.
• A client-centered and non-judgmental approach and an understanding of equity in relation to access to services.
• A demonstrated flexible, creative and innovative approach with strong abilities to problem solve and work with team members to instill a commitment to excellence in work relations and service delivery.
• Deep understanding of issues related to poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness. and a drive to support people to achieve their potential.
• Excellent interpersonal, group, team and business communication skills with the ability to inspire and bring out the best in staff.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in stressful situations and work in a demanding and busy environment.
• Experience working with people from marginalized communities and diverse populations.
• Excellent knowledge of community resources and social services in Ottawa.
• Harm reduction training such as Naloxone and safe needle handling/disposing.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training.
• ASIST Training.
• Trauma-informed care training.
• First Aid: CPR, AED training.
• Bilingualism, English/French, is preferred, and additional languages would be an asset.
• Excellent computer skills (MS office).
• Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check is required.

Work Schedule

This is a Full-time position with a requirement of availability on evenings and during weekends.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive benefits, an outstanding pension plan, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and four weeks of vacation - all based on the term of employment.
• The chance to work with a diverse and passionate team.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where your voice matters.

Submitting your application

Don't just apply for a job, apply for a cause! Click on "Apply for This Job" and submit your application. We'll be reviewing applications as they come in, so don't delay!

While all applications will be gratefully received, only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa reserves the right to contact individuals and to arrange for interviews at any time.

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please advise during the search process if you require accommodation by contacting us at hr@ottawa.anglican.ca

AI will be used to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.

This ad is for an existing opening.